Darlene Martin

The Regular Meeting addressed several items including the recognition of a $5,000 sponsorship from the Masumoto Community Education and Leadership Fund supporting the Safety & School Climate Student Advisory Committee. A presentation highlighted Fremont Elementary's Science Education and Social Emotional Supports. During public comment, a student requested the reinstatement of a Physics Class at Fowler High School. The Superintendent's report noted the success of two students advancing to the Fresno County Spelling Bee and outlined the need for high school students to make up instructional minutes lost due to weather. Action items included the approval of the agenda and several items on the Consent Agenda: Minutes of the January 21, 2026 Board Meeting, Accounts Payable Report, Personnel Action Report, disposal of Obsolete Vehicles from Transportation, Amendment No. 09 for BMY Construction Group, and the Revised Arts, Music, and Instructional Materials Discretionary Block Grant. Discussions included a Facilities Update and the mid-year update to the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and the Local Control Funding Formula Budget Overview for Parents (BOP). The Board also convened into Closed Session to discuss Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release/Complaint.

The meeting, which included the Annual Organizational Meeting and a Regular Meeting, involved several key actions during the reorganization segment, including the election of the Board President for 2026 (Trustee Kandarian), the election of the Board Clerk for 2026 (Trustee Martin), and appointments for the Superintendent as Secretary and representatives for the Fresno County Committee on School District Organization (FCCSDO) elections. Key discussion topics included the Student Board Representative Report and public comment regarding a request to restart an investigation into a July complaint due to alleged errors in the final report. The Superintendent provided reflections on the winter break and upcoming events. The consent agenda saw approval for the minutes of the November 12, 2025 meeting, various financial and personnel reports, updates to the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), and the adoption of several updated Board Policies and Bylaws. Under discussion items, presentations were given on 2024-25 Student Performance Data and Academic Focus, and Curriculum and Instruction/Student Services Department updates. The Board also presented and approved the Fiscal Year 2025-26 First Interim Financial Report. Updates to various Board Policies and Bylaws were received for first reading, followed by a Closed Session to confer with labor negotiators.

The agenda items for the meeting included routine business such as the approval of the agenda, a spotlight on education from Fowler Academy, and reports from the Superintendent and Board Members. The Consent Agenda covered approvals for Accounts Payable, Personnel Actions, adoption of Board Policy and Bylaw Updates (including numerous specific BP/BB items), approval of School Accountability Report Cards (SARC) for multiple schools, approval of the Williams Quarterly Report, approval for the Future Farmers of America Field Day Competition, and several professional services agreements related to the Marshall Elementary Reconstruction project (including surveying, geotechnical, DTSC, and CEQA services). Additionally, agreements were approved for pre-construction services for the Fremont Elementary Reconstruction Project, change orders for the Fowler High School Performing Arts Center Project, an amendment for the Early Learning Education Center Phase II Project, and approval of the revised 2026 Summer School Calendar. The Conference/Discussion Agenda included a presentation on the Marshall Reconstruction project and public hearings/disclosure/approval for the 2025-2026 Negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Fowler Unified Teachers Association (FUTA) and the agreement with the Unrepresented Certificated Group. Information items included receiving initial proposals from CSEA Chapter 452 and the District's counter-proposal for the 2025-2026 Reopener Agreement. The Closed Session involved discussions on personnel matters, public employee discipline, labor negotiations, and anticipated litigation.

The meeting included a student board representative report, general public comments addressing concerns about classroom investments versus administrative spending, and recognition of teachers' dedication. The Superintendent reported on a successful career fair and honored Veterans Day. The board discussed and took action on a consent agenda, including approving reports, agreements, and applications. Updates on facilities projects were presented. The board also received information on board policy updates and the 2025 Annual Report for Fresno County-Williams Legislation. A closed session was held to discuss employee matters, labor negotiations, and a student expulsion agreement.

The Board of Education meeting included a spotlight on Fowler High School, where the principal and students shared positive experiences. Concerns were raised regarding the district's financial priorities, specifically the increase in District Office salaries versus classroom funding. The Superintendent reported on a bus incident, recent events, and her attendance at various functions. Board members shared their experiences at events like the Fowler Fall Festival and the California Armenian Legislative Caucus. The consent agenda was approved, covering items such as the Williams Complaint Quarterly Report, continued funding for the California State Preschool Program, and various agreements. Presentations were given on the architect agreement with Arcadis, Inc., enrollment and Average Daily Attendance, facilities updates, and updated Local Indicators Report Data. The Board convened into a closed session to discuss employee matters, labor negotiations, and a student expulsion agreement, with no action taken in open session.