We, the undersigned students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members, and supporters of public education in the Central Valley, stand firmly in support of Dr. Carole Goldsmith, Chancellor of the State Center Community College District (SCCCD).

Dr. Goldsmith has served the SCCCD with unwavering dedication since January 2022, building on a distinguished 30-year career in education that began as a K-12 teacher and progressed through leadership roles as Vice Chancellor and Director of Workforce Development at West Hills Community College District, President of West Hills College Coalinga, and President of Fresno City College. Her deep roots in Fresno County—where she earned her bachelor's degree in history from Fresno State, a master's in educational administration from National University, and a doctorate in higher educational leadership from the joint program at Fresno State and UC Davis—have made her an authentic advocate for our diverse communities.

Under Dr. Goldsmith's visionary leadership, the SCCCD—the fourth-largest community college district in California, serving over 50,000 students across Fresno City College, Clovis Community College, Madera Community College, and Reedley College—has achieved transformative milestones that prioritize student success, equity, and economic vitality:

• Secured $700 Million in Voter-Approved Funding Through Measure Q: This groundbreaking bond measure has fueled critical infrastructure improvements, including the opening of the Fresno City College West Campus in underserved Southwest Fresno, enhancing access for first-generation, low-income, and agricultural workers in our region.
• Expanded Career Technical Education (CTE) Programs: Dr. Goldsmith has driven remarkable growth in workforce development, including the construction of the district's first First Responder Campus for police and fire training and the launch of Reedley College's Federation of Advanced Manufacturing and Education—the first such facility in the Western United States—providing cutting-edge manufacturing and maintenance training to meet local industry demands.
• Promoted Fiscal Stability and Transparency: Prioritizing the district's financial health, she has ensured fiscal solvency while hiring 110 new faculty members, over 60 classified professionals, and 17 administrators, fostering a growing and supportive environment for educators and students alike.
• Advanced Equity and Student-Centered Initiatives: As praised by California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian, Dr. Goldsmith leads with a "student-first lens," focusing on access and success for underrepresented groups, including returning veterans, first-generation students, and agricultural workers. Her efforts have built partnerships with community organizations, secured workforce innovation grants, and developed the West Fresno Campus through the Transformative Climate Communities program, honoring the lived experiences that define our Valley.
• Guided the District Through Challenges: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and complex litigation, she has maintained a commitment to kindness, growth, and collaboration, as evidenced by the district's adoption of the Vision/Mission 2035 plan—a comprehensive strategy developed through 71 inclusive meetings involving faculty, staff, students, trustees, and community stakeholders.

These accomplishments reflect Dr. Goldsmith's proven track record of excellence, as highlighted by leaders like California Labor & Workforce Development Agency Secretary Stewart Knox: "Under Chancellor Goldsmith’s leadership, State Center Community College District has become exactly that: a place where students facing geographic, financial, or academic barriers can find a home, an opportunity, and a path forward." Board President Danielle Parra has also affirmed, "Under Chancellor Goldsmith’s guidance, the district has achieved remarkable progress."

It is deeply concerning that Board Trustee Robert Fuentes, Vice President of the SCCCD Board, is advocating for the early termination of Dr. Goldsmith's contract. Such a move would disrupt the continuity of vital initiatives, undermine the district's momentum, and send a damaging message to our students and communities that dedicated leadership can be discarded without cause. Dr. Goldsmith's contract extends through September 2026, a timeline she has thoughtfully set to ensure a seamless transition and the completion of ongoing projects like Measure Q implementations and CTE expansions. Premature termination would not only waste taxpayer resources—potentially triggering costly severance provisions—but also jeopardize the progress she has championed for our 50,000+ students.

We urge the Board of Trustees to: 

1. Reject any efforts to terminate Dr. Goldsmith's contract early and affirm her right to serve out the remainder of her term until September 2026.
2. Prioritize stability and student success by supporting her continued leadership in advancing SCCCD's mission.
3. Engage in transparent dialogue to resolve any internal concerns through established processes, ensuring all voices—faculty, staff, students, and trustees—are heard and respected.

The State Center Community College District is at a pivotal moment of growth and opportunity. Dr. Goldsmith's expertise, compassion, and results-driven approach are irreplaceable during this time. We call on the Board to honor her contributions and protect the future of public education in the Central Valley.