Fortuna Elementary School District

Superintendent’s Report

January 2026

FESD Board of Trustees:

January is nationally recognized as School Board Recognition Month, a time to honor the dedicated volunteer school board members who provide essential governance, vision, and oversight for public education. School board members play a critical role in supporting student success by setting the District’s mission and vision, adopting policy, overseeing budgets, and serving as advocates for students, families, and staff. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Fortuna Elementary School District Board of Trustees (Dave Gonzales, Tara Lewis, Laurie Pringle, and Ren Wohlers) for their time, leadership, and continued commitment to our students and community.

Curriculum and Instruction: 

This month, the District will approach the halfway point of the second trimester. As we move into the second half of the academic year, our schools continue to focus on monitoring student progress, refining instructional practices, and providing targeted support to ensure students remain on track academically.

Preparation for the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) will be a continued focus across the District. Students in grades 3-8 will participate in the English language arts and mathematics assessments, while students in grades 5 and 8 will also complete the science assessment. The CAASPP administration will take place in April and May.

During the winter break, the District successfully held three of the ten scheduled Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) days, serving 34 students in grades TK-6. These days provide students with continued academic support and enrichment outside of the regular school calendar. I would like to extend my appreciation to the staff who worked with our students during the break, as well as to Tim Grimmett for taking the lead in coordinating these ELOP days.

Budget: 

In late December, the District welcomed Courtney Sousa as our new Budget Manager. Courtney will work and train alongside our current Budget Manager, Jennifer Goodner, through the end of the school year to ensure a smooth transition of duties. Jennifer is scheduled to retire at the end of June, so this overlap will support continuity in budget development, fiscal oversight, and institutional knowledge as we move into the 2026-27 budget cycle.

The Governor’s proposed California state budget for the upcoming fiscal year is typically released on or before January 10. This initial proposal establishes the framework for the State’s financial plan and education funding outlook. It is followed by the May Revision and final budget enactment later in the year, both of which will be closely monitored for potential impacts on District revenues and expenditures.

Construction and Maintenance:

Significant progress continues on the Toddy Thomas Administrative Remodel Project. Since mid-December, exterior and interior painting is approximately 90% complete, with the remaining exterior work scheduled following the installation of the awning. Concrete work at the entryway has been completed, including storm drain tie-ins, and the administrative building gutter installation is finished. Interior work has advanced with the installation of doors and hardware, MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) finishes in the office area, ceiling grid for acoustical panels, cabinet toe kicks, and flooring preparation. The new furnace for the administrative area is installed and operational, and sewer repair work in the playground area has been completed. Change orders for the POT (path of travel)  work and gate conversion have been submitted and will be scheduled upon approval. Additionally, abatement of the existing damaged stucco wall is underway to allow for necessary repairs.

Miscellaneous:

Due to the winter break, staff reports are not included in the January Board Packet.

I will be attending the ACSA Superintendents’ Symposium in Indian Wells, California, from January 27-30. This annual symposium provides an opportunity to engage in professional learning and collaborate with school district leaders from across the state.

Important Dates:

January 5th:  School Resumes

January 8th:  Board Meeting

January 9th:  Mid-Trimester 

January 16th:  2nd Trimester Progress Reports 

January 19th  No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Happy New Year!  Wishing everyone a happy and healthy year to come!

Respectfully Submitted,

Amy Betts

Highlights from the 1-8-2026 Board Meeting:

• Congratulations to our January Superintendent Award recipients!

  • Ambrosini Elementary: Kyah Crawford

  • Walker Elementary: Fatima Ornelas Padilla

  • Toddy Thomas: Brandon Sanchez (Dec.) & Kymorah Wong (Jan.) 

  • Fortuna Middle School: Aleira Swift

• Thank you, Kenzie Lindgren (Toddy Thomas) and Lila Baker (Fortuna Middle School), for providing ASB updates.    

• The Board approved the Consent Agenda.

• The Board approved the 2024-25 School Accountability Report Cards (SARCs) for AES, WES, TTMS, & FMS.

• The Board accepted the 2024-25 Audit Report with Zero Findings.   

Next Regular Board Meeting:  February 12, 2026