FUSD Superintendent continues to push bond measure despite opposition

Friday, October 14, 2016

Superintendent Michael Hanson is pushing the passage of the bond measure. But some of his colleagues are urging voters to turn down the Measure X.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Superintendent Michael Hanson is pushing the passage of the bond measure. But some of his colleagues are urging voters to turn down the Measure X.

Two Fresno Unified School Board members stood in front of the district office Thursday telling the media they want to support Measure X but they can't.

"Show us what you're going to do. Tell us how you're going to get there and let's get there together," said Brooke Ashjian, Fresno Unified Trustee.

"I have supported every school bond that has been on the ballot until now with this one because this one was not well planned," said Carol Mills, Fresno Unified Trustee.

Mills, who represents the Fresno High School region, said the district used barely any community input for the $225-million bond that's on the November ballot.

Mills said the current plan includes building on athletic and physical education spaces at Fresno High. A plan she said is not supported by staff, students, and parents who live in the area.

"There is irreparable damage if this bond does pass because it does damage specifically to the high school in my area when you're taking away open space."

Many who stood by Mills and Ashjian on Thursday shared their sentiments. Including former trustee Michelle Asadoorian, Fresno County Supervisor Andreas Borgeas whose children live in the district, and Fresno Councilman Steve Brandau.

"This school bond reminds me more of the time that Nancy Pelosi went to the US Congress and said you have to pass the bill before you can find out what's in the bill," said Brandau.

"All I'm asking for is that we as residents be involved in the process," said Borgeas.

Superintendent Hanson shut down claims of the district not having specific plans for the money.

"We're going to continue the path that the majority of the board has set us on that. They put us on the timeline they wanted us on and we've done this all in public."

Ashjian and Mills hope the district can go back to the drawing board and come up with a more specific plan that they believe will adequately address community needs in a bond measure for 2018.