Fortuna Elementary School District

Superintendent’s Report

December 2025

Curriculum and Instruction:

Teachers met with families during the week of November 17-21 to review each student’s academic progress at the end of the first trimester. Participation was strong across the District, with conference attendance ranging from 91% to 97% at each school site.

As we continue planning for the 2025–2026 school year, our District is working to meet the requirement of providing 30 Expanded Learning Opportunity (ELOP) days when school is not in session. This past summer, we successfully offered 20 days of programming from July 7 to August 1, 2025. To fulfill the remaining requirement, we are scheduling the additional 10 days on the following dates:

• December 29-31, 2025 (3 days)

• February 18-20, 2026 (3 days)

• April 7-10, 2026 (4 days)

Sign-ups for these sessions were sent home on October 31 and were due by November 14 so that staffing and transportation needs could be confirmed. Programming will be hosted at Walker Elementary and will operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Transportation will be provided through contracted services with Fortuna High School. Students will receive both meals and snacks each day.

Our goal is to ensure families have access to enriching, safe, and structured opportunities for students beyond the school year calendar, helping to support academic growth, social development, and working families throughout our community.

Budget:

As noted on the December FESD Board Agenda, the 2025-2026 First Interim Report is being presented for the Board’s review and approval. Multi-year projections continue to reflect “best-estimate” assumptions based on the most current financial information available. At this time, the District is able to meet all financial obligations for the current fiscal year and the two subsequent years, resulting in a positive certification.

Looking ahead, the projected Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026-2027 is currently estimated between 2.5% and 3%. We expect to have a clearer direction for developing next year’s budget following the release of Governor Newsom’s Proposed State Budget in January.

Construction and Maintenance:

Work on the new Administration Building at Toddy Thomas continues to progress steadily. Interior door frames and drywall have now been installed, and taping/mudding is expected to be completed by the end of this week. This will allow interior painting to begin next week, followed by ceiling grid installation, cabinetry, and mechanical/electrical/plumbing finish work through the end of the year. Flooring, restroom tile, and final door hardware will follow.

Exterior improvements are also advancing. Columns for the new front awning were installed last week, enabling the storm drain tie-ins and upcoming concrete flatwork at the entrance. Awning components have been ordered and, once installed, will allow the metal roof installation. Siding and exterior painting will follow.

Additionally, the contractor is currently working with the District and project team to finalize plans and pricing for several remaining components, including:

• Conversion of pedestrian gates to panic hardware

• Path of Travel (POT) compliance work

• Replacement of the damaged sewer line serving Wing 3 restrooms

Miscellaneous:

Our schools are gearing up for a festive winter performance season. Toddy Thomas Middle School will hold its Winter Concert on December 11 at the Fortuna Middle School gym. Ambrosini Elementary will celebrate with a Winter Concert on December 15 at the River Lodge, followed by Walker Elementary’s Winter Concert on December 16, also at the River Lodge. We look forward to showcasing our talented students and inviting families to join us in the celebration.

The District will observe Winter Break from December 22, 2025, through January 2, 2026, with classes resuming on Monday, January 5. We wish everyone a joyful and restful break with family and friends!

Respectfully Submitted,

Amy Betts

Highlights from the 12-10-25 Board Meeting:

• Congratulations to our December Superintendent Award recipients!

  • Ambrosini Elementary: Ollie Rivera-Hendrix

  • Walker Elementary:  Aurelia Mikus (Nov.) & Brianna Duenas Ramirez (Dec.)

  • Toddy Thomas: Will be presented in January

  • Fortuna Middle School: Heather Alvarez-Chavez

• Thank you, Cora Miller (Toddy Thomas) and Jayce Conley (Fortuna Middle School), for providing ASB updates.    

• The Board approved the Consent Agenda.

• The Board elected Dave Gonzales as the Board President and Ren Wohlers as the Board Clerk.

• The Board appointed Superintendent Betts as the Board Secretary.   

• The Board approved the 2026 Board Meeting Calendar.

• The Board approved the 2025-26 First Interim Report with a positive certification.

• The Board approved Resolution 25-07: Accounting of Development Fees 2024-25.

Next Regular Board Meeting:  January 8, 2025