The fight for stability in Fresno’s education system took center stage on Feb. 12 as bus drivers, teachers and essential school workers rallied outside the Fresno Unified School District (FUSD) Board of Trustees meeting.
With union leaders and community supporters standing beside them, workers called for job security, student stability and critical classroom resources amid district decisions that could do away with all of that.
At the heart of the protest were SEIU Local 521 bus drivers, who are responsible for transporting students across the district. Their jobs are now at risk due to changes that fail to recognize just how important their jobs are to the community.
For many children, these drivers are more than transportation—they are a daily source of safety and consistency. Disrupting these positions will negatively impact the lives and access to education for students throughout the district.
Cuts, Pay Reductions and Uncertainty
The consequences of the FUSD’s recent decisions go far beyond bus routes. The Fresno Teachers Association (FTA) is sounding the alarm over the elimination of the Designated Schools program, a move that will impact more than 33,000 students and educators. Cutting this program means less instructional time, fewer classroom resources and even a 12% pay reduction for nearly 40% of FUSD teachers.
Teachers and staff now face an impossible choice: Absorb the financial hit or leave the district altogether. With high turnover already a problem, the FUSD risks losing experienced educators, further destabilizing classrooms. Schools need stability, and these cuts do the opposite.
The timing raises even bigger concerns. At the federal level, discussions around education funding suggest potential reductions, particularly for programs that serve low-income students. Title I grants—essential for schools like those in the FUSD—are at risk. If those cuts happen, districts already operating on tight budgets will face even more challenges.
A District at a Crossroads
So far, FUSD leaders haven’t offered a real solution. Union members and education advocates say the district has options to prevent layoffs and maintain student services, but those in charge haven’t taken action.
For teachers and school employees, this fight isn’t just about wages. It’s about keeping Fresno’s public education system functioning. Resources are already stretched thin, and further reductions will only widen the gaps students and educators are struggling to close.
What Happens in Fresno Won’t Stay in Fresno
As California’s fourth-largest school district, the FUSD’s decisions have the potential to influence other districts facing financial struggles. Teachers, school staff and students across the country are dealing with budget cuts, layoffs and policy shifts that put education on the back burner.
If these trends continue, more districts might follow Fresno’s lead—and not in a good way.
This isn’t an isolated issue. Teachers nationwide are overworked and underpaid. Students are losing access to programs designed to help them succeed. Schools in low-income areas, already at a disadvantage, are being hit the hardest. The U.S. government, both local and at large, seems to view public education as expendable.
What Comes Next?
Union leaders and school workers are making it clear: if the FUSD doesn’t act, they will. The rally outside the board meeting wasn’t a one-time event—it was a message. If district officials continue to ignore concerns, there will be more public pressure and even potential labor actions.
Educators and essential school staff aren’t asking for luxury—they are asking for fairness. They want to do their jobs without being forced into financial ruin. Working a full-time job and being able to afford basic needs shouldn’t be controversial— especially for the people educating and caring for our kids every day.
Public education is under attack from multiple directions, making this stance incredibly vital. Access to education must be protected.
