|
Fortuna Elementary School District
Superintendent’s Report
March 2026
Curriculum and Instruction:
The second trimester officially ended on February 27th, and report cards have been sent home to provide families with an update on their child’s academic progress and growth. As we begin the final trimester of the school year, students and teachers are preparing for the upcoming CAASPP state assessments for students in grades 3-8. Teachers are reviewing key standards, engaging students in goal-setting conversations, and encouraging students to approach the assessments with confidence and perseverance.
Certificated staff and several classified staff members recently participated in a District Meeting focused on the goals and values outlined in our Strategic Plan. During this time, staff engaged in collaborative discussions and provided feedback on actions that will help move our District forward. As a District, we are working intentionally toward a culture of continuous improvement, with a focus on student achievement, student wellness, family and community engagement, staffing, and financial stewardship. This work reflects our shared commitment to improving outcomes for students and strengthening our schools through a collaborative and thoughtful process.
At this month’s meeting, the Board will consider adoption of the District calendar for the 2026-27 school year. As we move into the final trimester of the current school year, significant planning for next year is already underway. This includes work related to scheduling, staffing assignments, and curriculum planning to ensure a smooth and successful start to the 2026-27 school year.
Budget:
The Second Interim Report is included in this month’s Board packet and provides an updated overview of the District’s budget status. The report indicates that the District is able to meet all financial obligations for the current year and the two subsequent years, 2026-27 and 2027-28. The District is projected to complete the 2025-26 school year without any cash flow concerns. It is important to note that the 2025-26 budget reflects settled negotiations with all of our labor partners, including classified, certificated, and unrepresented staff. However, negotiations for the two subsequent years have not yet been settled, and the outcomes of those negotiations could impact the District’s future financial position. We will continue to monitor and update our financial projections as we move forward in the budget development process.
Construction and Maintenance:
Construction at Toddy Thomas continues to move forward and is entering its final stages. Interior casework (cabinets and countertops) is scheduled for delivery on March 5, with installation beginning on March 9 and expected to be completed by March 13. Sinks will be installed after the cabinetry is completed, and final interior paint touch-ups will be made immediately afterward. In the Trophy Room, flooring materials are scheduled to arrive on March 16 and will be installed that week, followed by painting and the installation of cabinet hardware and plexiglass.
Exterior work is also progressing. Concrete pads for the new pedestrian gates with panic hardware will be poured on March 6. The gates have been fabricated and sent out for powder coating, with delivery anticipated around March 13 and installation to follow shortly thereafter. The awning’s structural components, pan decking, and metal roofing have been completed, and siding installation in that area is now finished. Painting of the awning columns, underside, and surrounding siding is scheduled to begin next week, weather permitting. Studio W is finalizing the Path of Travel plans so that Pierson Company can provide an accurate cost estimate. The jobsite footprint has been reduced, allowing the parking lot loop to reopen for staff parking and parent drop-off, with full demobilization expected following completion of the Trophy Room work and final punch list items.
We are very excited about the progress and are hopeful that we will be able to open and begin using the new office space in April.
Enrollment for 2026-27:
Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is now open to new TK-8th-grade students. Families may complete the registration process online at the District website, fortunaesd.com, where enrollment links and additional information are available. Transitional Kindergarten (TK) eligibility applies to children who turn four years old on or before September 1, 2026. Families are encouraged to view the informational video on the District website to learn more about the TK and kindergarten programs at Ambrosini and Walker Schools. Families with children currently enrolled in the District do not need to re-register, as students will be automatically enrolled in the next grade level for the 2026-27 school year. We look forward to welcoming new students and families to our District!
Important Dates:
March 27th FESD’s PTO Carnival @Ambrosini School 5:30-7:30 p.m.
April 6th-10th Spring Break
Respectfully Submitted,
Amy Betts
Highlights from the 3-10-26 Board Meeting:
William Kilroy (February)
Thank you, Kenzie Lindgren (Toddy Thomas Middle School), for providing an ASB update. Thank you, Jayce Conley (Fortuna Middle School), for providing an ASB update. Due to the absence of Clerk Ren Wohlers, the Board President called for a motion to appoint a Trustee as the Clerk Pro Tempore. Tara Lewis motioned to appoint Laurie Pringle as Clerk Pro Tempore for the duration of the regular meeting held on March 10, 2026. Dave Gonzales seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Closed Session Action Announcement: The Board took action to non-re-elect a 1.0 F.T.E. probationary teacher. The Board approved the Consent Agenda. The Board approved the Second Interim Report with a Positive Certification. The Board approved the revised School Plans for Student Achievement (SPSAs) for AES, WES, TTMS, and FMS. The Board approved the 2026-27 FESD Calendar. The Board approved Resolution 26-01: Certificated Reduction in Force (1.0 FTE). The Board approved Resolution 26-02: Elimination of Permanent Classified Employee Services (1.425) FTE.
Next Regular Board Meeting:
April 16, 2026, 6:30 p.m.
|
