FILE: Photo/ KMJ
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) Bob Nelson is stepping down as Superintendent at Fresno Unified School District.
His last day on the job is July 31.
Nelson has held the position since 2017 when he replaced Michael Hanson. He is leaving his post to take a faculty position at Fresno State.
GV Wire was first to report the news which irked the communications team at FUSD. KMJ received the following statement after requesting confirmation of the story:
“We are so disappointed that this transition was leaked to the media before Bob could share on his own terms. That being said, we are incredibly grateful to have Bob continuing as superintendent at Fresno Unified through July 31, alongside a stable and strong deputy superintendent and executive cabinet. Official word from the district is coming shortly.”
Fresno Unified is the third largest school district in California with nearly 75,000 students.
Statement from FUSD:
Fresno Unified announces that after nearly seven years as the Fresno Unified Superintendent, Bob Nelson has accepted a tenure-track faculty position in the Educational Leadership Division at the Kremen School of Education and Human Development at California State University, Fresno. Superintendent Nelson will continue serving as the Fresno Unified Superintendent through July 31st, 2024. Upon his departure, Deputy Superintendent Misty Her is anticipated to be named the Interim Superintendent if a permanent Superintendent has yet to be selected at that time.
Fresno Unified would be remiss not to acknowledge the unique luxury of stability it has enjoyed and will continue to enjoy through this transition. Over the last 20+ years Fresno Unified has had just two Superintendents, while the average large urban Superintendent tenure is just 30 months. The Fresno Unified Board of Education is taking this opportunity to plan and implement a careful and stable transition over the next six months. Deputy Superintendent Misty Her, who has been serving in her role since early 2021, is anticipated to assume the position of Interim Superintendent if a new, permanent Superintendent has not been appointed by the time Superintendent Nelson departs. This commitment to stability and excellence by the Fresno Unified Board of Education is a strength our Fresno Unified family will continue to benefit from.
Superintendent Nelson, a bold advocate for education, has left an indelible mark on Fresno Unified during his tenure. His accomplishments include improving Fresno Unified’s fiscal strength and ratings, successfully averting two teacher strikes, and demonstrating adept leadership during the challenges posed by the pandemic. Under his leadership, he built the Foundation for Fresno Unified Schools, partnered in the development of the Bulldog Bound Guaranteed Admissions program, and passed and administered bond measures that have resulted in new and improved facilities support student learning across the district, including a new elementary school and the upcoming new Farber Campus replacing the old juvenile hall.
Furthermore, his commitment to real-world learning opportunities through career technical education (CTE) has led to a drastic improvement and expansion of these programs, including a state-of-the-art heavy truck maintenance facility and the beginnings of a groundbreaking aviation school. Notably, he pioneered an innovative dual enrollment program with a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), a first of its kind for Fresno Unified and likely the state of California.
Superintendent Nelson has made Fresno Unified a leader nationally, statewide, and locally in many areas including our social-emotional and mental health investments for students and our incredibly successful extended learning programs. His visionary leadership has built the #FUSDFamily, fostering a culture of #militantpositivity that has positively impacted the entire district.
Superintendent Bob Nelson said, “Serving as the Superintendent in the District where I initially taught elementary school and first served as a leader has been the pinnacle of my career thus far. I have appreciated so very much getting to know our Fresno Unified family and having the daily opportunity to serve our amazing city and its children. I am thankful to have the opportunity to land in a future position where I can continue serving Valley educators as well.”
Board President Susan Wittrup said, “I am grateful for Supt. Nelson’s leadership and the stability he brought to FUSD over the past 7 years. He is an exceptional educator and human being, and I look forward to the guidance he will bring to future educational leaders in his new role at Fresno State! His replacement has big shoes to fill. Supt. Nelson built a foundation of financial health and strong student supports that sets the stage for a district in need of transformation. Our next superintendent must be ready to infuse innovation, urgency, and accountability to improve instruction and academic outcomes for all of our students.”
The Fresno Unified School District expresses deep gratitude for Superintendent Nelson’s dedicated service and looks forward to continuing the legacy of educational excellence in the years to come.
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
