Longtime Fresno schools trustee Carol Mills dies after months-long battle with ALS

Carol Mills, a longtime Fresno Unified School District trustee, has died after a battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease, according to FUSD Superintendent Bob Nelson announced Wednesday.

Mills, who served for 17 years as the trustee for area 5, also worked as a lead appellate court attorney with the Fifth District Court of Appeal. She was re-elected in 2020.

Nelson described Mills as a “tireless advocate for our city’s kids.”

“First elected in 2004, Carol was the champion of any initiative that directly benefited students, including supporting every child with the opportunity to participate in programs such as the International Baccalaureate program or Career Technical Education, as well as expanding our students’ access to arts, athletics, and engagement activities,” he said.

Mills also advocated for making after-school opportunities available to every child, Nelson said. Because of an influx of funds due to the coronavirus pandemic, her dream “will actually be realized in 2021,” he said.

Mills’ family released a statement Wednesday morning about her death.

“We are heartbroken at the loss of Carol,” the family said. “She spent her life in service to others and will be deeply missed. We ask for the respect of our privacy as we mourn our loss.”

In her autobiography, Mills wrote that she was raised by hardworking “blue-collar” parents who never had the opportunity to attend college. Her father grew up in an orphanage.

“I was the first in my family to graduate from college,” she said. “I overcame a speech impediment and pursued a law degree and a career as an attorney.”

Nelson said he first met Mills in 2001 when he was vice principal at Powers-Ginsburg Elementary, where her son attended.

“While serving as a parent, she also advocated for not only what was best for her son but also for all the young people in her circle. She was relentless in her pursuit of trying to make the District the best that it could possibly be.”

After her illness, and “true to her nature,” Nelson said, “she continued to serve as an advocate and role model, this time in the role of ableism. She advocated for her own rights, as well as the rights of others with exceptionality until her last breath.

“Her digitized graduation speech at the 2020 Commencement for Fresno High was the very epitome of the concept of ‘finishing well.’ Our community has been made better through her commitment to serving others.”

Fellow board member Veva Islas offered condolences to Mills’ family, friends and constituents in the Fresno High region.

“During my time with Carol on the school board, I was always impressed with her great expertise on school policies and matters,” she said.

Islas described Mills as logical, articulate, and dedicated. Mills frequently offered her expertise on legal matters and gave the board a historical perspective on current systems and practices, she said.

“While we did not agree on all decisions, I did profoundly agree with her on the need to create the best school system possible for our students. May she Rest In Peace knowing that this board will continue in that mission.”

Trustee Claudia Cazares shared a photo with Mills on Facebook and said Mills was a “wonderful mother, a dedicated public servant and an excellent attorney, but I will forever remember her happiness while at a football game, a graduation or the spelling bee.”

Sen. Andreas Borgeas also offered his condolences to Mills’ family and friends.

“Carol’s dedication to our community and tireless advocacy for our FUSD students was admirable, and she will be remembered for her lasting contributions to our community,” he said.

This story was originally published July 21, 2021 at 9:28 AM.