How to transform Fresno Unified? One way is to build stadiums at all high schools

As a school psychologist and former special education teacher who has worked 35 years in Fresno Unified, I study student learning. A stadium at every high school makes perfect sense to me. Could it be a start for bringing deep rooted transformation to a declining school system?

Right now, only McLane and Sunnyside have stadiums. The five remaining high schools are Bullard, Edison, Fresno High, Hoover and Roosevelt. Fresno Unified’s high schools lie at the heart of the distinct communities they serve. Each should stand as a beacon of excellence to encourage, inspire and guide students of all ages towards graduation. Among the myriad of practices shown to improve educational outcomes, putting stadiums at high schools synergistically combines three powerhouses: community & parent engagement + state-of-the-art facilities + strong athletics programs.

I got the epiphany about stadiums while riding my bike in Bullard neighborhoods and listening to voters as a candidate for the Fresno Unified school board. I am learning much from parents, many of whom are Bullard alumni. One father recently asked, “Do you know how many games have been at Bullard since it opened in 1955?” The answer, “One home game,” was both surprising and disheartening.

This has implications for the future of our children, and the future of Fresno. Mayor Jerry Dyer recently tied the future of Fresno to the effectiveness of schools when he said, “The truth is, the success of our city is largely dependent upon our educational institutions.”

Home stadiums that host athletics events, graduations, school celebrations and community events bring neighbors together who otherwise might never interact with one another. The resulting relationships provide a foundation of support for education, safety and the overall well-being of children in that community. Schools with strong community ties have higher test scores, more parent participation, fewer discipline problems, better attendance and a higher level of student, staff and parent satisfaction.

Look at the Madera South High School stadium.

It is possible to make this happen in Fresno Unified, and it’s not only possible, it is one of many strategic steps necessary to accelerate student achievement across the city. For once, a lack of funding is not an obstacle. With an annual budget of nearly $1 billion, almost double that of six years ago, abundant reserves in the bank and more than $684 million of one-time federal and state pandemic funding on the way, stadiums, facilities improvements and strong athletic programs can be a reality at every Fresno high school in the near future. There’s a good chance Fresno Unified can use existing spaces.

I am hopeful about Fresno schools. Solid athletics programs (and other extracurricular activities), though not the answer for every problem that plagues our schools, address more than you might expect. Strong athletics programs with state-of-the-art facilities will attract the best and brightest teachers, coaches and school leaders. Families will clamor to buy homes in Fresno neighborhoods because of the local schools, not in spite of them. Participation in sports teaches leadership skills and perseverance. The deep bonds often formed as a result of participation in sports inspires graduates to give back as teachers, coaches and mentors. For some, sports are the only reason for coming to school at all. Fresno Unified acknowledges the significance of developing strong athletics programs, as stated in their Mission Goal 2: All students will engage in arts, activities and sports.

Parents and voters, our children’s future hangs in the balance of the upcoming school board races in Fresno Unified. Five out of seven board seats are up for election within a year. I encourage you to make your voice heard, and take some time to meet the trustee in your area, as well as the candidates who are running. There is too much at stake for our children, and the future of Fresno, to sit this one out.