Multiple student speakers urged immediate action on facilities and policies — including an on‑campus pool for Central High, revision of the valedictorian policy, and a district policy for posthumous graduation recognition. Two speakers also called for Trustee Nandeep Singh to resign because he is running a city‑council campaign.
Director Robles requested 700 Chromebooks for the school‑to‑home program ($274,834.74) and a full TK–12 device refresh to be financed over four years (TK–8: $9,917,669.10; 9–12: $3,281,220.90). Director Boff requested ~$200,737.56 to replace a failed PA/bell system at Rio Vista Middle School. Both items were placed on Feb. 24 agendas.
Area Administrator Garrett proposed separating Pershing Continuation High School and Pathway Community Day School by moving one program to the underused West Arts Center (WACC). Administration recommended returning the item for action Feb. 24 with an August 2026 target launch and initial facilities estimates and staffing implications discussed.
The California Department of Education approved Central Unified’s Special Education compliance and improvement monitoring (SIM) plan after a state finding of over‑identification of students with emotional disabilities. The plan targets a 272‑student cohort, sets measurable attendance and suspension goals through 2027 and identifies $5,573,241 in set‑aside funds.
Trustees voted to table a proposed three‑year renewal with ARIES/Aeries Software, citing unanswered questions about customization, data permissions and FERPA compliance; administration said the vendor has escalated programming requests and the renewal would lock pricing while allowing termination.
Dozens of students and community members told the Central Unified Board of Trustees the district’s lack of a pool at Central High is an equity issue, citing travel burdens and lost practice time; Superintendent Dr. Marshall said Central High is being considered early in the facilities plan but building a pool will require multimillion-dollar funding and community engagement.
At its Jan. 27 meeting the Central Unified board approved architectural services for McKinley Elementary, accepted a $10,000 donation, approved the expanded learning program and budget, amended the Fresno County MOU (increase $2,662,000), approved a bus purchase for $223,643.24, and accepted an independent audit with no findings; the board also set a process to appoint a replacement trustee.
Scores of students urged the board to revise a policy that disqualifies students from valedictorian status if they receive a C in an augmented course; trustees and administration said a town hall will be scheduled and administration has already investigated some cases.
On Jan. 13 the Central Unified board approved increasing its deferred maintenance plan to $4 million (with a $2 million current-year increase), awarded architectural services for a 2026 painting project, accepted gifts, and approved a San Joaquin Valley Air District grant to buy five electric utility vehicles.
Several senior students asked the board to fast-track a change to the district's valedictorian policy so current seniors can be recognized before graduation, urging immediate action during public comment on Jan. 13.
