As an advocate for education, I often encounter reports containing skewed, omitted, or misrepresented data to support specific outcomes.

This is why due diligence — examining protocols, correspondence, and raw data — is critical in evaluating decisions that impact our students. When data and recommendations don’t
align, an independent evaluation is often necessary.

This issue is now glaringly evident in Fresno Unified’s facilities assessment. FUSD claims that its school sites were assessed using an “equity tool” that considered both the conditions of the facilities and the area’s demographics.

On the surface, this sounds comprehensive. However, this contradicts the district’s 2024-25 Local Control and Accountability Plan, which states that 100% of FUSD schools have been
rated as “good or exemplary” since 2019. How can the current facilities assessment, equity tool, and project list — which identifies many schools as needing urgent repairs — also be accurate?

This inconsistency raises serious concerns about the accuracy and integrity of the data used to justify Measure H’s project list. If 100% of facilities are in “good or exemplary” condition, how do we reconcile that with the claim that Fresno’s southeast schools remain in unsafe, derelict conditions, violating ADA requirements? These contradictions signal deeper issues of oversight, accountability, and transparency within FUSD’s management.

Before Measure H can move forward, Fresno Unified needs a comprehensive Independent Educational Facilities Audit to provide accurate data and recommendations. FUSD students deserve clean, modern, and safe learning environments.

The community has already funded previous bonds, yet these critical issues remain unaddressed. Until an independent audit is conducted, I urge the community to vote NO on Measure
H — our students deserve better than conflicting data and questionable priorities.

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Questions for Trustees

I also urge Fresno Unified’s administrative leaders to ask themselves — and address the community they are accountable to — these critical questions regarding the $500 million for Measure H and their Project List:

1. Why is there a significant discrepancy between the 2024-25 LCAP, which rates 100% of school facilities as “good or exemplary,” and the facilities identified as needing urgent repairs in the Measure H Project List?

(The 2024-25 LCAP (pages 51 and 161) shows that the Facilities Inspection Tool reports 100% of FUSD schools have been rated as “good or exemplary” from 2019-2023. This conflicts with the Measure H Project List, which identifies many facilities as being in poor condition.)

2. If Measure H is meant to address schools with the “most need,” but the 2024-25 LCAP data claims all facilities are in “good or exemplary” condition, what criteria are being used now to identify schools with urgent facility needs?

3. How does FUSD justify asking for a 40-year, $500 million bond when there is conflicting information regarding the true state of facilities and the prioritization of projects on the Measure H Project List?

You can read the 2024-25 LCAP Budget Overview for Parents at this link.

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About the Author

Emma Villa, M.Ed, is a candidate for the Fresno Unified School Board Area 5 seat representing the Fresno High region.