For FUSD It's Who You Know

Here's a good deal: Work as a volunteer on Fresno Unified's proposed facilities master plan/bond, and then be selected for a no-bid $187,240 consulting contract to assist FUSD in moving the facility projects forward. That's the deal Dan Fitzpatrick, former City of Fresno Redevelopment Agency Director, and Kay Berken, formerly employed by FUSD, received.

Carol Mills, the only member of the district's board of trustees to oppose the contract, was absolutely correct in both questioning the contract amount and why it was not put out for public bid. As a taxpayer in the Clovis Unified School District (CUSD), I was pleased but not surprised to learn from the recent Fresno Bee article that reported the award of the no-bid contract to Fitzpatrick and Berken, that CUSD does not hire from local citizen committees.

I have generally admired the leadership provided by Superintendent Michael Hansen, the FUSD board of trustees and FUSD staff for improving student performance and for eliminating previous fiscal mismanagement in the district. Unfortunately, recent questionable financial decisions that have come to light have led me to question their decision-making process. A few weeks ago FUSD was accused of inappropriately spending First Five grant funds received from Fresno County. And now this poorly considered award to two very inside insiders just adds to my discomfort.

If the district wants to eventually convince the taxpayers in its service area to vote for a $256 million dollar bond, I would encourage them to be very careful in determining why, how and to whom they are giving their funds.

Coming Soon. . .

1. Thanks, Andy Souza. We will miss you.
2. Where are our private sector leaders?
3. How many deployments can we expect from our military? Resurect the draft?

Comments are always welcome. Click on "Comments" below or e-mail abriancalhoun@email.com