Public commenters urge support for children facing domestic violence, report bullying in girls volleyball program, and seek school support for weekend meals

Several members of the public addressed the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District board during the Oct. 16 public comment period on topics including domestic violence awareness, allegations of bullying within a girls volleyball program, and a request for district support for a local weekend food‑bag program.

Domestic violence awareness

Jayanne McDougall urged the board and community to support children and colleagues affected by domestic violence and sexual assault, noting the prevalence of such violence and the need for schools and community members to recognize signs and offer support.

Bullying allegation in girls volleyball program

Karen Fondersmith, a parent, said she is preparing to submit a formal complaint to the district about alleged bullying in the girls varsity and junior-varsity volleyball program. She told the board an investigation was opened around Sept. 16 but that parents and players had received no update; she characterized the team environment as “traumatic” for some players and said several students had reported incidents. Fondersmith said she and other parents have met with the athletic director and school principals but were still seeking timely action and transparency from the district.

Weekend food bags — N68 Hours of Hunger

Carolyn Villamreal (identified in the meeting as Carolyn Villamreal), representing N68 Hours of Hunger, described the nonprofit’s work packing and distributing weekend food bags for food‑insecure elementary students. She said the chapter is 100% volunteer run and the only chapter in California. Villamreal told trustees the group provides 400 bags weekly to schools in Fairfield, Vacaville and Dixon, and distributed more than 12,000 bags during the 2024–25 school year. She asked the board to consider possible financial support or other partnership options to help meet growing needs, noting recent federal cuts have increased demand.

Board response and procedure

President Patero reminded commenters that the board does not respond during public comment periods but that staff and trustees will take the remarks under advisement. Trustees and staff later referenced the athletic director and principals in the meeting and affirmed that staff were listening and that formal complaint processes exist.

Why it matters: Public comments raised child‑safety and student‑well‑being concerns. The volleyball allegation, if pursued through the district’s complaint process, could trigger an investigation and administrative action. The nonprofit’s request highlights continuing local demand for weekend meal support for students in food‑insecure households.