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Fortuna Elementary School District
Superintendent’s Report
October 2025
Curriculum and Instruction:
We continue to advertise for various classified aide positions, including speech, health, SDC, EXCEL, and SCIA support roles. All certificated positions remain filled for the school year.
Our District is midway through the first trimester, and teachers are preparing for fall conferences, scheduled for the week of November 17-21. Alongside regular classroom instruction, certificated staff are engaged in an ongoing book study of The Prepared Classroom, using it to strengthen professional practice. Teachers are also continuing to refine instructional targets (aligning standards, curriculum, and strategies) and scheduling CAASPP block interim assessments that connect directly to those targets.
Social-emotional learning remains a central focus. In addition to weekly Tier I Character Strong lessons across TK-8th grade, Tier II screeners have now been completed, and schools will begin Tier II support groups this month. Empathy Interviews have also been conducted with all students to help identify and support those who may need additional intervention.
Later this month, we will meet again with Studer Education to prioritize District goals, align next steps, and create scorecards to monitor progress and accountability. These efforts will ensure our Strategic Plan continues to guide improvement across teaching, learning, and student outcomes.
Our District will continue to educate our students and families regarding the importance of attendance. Missing any amount of school can impact student achievement.
Budget:
We have received verification from HCOE that our 2025–26 LCAP and Budget were approved.
Our Budget Manager, Jennifer Goodner, has begun preparing the FESD First Interim Report, which provides a snapshot of revenue and expenditure forecasts for the current fiscal year, along with projections for the two subsequent years. This process allows us to adjust the budget based on the enacted state budget, trailer bills, the closing of the prior fiscal year, and other factors that impact revenue and expenditures. The First Interim Report, which covers the period from July 1 through October 31, is due to the Humboldt County Office of Education by December 15.
We are also in the final stages of completing our annual audit for the 2024-25 school year. Our auditors from Christy White, Inc. have requested extensive documentation this year, and our staff has been working diligently to provide the necessary materials. Once this process is complete, we will await the final audit report.
Construction and Maintenance:
Walker Elementary:
The modernization project at Walker is nearing completion. Plumbing insulation is scheduled to be finished next week, marking one of the final remaining items. The new entryway sign has been installed; however, it will be replaced to meet the original specifications. The current sign was produced as a three-panel design instead of the specified two panels, and a clearer vector image will be used for improved quality. The corrected sign is in production and will be installed next week.
Toddy Thomas Middle School:
Construction on the new Administration Building is progressing steadily. The roof is now complete, and exterior windows have been installed. Interior framing is underway, with electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-ins scheduled to begin next week. Storefront frames will also be installed next week as part of the continuing exterior work.
The project team is actively coordinating with subcontractors through look-ahead scheduling to ensure smooth sequencing of upcoming tasks. Pricing is being developed for Path of Travel adjustments outlined in the most recent CCD. Additionally, asphalt work is being scheduled in the parking lot to accommodate the sewer line reroute.
Miscellaneous:
Our Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) over the school breaks is tentatively scheduled for December 29-31, February 18-20, and April 7-10. The program will be held at Walker Elementary and is available to all current TK-6th grade FESD students. Sign-up information will be shared with families soon through ParentSquare.
We continue to encourage parents, guardians, and community members to volunteer at our schools. Those interested in volunteering may contact their school office for more information.
Important Dates:
10/27-10/31/25: Red Ribbon Week
11/5/25: Art & Literacy Night - FMS @5:00 p.m. (all welcome)
11/10/25: Local Recess - No School
11/11/25: Veterans’ Day - No School
11/17-11/21/25: Conference Week - Early Dismissal
11/24-11/28/25: No School
Respectfully Submitted,
Amy Betts
Highlights from the 10-9-25 Board Meeting:
Thank you, Kenzie Lindgren (Toddy Thomas) and Jayce Conley (Fortuna Middle School), for providing ASB updates. The Board approved the Consent Agenda. The Board accepted the 2024-25 LCAP/Budget Review from HCOE. The Board selected Trustee Tara Lewis to serve as a representative to elect County Committee members. The Board approved Multitudes as the K-2nd Reading Difficulties Risk Screener. The Board approved the TK Guidelines for FESD. The Board tabled the following polices/regulations/exhibits: AR 4119.12, E(1) 4119.12, AR 4219.12, E(1) 4219.12, AR 4319.12, E(1) 4319.12, BP 5145.3, AR 5145.3, BP 5145.7, AR 5145.7, AR 5145.71, E(1) 5145.71, & AR 6145.2. The Board approved the following Policies, Regulations, Bylaws, and Exhibits: BP 5125.1, AR 5125.1, E(1) 5125.1, AR 5131.41, BP 5145.6, E(1) 5145.6, BP 5146, BP 6142.91, BP 6145.2, AR 6159.4, & BB 9011. The Board authorized Superintendent Betts to approve & sign change orders for the TTMS Modernization Project up to $150,000. Mrs. Betts will email the Board the information about change orders between $75,000 and $150,000. Change orders over $150,000 will be brought to the Board for approval.
Next Regular Board Meeting: November 13, 2025
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