FRESNO (KMJ) — Fresno Unified School Board has officially selected Bob Nelson as its superintendent. The decision comes after he spent seven months doing the job on a temporary basis, while district officials sought out a permanent replacement.
The school district’s top job was vacated in February following the decision to fire former Superintendent Michael Hanson (click here to read more). Bob Nelson was then immediately chosen to be the acting superintendent. The decision to approve his contract was made in a school board meeting Wednesday evening.
“I think that we made an excellent choice, Mr. Nelson,” said member Carol Mills. “I think we should note that this is the first time in almost 30 years that we have selected the superintendent from inside Fresno Unified.”
Superintendent Bob Nelson will earn $295,000 per year for his services; his contract is set to last until June 30th 2021.
“It’s a big, big deal to be able to have this luxury opportunity to be able to support the city in totality…and I stand on the shoulders of all of those who have gone before.”
But after the allegations and rumors that have surrounded previous officials within Fresno Unified School District, Nelson says its important for staff to be a role model for the students they serve.
“As a community, many are embarrassed with some of the stuff that’s gone on. One of our district leaders shared very potently this morning ‘we should all model the behaviors and thoughts we want our student’s family’s and community members to emulate’.”
“I second that resolution and that guideline.
“We have to remember that we are examples for children in our district. We work hard to provide a safe place and a comfortable place for everybody that we work with and all of our kids that work here – and that starts with us.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
