Good morning,

FUSD continue's to ignore this situation, even though it hugely impacts many of the students they are charged with serving. Several students, parents, and community members have spoken at board meetings in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Below are a couple of the quotes by some of the student athletes who have spoken at the FUSD board meetings. It's important to remember how much courage it takes a teen to prepare and speak at one of these meetings.

Nayeli Salazar -

"Jenn has opened so many opportunities for me - Full IB program incident, helped me get a job with the city of Fresno (lifeguarding), resume help."

"Jennifer Lopez truly demonstrates leadership, kindness, inclusiveness, and equity for all her athletes ."

"We have been taught to use our voices. To speak up for what we believe in. But when we do, we are ignored. Is this the message FUSD wants to send? Are parents, students, and community members important?

"Why does an adult swim club, The Manatee’s have priority over FHS students? Why does a male coach, who has anger issues, is sexist, and leaves athletes in Santa Cruz, not only get away with this behavior, but gains more power. Resulting in a growing program dwindling to about four athletes of predominantly male athletes."

Norma Ledesma - 

"Made the sport fun to play and financially available."

Daniel Ruiz -

"She was one of the only campus members to put faith in me and make me think I am someone who matters."

Mariana Hernandez -

"1st time I swam across the pool I turned my head. I see Jenn above my head and said “See I will never make you do something I believe you can not do” and she said “you are strong kicker.”

How can FUSD outright ignore their pleas for help? Why is this still an ongoing situation? What will it take for our elected officials to intervene and correct what is wrong?

Here is just a glimpse of the impact of the club portion of this holistic program Echo Aquatics made. https://www.echoaquatics.net/post/the-impact-of-echo-aquatics-on-fresno-high-school-s-aquatics-program 

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