Fresno-Madera K-16 Collaborative Executive Steering Committee
February 25, 2025
3:00pm-4:30pm
ZOOM: https://fresnostate.zoom.us/j/82870704634?pwd=s8gm1GAObBViVp60933Hbka98gtKah.1
Link to Meeting Materials: https://bit.ly/ESC_Feb25_25
Meeting called to order by Chair C. Goldsmith at 3:03pm.
Attendees: Chair C. Goldsmith (SCCCD), M. Delgado (FLDUSD), M. Vang (Madera WIB), E. Cunha (NU), A. Reyna (CVHEC), M. Salazar (UC Merced), M. Snell (CTFF), D. Lira (FCSS), J. Ward (FUSD)
N. Dodson (CTFF), K. Hammerstrom (FMK16C), L. Flores (FMK16C), S. Lambert (FMK16C), R. Klassen (FMK16C)
- Executive Steering Committee Business: Approval of August 27, 2024 Meeting Minutes and November 14, 2025 Partnership Advisory Council Meeting Minutes (Action: M/S/A to Receive and File):
- Due to lack of quorum at today’s meeting, the minutes will be distributed to ESC members via email for an electronic vote.
- Strategic Conversation: DEI and K-16 (US DOE Dear Colleague Letter):
- Partners discussed the impact of recent events on state and federal-funded projects, noting that despite uncertainties, work is proceeding.
- Concerns raised were regarding the potential federal funding cuts and increased scrutiny on DEI initiatives.
- Chair Goldsmith reiterated the importance of timely invoicing, with a reminder to ensure all submissions are completed promptly.
- Budget: 2025-26 GOVERNOR’S BUDGET EDUCATION OMNIBUS TRAILER BILL (2/1/25) (TBL):
- Executive Director Hammerstrom discussed the Governor’s Trailer Bill language, which has three key impacts on K-16 Collaboratives statewide, if ultimately approved.
- Specified pathway restrictions removed (previously Business, Education, Engineering, and Health).
- New language aligns pathways with primary sectors in collaboration with Jobs First Initiative. In our region, this falls under the Sierra San Joaquin Jobs Initiative (S2J2) led by Central Valley Community Foundation.
- Extended timeline for second pathway implementation from June 2026 to June 2028 and extended funding encumbrance period from June 2026 to June 2030.
- Our Collaborative remains on track for 2026 Health Pathway implementation. Upon completion, grant requirements for two fully implemented pathways will be met.
- We have exceeded expectations on Recover with Equity grant elements across all projects.
- TBL has not yet passed, but PSD and others anticipate approval, as it does not require new funding.
- Executive Director Hammerstrom discussed the Governor’s Trailer Bill language, which has three key impacts on K-16 Collaboratives statewide, if ultimately approved.
- Budget: Operational Cost through 6/2028 and Unencumbered Funds (Action: M/S/A):
- Action Item Postponed – Will be sent out to ESC via email for electronic vote due to lack of quorum.
- Unencumbered funds for Fresno-Madera region as of February 18, 2025 – $1,427,766
- Annual Operating Costs (excluding lease): $565,000. Covers four full-time employees.
- Minus operational costs, approximately $300k would remain to put towards seed money for a region wide project that was across the four counties.
- Budget: OPSC Additional Funding (Action M/S/A):
- Action Item Postponed – Will be sent out ESC via email for electronic vote due to a lack of quorum.
- Background on Additional OPSC Funds
- In the previous year, OPSC offered each K-16 Collaborative an additional $479,000.
- Initially, funds were withdrawn but recently OPSC has reinstated the funding offer.
- Discussions regarding additional funding were held between Executive Director Hammerstrom, Chair Goldsmith, Vice Chair Jiménez-Sandoval, and Tulare-Kings College and Career Collaborative (TKCCC) leadership.
- Considered in the context of potential expanded operations under the Partnership umbrella.
- When combined with the previously mentioned $300k, funding could support new regional initiatives.
- Budget: Subawardees with Opportunities for Improvement (Progress and Invoicing):
- Emphasis on timely invoicing for all projects.
- Only 19% of project funds (excluding operational costs) have been invoiced. Based on the original timeline, invoicing should be between 40-60% at this stage.
- Submit invoices monthly to stay on track. At a minimum quarterly invoicing is recommended to maintain accurate records and ensure compliance.
- Reach out with any concerns about projects or partner issues to develop a proactive plan.
- Virtual Site Visit: OPSC/The Foundation for California Community Colleges (FCCC) Virtual Site Visit:
- Dates for May 2025 have been submitted, but final confirmation is pending.
- Three 30-45 minute sessions with two breaks, totaling 120 minutes.
- Session 1 – Region-specific questions; Session 2 – Collaborative successes and challenges; Session 3 – Engagement with Jobs First Initiative, Education Master Plan, and sustainability efforts.
- Board members and partners may be asked to participate in specific sessions. Guidance and key discussion points will be provided in advance.
- Once dates are confirmed, an update will be shared with the board.
- During statewide K-16 discussions, it was discovered that FCCC/OPSC had not reviewed quarterly reports before drafting site visit questions.
- Some questions were based on verbal feedback from the previous year’s site visit, though concerns have likely already been addressed in submitted reports.
- Moving forward, efforts will focus on organizing past responses to provide clear and comprehensive updates during the site visit.
- Executive Director Report: Marketing Webinar:
- Upcoming Marketing Webinar on March 19, 2025 from 3-4pm focusing on our campaign “Explore It. Achieve It.” highlighting our four pathways: Engineering, Business, Health, and Education.
- Link to Register for Upcoming Webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0SAuQ7PaT42KHxJfw_jUUA#/registration
- Resources will be available for institutions or businesses interested in promoting or aligning with the campaign.
- Marketing webinar is focused on sector pathways for students, adult learners and incumbent workers.
- The webinar will be recorded and available for asynchronous viewing.
- New Micro-Website: Set to launch soon, dedicated to the four pathways.
- Features:
- Clean and concise design.
- Pathway inventory: Listing all schools offering the four pathways.
- The website is expected to be well-received.
- Features:
- Executive Director Report: Job Shadow Week Report:
- Job Shadow Week was held during the week of February 3-7, 2025, with special thanks to FMK16C Business Engagement Coordinator, Rachel Klassen, for coordinating efforts.
- Over 120 students participated from four districts (Fresno Unified, Sanger Unified, Burton Unified, and Visalia Unified), with 22 industry partners involved.
- Zach Green Films will be assisting in creating a video featuring employer interviews about work-based learning highlighting positing outcomes for both students and businesses.
- Sanger Unified and California Teaching Fellows have been approached for participation in the video.
- Announcements & Adjournment:
- Last meeting of the academic year will be held in person on June 2, 2025 from 10am to 1pm at the Kings County Office of Education, Lemoore Service Center located at 876 E. D Street in Lemoore. The FMK16C ESC meeting will occur from 10am to 10:50am and the Central San Joaquin Valley K-16 Partnership Advisory Council will occur from 11am to 1pm. Lunch will be provided.
Meeting adjourned at 3:43pm.