May 27, 2026

Central San Joaquin Valley K-16 Partnership Advisory Council

May 27, 2026

11:00 am – 1:05 pm

Madera Community College
30277 Avenue 12, Madera, CA 93638
Room TM-11

Link to Meeting Materials: https://bit.ly/Partnership_May2026

Call to order: Meeting called to order by Co-Chair J. Preston (LC) at 11:14am.

Present: J. Buckley (RC), M. Cantwell-Copher (FCSS), B. Davis (TKCCC / TCOE), M. Delgado (FLDUSD), N. Dodson (CTFF), B. Dooley (EECU), L. Flores (FMK16C), J. Gladney (NU), K. Hammerstrom (FMK16C), O. Largo (UCM), J. Martinez (Kings EDC), R. Mederos (KCOE), S. Medina (Farmersville USD), N. Moreno (Madera WDB), Co-Chair J. Preston (LC) A. Ramirez (CVHEC), N. Rico (FMK16C), D. Whisenhunt (FCC)

Partnership Business – Approval of November 13, 2025 meeting minutes (Action:M/S/A to Receive and File): Motion made by M. Cantwell-Copher (FCSS). Seconded by M. Delgado (FLDUSD). Motion carried.

K-16 Grant Partnership Updates:

  • K. Hammerstrom (FMK16C) provided a brief overview of the sessions included in the March 19-20, 2026, in- person site visit by representatives from OPSC and FCCC that focused on the Education pathway. Expressed gratitude for participants from across the region, which included 71 total (64 in-person and 7 via Zoom). At that point in time we had the largest group of student representatives with 25 total (22 from various high schools in our counties and 3 Fresno State students affiliated with CTFF). Brief in-person feedback from state representatives shared being impressed with student representatives, including that they clearly understood and were able to communicate they were in a pathway program.
  • K. Hammerstrom (FMK16C) confirmed that No Cost Extension (NCE) requests are still being considered for those who reach out to her. Across the 23 current K-16 projects there are 47 contract agreements with participating funded institutions. To-date 35 NCE requests have been received with 30 approved (85.7%), 1 denied (2.9%) and 4 reviews pending (11.4%) based on requested clarification and/or documentation related to invoicing and/or budget revision requests. The only NCE request that was denied was due to the lack of remaining funding and they were already projected to spend down by the current 6/30/2026 term. 20 projects have 1- or 2-year NCEs for at least one participating partner and 3 projects will close out in June 2026. Some additional funding is expected to be returned from these projects but exact value is uncertain as it is too early to calculate.
  • K. Hammerstrom (FMK16C) provided an overview of advocacy efforts. The 13 statewide Regional K-16 Collaboratives convene in a monthly community of practice and have recently begun coordinating on communicating ROI collectively (as an example, through December 2025 the Partnership projects have impacted ~32,000 students based on touchpoint reporting). Around half of K-16s are already in contact with state policymakers to thank for prior funding and advocate for continued support and investment. Noted the recent creation of a one-page advocacy resource that partners are encouraged to reference and share and the promotional video in development with Jeffrey Scott Agency (JSA). Thanked organizations who had willingly provided b-roll footage for potential inclusion as well as participants in the video interviews. Invited partners to share any highlights with the FMK16C team via email or social media tagging so that the FMK16C social media / website intern can cross-promote.
  • K. Hammerstrom (FMK16C) expressed gratitude to CTFF and Tulare WIB for support at the recent CA FWD: CA Stewardship Network event. Shared information about the anticipated Regional Investment Initiatives (RII-Jobs First), Round 2 – Upskilling High School Manufacturing/IT/Welding Instructors & Externships, which is part of an integrated cluster of manufacturing projects that act synergistically to transform the Central Valley’s manufacturing ecosystem – creating pathways to high-quality careers while boosting regional economic resilience. 10 high school instructors will be upskilled to identify disconnects between traditional mechanics/shop programs and new technologies in the region. They will review current courses in the pathways and identify connections to the new technologies communicated by manufacturing partners while identifying where industry certifications and training can be incorporated. A nomination form will be available for high school instructors and funding is anticipated to be available for participant stipends as well as substitute teacher coverage. 10 externships will be created. This project supports the talent pipeline ecosystem to help more people in our region access high-demand, high-wage jobs through clear career pathways and skill-building through upskilling high school instructors in manufacturing to meet employers’ needs by developing curriculum — with industry input – to prepare students to fill high-skilled, high-demand jobs. Instructors are trained to deliver relevant high-tech training in the skills and competencies identified by employers. Tulare County Workforce Investment Board (Tulare WIB) will work as a service provider for regional capacity-building and partnership facilitation services for workforce development across Fresno, Kings, Madera, and Tulare counties. Acting on behalf of the Fresno, Kings, and Madera Workforce Development Boards, Tulare WIB will build regional capacity by facilitating industry sector partnerships among workforce boards, education and training institutions, and industry representatives.
  • L. Flores (FMK16C) shared that with some remaining funds from an existing contract with the Career Ladders Project (CLP), FMK16C is seeking to respond to regional partner feedback and interest in convening centered on dual enrollment. It is tentatively planned to be a half-day working session facilitated by CLP to enable dual enrollment faculty champions and some of their high school partners to come together. Anticipating 40-60 participants with a target date of late September or October 2026. If interested in contributing to the planning efforts or staying informed of updates, reach out to L. Flores (FMK16C). O. Largo (UCM) expressed interest in potential collaboration and asked L. Flores (FMK16C) to connect with M. Salazar (UCM). A. Ramirez (CVHEC) also offered support with the planning process and participant recruitment.
  • B. Davis (TKCCC / TCOE) shared that unfortunately no awards were received in the prior round of K-12 SWP. Reaffirmed commitment to targeting strong partnerships with postsecondary institutions for stronger alignment and competitiveness.

Working Lunch – Data:

  • L. Flores (FMK16C) expressed gratitude to TKCCC and especially Heather Jones of TCOE for developing infographics of regional metrics that are not included in the state’s K-16 data templates. There are infographics created for the Partnership as a whole (all four counties), FMK16C (Fresno and Madera counties), TKCCC (Kings and Tulare counties), and each of the four counties individually. Noted that all infographic data is from publicly available sources as shown on the last page of the digital copies of the annual infographics with the exception of WBL, which is self-reported by K-12 district partners. The 2025 annual infographics (link) focus on direct comparison of changes in metrics from the prior year while the over time infographics (link) show trends from 2020. L. Flores (FMK16C) applauded the impact of regional work with nearly exclusive positive trends across metrics. While a decrease in WBL was observed, the types of WBL that decreased were guest speakers, job shadows and unpaid internships primarily. L. Flores (FMK16C) also provided a live demonstration of the new Central San Joaquin Valley K-16 Partnership Data Dashboard, which integrates regional metrics from the infographics along with the self-reported data on the state-provided templates from K-16 Collaborative funded projects.
  • B. Davis (TKCCC / TCOE) shared about the ongoing difficulties of consistency of these metrics, such as what is “counted” in terms of early college credit and CCI changes. Provided explanation of the operationalization of WBL self-reports by districts including guidance on how to quantify.
  • J. Buckley (RC) expressed excitement about the data, particularly the increase in postsecondary degrees and certificates. Expressed interest in whether it would be possible to examine Advanced Placement (AP) metrics and compare with dual enrollment trends.
  • O. Largo (UCM) encouraged sharing these infographics with other K-16 Collaboratives to see whether others are collecting similar data as these metrics could be utilized in aforementioned advocacy efforts.
  • M. Delgado (FLDUSD) applauded the data showcase overall.

Strategic Conversations:

  • Co-Chair J. Preston (LC) invited participants to engage in ~10 minutes of small group or partner discussions on relevant and timely topics. Suggestions included replicating Education and Health Pathways’ 2+2 alignment in other pathways; expanding workforce-education alignment in other sectors / building out the regional ecosystem in other sectors; and the use of AI in education and the role we have in preparing students for the workforce.
  • J. Buckley (RC) shared the importance of considering the quality of life within our region. The Central Valley is growing in terms of population but there does not seem to be an identified urban planning model. Questioned what will energy look like in 10 years and whether we will still be training solar installers or will another energy structure be more prominent? Similar consideration for railway, trucks, and others. Difficult to plan for the future when we tend to be on the more reactive side.
  • D. Whisenhunt (FCC) agreed and commented on the need for more intentionality. Homes are being built but want to avoid becoming a “boom town” when resources and infrastructure are not sustainable.
  • A. Ramirez (CHVEC) shared CVHEC has a workforce alignment group that has discussed AgTEC and mechatronics certifications that could potentially also provide an entrance to engineering. Shortages in healthcare pathways expected to continue as a focus.
  • N. Moreno (Madera WDB) acknowledged the importance of upskilling teachers, especially those who are bilingual.
  • M. Cantwell-Copher (FCSS) affirmed interest in upskilling paraprofessionals for general or SPED teaching credentials. Also commented on education’s role in developing readiness for AI.
  • Co-Chair J. Preston (LC) acknowledged AI is a big conversation with different dimensions. Consider what it looks like when used in the classroom setting as it applied to teaching and learning while also how are students being prepared to engage with and utilize it in their careers.
  • N. Dodson (CTFF) wondered what pathways will still be needed in the future given the potential impacts of AI. Agility of the education system is not necessarily a match for those of technological advancements and employer expectations.
  • B. Dooley (EECU) expressed that AI is another tool like the calculator so it is essential to equip the user with critical thinking skills.
  • Co-Chair J. Preston (LC) agreed and emphasized that AI is a “human+ machine” as we cannot remove humans. Subject matter expertise and critical thinking of the person using it is still required. Fresno State was mentioned as an example of creating efficiency in departments for certain tasks that can be automated without removing people but rather enabling them to focus on more human tasks like relationship building and outreach.
  • B. Davis (TKCCC / TCOE) affirmed the need to align postsecondary and workforce and build pipelines across the region. Mentioned challenges about ensuring certifications are meaningful and recognized by industry as well as WBL limitations with students under the age of 18.

Announcements & Adjournment:

  • M. Delgado (FLDUSD) expressed gratitude and shared this would be her final Partnership meeting as she is transitioning to a new district and position this summer. FLDUSD will determine a replacement proxy in near future as they are committed to this work.
  • Monday, November 9, 2026, 11:00AM-12:00PM CSJVK16P Advisory Council Meeting on Zoom
  • Monday, May 3, 2027, 11:15AM-1PM, CSJVK16P Advisory Council Meeting in-person (KCOE Hanford / Lemoore) with lunch provided
  • Meeting adjourned at 12:45pm.
Next Meeting of the Central San Joaquin Valley K-16 Partnership Advisory Council
Monday, November 9, 2026, 11:00 am–12:00 pm (ZOOM)