Background:

In the wake of Fresno Unified School District Superintendent Bob Nelson’s departure, the search for his successor looms large. However, this crucial decision cannot be taken lightly. The next leader of Fresno Unified will have a huge influence over the next generation of young people in the Central Valley, which in turn will determine the direction of our community for years to come. It is critical that we choose the candidate who can best serve both our students and our community.

The following is an open letter to the Fresno Unified School Board:

We stand with those advocating for a nationwide search for the next superintendent of the Fresno Unified School District.

The most crucial decision school board members make is the hiring of a superintendent. Thus it is imperative that the Fresno Unified School Board treats this process with careful consideration rather than treating it as a race.

A thorough, thoughtful, and transparent national search can and must be conducted. Fresno Unified board members should welcome talented and visionary applicants from across the nation who can transform our school district. If an internal candidate proves to be the best choice, let a national search validate that outcome.

This choice is significant because despite pockets of excellence and the tireless work of educators and school staff, Fresno Unified’s longstanding systemic failures often result in students not reaching their full potential and teachers feeling overworked and undervalued.

The board members’ decision is not only crucial to the futures of Fresno Unified’s children but also will have a significant impact on our community, our economy, and the development of our region. The Fresno Unified trustees owe it to these children and their families to conduct a thorough and exhaustive process to find the best transformative superintendent.

Signed,

Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula
Fresno Councilmember Miguel Arias
Fresno Council Vice President Mike Karbassi
Fresno Teachers Association President Manuel Bonilla
Fresno Unified Parent- Hoover Region Sandra Celedon
Honorable Robert H. Oliver (Ret.)
Granville Homes CEO/GV Wire Publisher W Darius Assemi
Southwest Community Advocate Debbie Darden
Former Fresno Unified School Board President Brooke Ashjian

FORWARD THIS MESSAGE or draft your own message to the Fresno School Board at [email protected] and let them know that our kids deserve a brighter future.

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