Fairfield governing school board approves unaudited financial report | dailyrepublic.com

By Susan Hiland

Amanda Rish, director of Fiscal Services, gave a report to the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District governing board on the financial status of all funds of the district as of June 30.

This will be the basis for the 2022-2023 audit report which will be coming in a few months.

The unrestricted funds revenues and expenditures were $236.6 million, according to Rish’s report. The expenses totaled $186.1 million. For the category of other sources/uses there was $50.5 million and an increase in funds of $127,515.

Source: Fairfield governing school board approves unaudited financial report | Education | dailyrepublic.com

Fairfield school board votes for updates for ESSER III funds | dailyrepublic.com

By Susan Hiland

The Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District governing school board voted to approve changes to the allocation of ESSER III funds at its Thursday night meeting.

The supplemental Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief III funds, which were received in 2021 to the tune of $25.8 million, increased over the past year by $46,352, and the district has found they need to reallocate some of the money.

The state had several requirements for the ESSER III funds. The allocation needed to address three areas which included Strategies for Continuous and Safe In-Person Learning, including a description of how the district planned to use funds to continuously and safely operate schools for in-person learning in a way that reduces or prevents the spread of the Covid-19 virus; the impact of lost instructional time, including a description of how the district planned to use a minimum of 20% of the funds to address the academic impact of learning loss through the implementation of evidence-based interventions such as summer learning, summer enrichment, extended day learning opportunities, comprehensive after school programs or extended school year programs and how to use whatever funds remained, according to the staff report.

Source: Fairfield school board votes for updates for ESSER III funds | Education | dailyrepublic.com

FSUSD opens new library building at Cleo Gordon | dailyrepublic.com

The Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District (FSUSD) unveiled a new library building at Cleo Gordon Elementary on September 12.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a well-attended event, with many dignitaries present. Among the distinguished guests were members of the FSUSD Governing Board, representatives from the City of Fairfield, FSUSD administrators, Cleo Gordon Elementary School staff members, and, most notably, Cleo Gordon Elementary School students.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony symbolized the beginning of a new chapter for the school. The library building, equipped with modern facilities and resources, will provide an upgraded learning environment for generations to come. Following the ribbon cutting, guests had the opportunity to participate in a student-led tour of the new and improved building according to a press release.

Source: Good News: FSUSD opens new library building at Cleo Gordon | News | dailyrepublic.com

Supporting Travis Air Force Base’s Five & Thrive | dailyrepublic.com

By Sheila McCabe

The mission of Five & Thrive is to tackle the top five quality-of-life issues military families face because their quality of life is directly tied to the readiness, resilience, recruitment and retention of our armed forces.

The five areas that fall within Five & Thrive are (1) Childcare; (2) Education; (3) Healthcare; (4) Housing; and (5) Spouse Employment.

This summer, Dixon Unified School District, Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District, Travis Unified School District, and Vacaville Unified School District joined forces to address one of the barriers related to education – summer registration.

Source: Civic Leaders: Supporting Travis Air Force Base’s Five & Thrive | Lifestyle | dailyrepublic.com

‘FSUSD Runs This!’ returns this week | dailyrepublic.com

The Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District will host a “FSUSD Runs This!” event this weekend.This community-centered initiative aims to promote health, wellness and a sense of unity among residents of all ages and physical abilities, according to a press release.

The event is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Saturday at Nelda Mundy Elementary School, 70 Vintage Valley Drive, Fairfield.

Participants can register online in advance by visiting the official event page, www.active.com/fairfield-ca/running/distance-running-races/fsusd-runs-this-1-event-2023. For those who prefer on-site registration, an option will be available on the day of the event.

Source: The Week Ahead: ‘FSUSD Runs This!’ returns this week | Fairfield | dailyrepublic.com

Polk takes seat as new interim school board member | dailyrepublic.com

By Susan Hiland

The Fairfield governing board has a new interim board member, Perry W. Polk, who took his oath of office and chair at a special meeting on Wednesday.

Polk along, with five others, applied for the school-board opening created by the exit of longtime board member, David C. Isom, in July.

The other interested candidates included Aaron Joseph Garcia, Cheryl Chatmon, James Hodgman, Kai Eusebio and Steven Donald Quinlan.

Source: Polk takes seat as new interim school board member | Education | dailyrepublic.com

FSUSD offering African American parenting course | dailyrepublic.com

Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District will offer a program on Effective Black Parenting this fall.

This program offers practical support for parents and caregivers of African American children, with a focus on culturally relevant strategies, the district said in a statement.

Classes for the fall session will begin Sept. 12, and will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday through Nov. 7 in the Fairfield-Suisun Adult School, 900 Travis Blvd., in Fairfield.

Source: Fairfield school district offering African American parenting course | News | dailyrepublic.com

Armijo graduate is top 5,000 meter qualifier at world track finals in Hungary | dailyrepublic.com

By Matt Miller

Luis Grijalva posted the fastest qualifying time in the 5,000 meters Thursday night and won the second of two heats at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

The 2018 Armijo High School graduate clocked a time of 13:32.72 to set the pace and earn one of the 16 spots available for Sunday’s final. Grijalva, who is competing for his native country of Guatemala, held the lead early in the race and rarely moved further back than fourth place. He had a strong kick on the last lap as some jostling took place and the runners were in a full sprint in the final laps.

Source: Armijo graduate is top 5,000 meter qualifier at world track finals in Hungary | Professional | dailyrepublic.com

Two FSUSD Students finalists for the All-American High School International Film Festival | dailyrepublic.com

Sachi Bansal, and Aaron Phelps, have been chosen as finalists to premiere their films at the prestigious All-American High School International Film Festival according to a press release from Fairfield Suisun Unified School district.

Sachi Bansal’s entry, “Sad Disco,” is a captivating Music Video Mix Submission, showcases her unique fusion of music and visuals.

Aaron Phelps’ documentary, “Slanted Perspectives: My Life with SMA,” offers an intimate glimpse into his journey with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. His adept storytelling and genuine empathy have earned him a well-deserved spot among the finalists.

Source: Good News: Two FSUSD Students finalists for the All-American High School International Film Festival | Education | dailyrepublic.com

3 candidates have come forward for presidents vacancy on FSUSD school board | dailyrepublic.com

By Susan Hiland

The Fairfield-Suisun governing school board talked about the next steps in finding a replacement for the board president left by the resignation of David C. Isom at Thursday nights meeting.

Isom officially resigned his position on July 24.

This has left a vacancy that needs to be filled for a fully operating board. The board’s vice president, Craig Wilson, has stepped into the position for the interim.

Source: 3 candidates have come forward for presidents vacancy on FSUSD school board | Education | dailyrepublic.com

Suisun Elementary starts school year off with plenty of warm welcomes | dailyrepublic.com

By Susan Hiland

Students gave out hugs and waved to friends as they made their way back to school after summer vacation.

The Fairfield Suisun Unified School District returned to school on Wednesday with thousands of kids ready for a new year.

At Suisun Elementary School in Suisun City, Varetzi Hurtado, 7, was ready to go with her little backpack and new school clothes.

“I’m looking forward to making friends,” she said.

Source: Suisun Elementary starts school year off with plenty of warm welcomes | News | dailyrepublic.com

Back to School Resource Fair helps students get ready for new school year | dailyrepublic.com

Thomas Garcia, 9, of Fairfield will be in the fourth grade this year, and he was all smiles Saturday for the annual Back to School Resource Fair at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.

The Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District has been hosting the event for parents and students for 24 years at St. Mark’s. It began as a small event and has grown to provide assistance for thousands of families from the school district.

The fair helps students get ready for the school year.

“I’m excited about learning,” Thomas said.

Source: Back to School Resource Fair helps students get ready for new school year | News | dailyrepublic.com

Teachers get hands-on training in county’s open spaces | dailyrepublic.com

Twenty-nine teachers joined Solano Resource Conservation District and area experts for a three-day professional development training in Solano County’s open spaces.

The Solano Water Institute gave teachers a local perspective on water and conservation issues that they can bring back to their classrooms. Teachers also had time to share ideas and enjoy the outdoors before kicking off a new school year.

Each day of the training featured hands-on lessons from Project WET, an award-winning environmental education curriculum created by the Water Education Foundation.

Source: Teachers get hands-on training in county’s open spaces | News | dailyrepublic.com

Isom resignation as school board president prompts application process – Daily Republic

By Susan Hiland

The Fairfield-Suisun governing school board will meet Thursday to decide how to go forth after board president David C. Isom’s resignation.

Isom officially resigned his position on July 24, and submitted his paperwork to Lisette Estrella-Henderson, Solano County Superintendent of Schools.

His resignation is effective Monday.

Source: Isom resignation as school board president prompts application process

Fairfield school board hears important upcoming dates for the new school year – Daily Republic

By Susan Hiland

In a brief meeting Thursday night for the Fairfield Governing School Board, Sheila McCabe, assistant Superintendent of Education Services, reminded everyone that summer is nearly done and the new school year will begin in just a few short weeks.

“Some important dates are coming up,” she said. “School will actually be started before our next meeting.”

Those important events and dates include a Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District Teacher Hiring Fair from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the at the FSUSD Central Office on 2490 Hilborn Road. Register at bit.ly/hiringfair23.

Source: Fairfield school board hears important upcoming dates for the new school year

FSUSD hires new staff for the coming school year at job fair – Daily Republic

By Susan Hiland

The Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District will welcome students back to the classrooms in a few short weeks, and new teachers will be there to greet them.

Linda Houston was offered a position as special education teacher at a hiring fair Saturday for the school district.

The mother of two grown sons is excited to be returning to the classroom after taking time away last year. For many years, she worked as a paraeducator in the special-education classroom and left for a job as an administrative assistant.

Source: FSUSD hires new staff for the coming school year at job fair

Fairfield High names its upcoming Hall of Fame class for 2023 – Daily Republic

The Fairfield High School Hall of Fame induction class for 2023 will feature one of the best hurdlers ever to come out of Solano County and a baseball team that shocked the Sac-Joaquin Section with a championship run.

Daje Pugh earned the state track and field championship in the 300-meter hurdles in 2012, was a six-time state placer and a seven-time Section Masters champion. Pugh went on to compete collegiately at Washington and Kentucky.

The 1999 Fairfield baseball team won the section title despite entering the postseason tournament as the third seed out of the Monticello Empire League. The Falcons went undefeated in the playoffs and defeated Woodland, with future Boston Red Sox star Dustin Pedroia, in the title game.

Source: Fairfield High names its upcoming Hall of Fame class for 2023

Rodriguez grad starring as Jasmine in ‘Aladdin’ stage show – Daily Republic

By Amy Maginnis-Honey

Casey Ellis is one proud vocal coach.

Her student, Senzel Ahmady, is starring as Jasmine in Disney’s Theatrical Productions “Aladdin,” arriving Aug. 2 at the Orpheum Theatre for a two-week run.

Ahmady is a 2020 graduate of Rodriguez High School who honed her musical theater skills with Ellis at the Young Artists Academy of Music in Vacaville. She also attended Nelda Munday and Green Valley Middle School.

Ellis said in an email that Ahmady was always eager to learn new things and had quite a stage presence in her youth.

Source: Rodriguez grad starring as Jasmine in ‘Aladdin’ stage show

Rodriguez High graduate serving on destroyer in Japan – Daily Republic

A former Fairfield resident and 2020 Rodriguez High graduate is serving as a fire controlman aboard the USS Ralph Johnson in Japan.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Christian Cruz joined the Navy after graduation.

“I joined the Navy to develop technical skills that I can use in the civilian world,” Cruz said in an article released by the Navy Office of Community Outreach.

Source: Rodriguez High graduate serving on destroyer in Japan