Fresno Unified’s Parent Engagement Plan Sparks Tension Over Accountability

Fresno Unified initiated conversations with the Fresno Community Parent Coalition (FCPC) after student deaths of Daniel Padilla and Elizabeth Gonzalez raised concerns about medical emergency responses and communication. FCPC co-founder Kristina Holmes-McIntyre said Superintendent Misty Her and Deputy Superintendent Ben Drati initially agreed to collaborate on demands for increased transparency, including an independent committee to report directly to the board of education.

Instead, district leaders are proposing enhancements to existing school site councils, including adding principals, who would feed insights to administrators biweekly. Holmes-McIntyre critiqued this structure as indirect and less accountable, noting that site councils already suffer from low parent engagement. She said district officials seemed to expect the FCPC would help recruit parents to these councils, but the coalition seeks direct dialogue with the board, not just being a sounding board.

At a September 15 meeting, Holmes-McIntyre walked out after Drati presented the revised plan, citing a lack of a systematic approach to building trust. Fresno Unified has not responded to questions about its proposed structure. Meanwhile, the Parent Institute for Quality Education expressed support for the district’s collaborative efforts, emphasizing clarity and responsiveness.