Fresno Unified’s Area 1 school board seat, currently held by outgoing trustee Keshia Thomas, will be decided by a crowded field of five candidates. The race draws a mix of public‑service experience, education expertise and community activism, reflecting the district’s focus on safety, fiscal responsibility and family‑centered learning.
Candidate Profiles
Miguel Arias (48) is the vice president of the Fresno City Council and has served on the council since 2019. With more than a decade of experience at Fresno Unified, including a stint as chief information officer, Arias emphasizes fiscal responsibility, safety reform and preserving neighborhood schools. He argues that recent budget cuts have weakened emergency response and specialty programs, and he proposes cutting administrative overhead before reducing classroom services.
“Schools are the hub of a good neighborhood,” Arias said. “We must stop mismanagement, be transparent, and invest in strong academic and athletic programs to keep families in our district.”
Rizpah Bellard (32) is a cattle rancher, agriculture educator and entrepreneur who runs housing for people with psychiatric disabilities through Fresno County’s Independent Living Program. Bellard’s platform centers on early‑childhood literacy, aiming for all children to read by age five, and on increasing parent and community engagement through quarterly neighborhood meetings and multilingual outreach.
She stresses the need to address chronic absenteeism by providing transportation and support for families with young children, and she pledges to listen to staff while safeguarding student safety.
Daren Miller (60) retired after 34 years in K‑12 education across Fresno, Clovis, Madera and Central Unified, most of it in administrative roles. Since retiring in 2024, he has worked as a substitute vice principal. Miller’s campaign highlights his deep knowledge of school operations and his commitment to maintaining strong academic standards and safe school environments.
Deshunna Ricks (42) is an education advocate and adjunct social‑work instructor who spent eight years counseling students on Fresno’s west side. She also managed the district’s Advancing Academic Acceleration & Achievement (A4) program. Ricks promises to expand counseling services, improve academic rigor and foster community input on district decisions.
Michelle Longoria is an education advocate focused on bilingual‑education access. Though she declined an interview, her endorsement by Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte signals a commitment to inclusive curricula and language support for diverse families.
Key Issues and Endorsements
The candidates differ on how to balance budget constraints with program quality. Arias stresses cutting central‑office costs first, while Bellard emphasizes early‑grade support and community meetings. Miller and Ricks both highlight the importance of strong leadership and transparent communication.
Endorsements range from local labor unions (Iron Workers Local 155, Carpenters Union Local 701, IBEW Local 100) backing Arias, to education‑focused groups and Pastor DJ Criner supporting Bellard. These endorsements reflect the district’s blend of labor, faith and educational interests.
Voters will receive a ballot that includes all five names, with the election slated for the November 2026 general election. The race is expected to be one of the most competitive in Fresno Unified, underscoring the community’s desire for strong, accountable leadership in its schools.
Original reporting: Fresnoland — read the source article.
