Good morning,

The eighth update on the dyer need for FUSD to take this seriously is regarding the many avenue’s explored to get this situation corrected. The lengths gone through both individually and collectively are a direct result of how wrong this situation is and how openly it played out. Advocates would not have rallied this long if it wasn't clear who is in the wrong in this situation.

Advocacy thus far:

• Coaches advocating for change their entire tenure at Fresno High School. This earned them the reputation of being difficult because they wanted essential equipment, a harassment free workplace, and their student-athletes to have the opportunities they deserve. Strong women are often given labels when they hold their ground.
• Community member Terri Davis got involved to help navigate the massive FUSD system for grievances. She has thoroughly researched every single aspect of this situation, confirming how wrong it is. She has amassed thousands of pages of evidence on every aspect of this. From equipment to the tortious interference of the Fresno Area Manatee Master’s swim club, she has it all. See her comments on the reviews of the Fresno Area Manatee Master's Facebook page, specifics are shared. https://www.facebook.com/FresnoManatees
• Letters and speakers at board meetings resulted in an “investigation” that wasn’t impartial and only aimed at allowing FUSD to avoid liability.
• Continued parent complaints about the continued prioritization of an outside club over the FHS students, the lack of opportunities for student athletes, and the disappointment of the current coaches.
• This petition.

Next steps for advocates:

• Attend and/or speak at this evening's board meeting. More information on the meeting can be found here - https://board.fresnounified.org/agendas/
• Write letters (or emails) to FUSD board members and constituent services advocating for this holistic program. Letters can be sent directly to the board, Nelson, or constituent services.
  

  • Board (bolded names are up for re-election in 2024) - veva.islas@fresnounified.org - McLane board member and board president
    susan.wittrup@fresnounified.org - Bullard board member
    keshia.thomas@fresnounified.org - Edison board member
    Elizabeth.Jonasson.Rosas@fresnounified.org - Roosevelt board member
    valerie.davis@fresnounified.org - Sunnyside board member
    Andy.Levine@fresnounified.org - FHS board member
    Claudia.Cazares@fresnounified.org - Hoover board member

  • Superintendent - bob.nelson@fresnounified.org

  • FHS principal (not the principal that allowed this to happen) -Amy.Smith@fresnounified.org
  • Constituent services - https://www.fresnounified.org/contact-us/
• Help get signatures on this petition. You can share it on your social media (again if you have already shared once), text your friends and family, etc..
• Canvassing Fresno to obtain more petition signatures will begin during Winter break. If you would like to help with this effort please let me know. Next year is an election year so it’s critical to show the FUSD elected officials this matters with numbers.

Coach Lopez was able to demonstrate proven results that there is a demand for aquatic sports with the current FUSD student population, even with little support from FHS administration. Imagine how different the program would be today if she had been able to continue her mission. Our kids deserve this opportunity that comes with HOLISTIC programs like hers.

Thank you,

Cresta