Board confirms director appointment; approves expelled pupil’s readmission

The Banning Unified School District board announced the appointment of Marcia Cole Fajabi as director of instructional services following closed-session action on March 13. Board minutes stated the appointment was approved in closed session; a motion recorded during closed session listed Myra Anguiano as mover and Lucy Martinez Lara as second with a 3–1–1 recorded vote. Cole Fajabi addressed the board, saying she has 16 years with the district and more than 27 years in education and expressed gratitude to superintendent Davis and the executive cabinet.

Separately, in open session the board considered student discipline item 3.2 and approved a motion to allow the expelled pupil in case number 223-24-11 to remain at their current school to complete the 2024–25 school year and to begin New Horizons High School in August 2025; the motion passed 5–0.

Why it matters: The director appointment affects district instructional leadership and program oversight. The readmission decision restores school placement for a student subject to previous disciplinary action and sets a path for the student’s immediate and next-year enrollment.

What’s next: Newly appointed Director Cole Fajabi will assume responsibilities for instructional services; the board’s public report followed closed-session action. The student readmission will be implemented as described by staff at the March 13 meeting.