Nelson Named Interim Leader, Superintendent Search Moving Ahead

The Fresno Unified Board of Education named acting superintendent Bob Nelson as interim superintendent at a special board meeting Feb. 15. The board continues to move forward on a search for a new superintendent following its decision to buy out Michael Hanson's contract.

Nelson has worked for the district for 20 years, most recently as chief of staff. He has also served as superintendent of the Chawanakee Unified School District.

The board "looks forward to working with the community in a collaborative and transparent way on the search process for the next permanent superintendent" board president Brooke Ashjian said in a Jan. 30 statement.

Hanson's last day was Feb. 1, bringing to a close nearly 12 years as superintendent of the fourth largest school district in the state. He is credited with working with the board and staff to lift the district in a number of areas. During the past 12 years:

- The district emerged from financial crisis and averted a state takeover

- New and improved facilities were completed throughout the district

- The graduation rate increased 14.6% from 69.2% (2009) to 83.8% (2015)

- The dropout rate decreased 8.3% from 20% (2009) to 11.7% (2015)

- A-G course completion increase of 8.3% from 37.2% (2012) to 47.5% (2015) among graduating high school seniors

-The district's accountability system was broadened to include multiple measures of success

Nelson said that the work during the past 12 years created a firm foundation for continued stability for the district.