Fremont Unified Recognized as a Leader in Climate Literacy and Action

I am proud and excited to share that the California School Boards Association has named Fremont Unified’s Climate Literacy and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) a 2024 Golden Bell Award Winner! The Golden Bell Award promotes excellence in education and school board governance throughout California and was awarded to CLEAN in the Climate Change Innovation category in recognition of its outstanding work in coordinating the implementation of student-initiated Board resolutions on climate matters. Since CLEAN was founded in October 2021, Fremont Unified has expanded its environmental leadership and partnerships, increased waste reduction efforts, and launched TK-12 climate literacy and environmental education that informs, educates, and empowers students. This work is a collaborative effort amongst many District departments, with coordination through CLEAN to align efforts. I’d like to particularly acknowledge the work of Instructional Coach Nate Ivy, who is the leader of CLEAN, and the driving force behind the coordinated success of the District’s environmental work. 

Fremont Ranks #3 in the State in National Merit Semifinalists

This fall, 101 seniors representing each of Fremont’s five comprehensive high schools were named 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists! For the fourth year in a row, the City of Fremont is in the top three California cities in terms of total semifinalists. I am incredibly impressed by the achievement of Fremont Unified students, and this is just one of many indicators that the instruction and support each of our students receives at each of our schools is outstanding. Click here to learn more. 

FUSD High Schools Receive Advanced Placement Honor Roll 

Congratulations to Fremont Unified high schools named to the 2024 AP School Honor Roll! This College Board program recognizes schools with Advanced Placement programs that increase college-going culture, provide opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximize college readiness. The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

• John F. Kennedy High School earned the Bronze level distinction. Assistant Principal Josh Hunter was its 2024 AP coordinator.
• American High School earned the Gold level distinction. Its 2024 AP coordinator was Principal Sandhya Sharma.
• Irvington High School earned the Gold level distinction. Its 2024 AP coordinator was Assistant Principal Jason Aucoin.
• Mission San Jose High School earned the Platinum level distinction. Its 2024 AP coordinators were Assistant Principal Beth Benomo and Teacher Pete Vaz.

Daylight Saving Time

As we adjust to earlier sunsets, please remind students and families to stay mindful of visibility and safety during after-school activities and travel. We look forward to seeing everyone on time and ready for a productive day on Monday!

Schools as Election Day Polling Locations

As a reminder, Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th, and some of our schools will serve as polling locations. We anticipate increased traffic and more campus visitors throughout the day, which may impact arrival and dismissal times. 

For everyone’s safety, please allow extra time when dropping off and picking up your child. Also, remind students to stay aware of their surroundings as they walk or bike to and from school. Our sites will have additional staff to help manage traffic flow and support safety. 

The Alameda County Registrar of Voters (ACROV) has selected the following school sites as voting locations for the November Election: 

• Gomes Elementary School
• Irvington High School
• American High School
• Fremont Adult School

In addition, voting will occur over 4 days rather than just on election day.

FEF’s Annual Run 4 Education

Please join me this Sunday as Fremont Education Foundation (FEF) hosts its annual Run 4 Education on Sunday, November 3, at Quarry Lakes in Fremont. Fremont Unified elementary schools receive funds based on registrations, and proceeds support FEF’s mission to enhance educational excellence for all students and teachers in Fremont Unified! Find all the details and register at fremont-education.org. I hope to see you there!

Feedback Needed: Proposed Changes to Secondary Math Pathways

Fremont Unified is considering changes to the grades 6-12 math pathways for the 2025-26 school year. Math Pathways should support student access to appropriate and enriching math courses that meet graduation requirements and students’ learning goals. Please view our Math Pathways Proposals 2024 to learn more.

Through November 14, Fremont Unified is collecting responses about the proposed changes via our Math Pathways Community Feedback Form. The feedback will be shared with the Board of Education and discussed at the November 20 Board meeting.

CYBHI: Expanded Services for Students & New Funding for Districts

The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) and numerous California departments are partnering with schools to expand access to school-based and school-linked mental and behavioral health services for students aged 25 years and younger.

The CYBHI allows Fremont Unified to receive reimbursements for eligible behavioral health services already provided in school, including screening, assessments, and ongoing mental health support for our students. This reimbursement will come directly from the insurance companies that cover the students at no higher cost to the parents or caregivers. This program will not affect families’ insurance coverage, and receiving services at school will not reduce or impact students or their family’s ability to obtain care outside of school.

As this program is launched in our schools, parents/guardians may be asked for their student’s health insurance information. All health information will be securely stored and only shared in alignment with existing federal and state laws. Visit this WEBPAGE for more information, and look out for updates in future messages from your student’s school and the District. 

Associate Superintendent Duties Covered Internally

At the October 23 Board meeting, I announced the appointment of two well-respected and established FUSD leaders to assume the duties left open by the departure of our Associate Superintendent, Daniel Hillman. Mr. Hillman took a similar position in a district near his home. The division’s Operations functions will be supervised by FUSD graduate and MOG Director Mr. Tom Eckman. The division’s Finance functions will be supervised by our trusted Accounting Director, Mr. Robert Pascual. I will coordinate with staff and the Board to identify a plan to fill the vacancy permanently, which we will delay until direction is given about future budget reductions. I have 100% confidence in our in-house leaders and am grateful to have such a strong bench with deep experience here in Fremont. 

California’s New Daylighting Law Provides Another Tool for Safer Streets

The new Daylighting Law (AB 413), implemented at the beginning of this year, makes it illegal to park within 20 feet of the approach of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, even if there are no signs or curb markings. The new law aims to improve all roadway users’ safety by increasing visibility at intersections. Removing the obstruction of parked vehicles will allow drivers to have a clear view of pedestrians waiting to cross the street while at the same time allowing pedestrians to see approaching cars without having to step into the intersection to see past a parked vehicle before crossing. Forty states currently have similar laws in place. While this new law won’t be enforced in California until January 1, 2025 (unless signs already restrict parking), there’s no reason not to start leaving at least 20 feet (or the length of one large car) between your car and a marked/unmarked crosswalk. To learn more about the law, visit city.fremont.gov/daylightinglaw.