March 19, 2003
State Schools Chief O'Connell Names Local Educator
to Manage West Fresno Elementary School District
SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell has named William R. Griffin to serve as state administrator of the West Fresno Elementary School District in Fresno County. Griffin will work with the state's independent Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) to review the troubled district's financial management practices and restore it to fiscal solvency.
Assembly Bill 38, authored by Assembly Member Sarah Reyes (D-Fresno), and signed by Governor Gray Davis on March 6, provides for state takeover of the West Fresno district and allocates a $2 million loan. The general fund money is to be paid back by the district over 10 years with interest. During the state takeover, the district's school board will have no governing power and members will not receive any compensation.
A recent audit by FCMAT found that the West Fresno district, which has only two schools and 1,000 students, needed $2 million to avoid bankruptcy. Because this is more than 200 percent of its reserves, state law required a takeover until the district becomes solvent. Only four other California school districts have undergone such a step.
"It is imperative to quickly resolve this fiscal crisis and bring stability to the district," said O'Connell. "I am pleased Bill Griffin has accepted the challenge to establish a stable, effective learning environment for the children of West Fresno. Mr. Griffin is committed to working with staff and parents to provide a rigorous standards-based educational system that will prepare these students for the future."
The administrator will have full authority and responsibility for district decisions, including leases, contracts, labor negotiations, curriculum, and operations. The district will remain under state control for at least a year. When state officials agree the district's health has been restored, governance can be returned to the elected school board.
Griffin has been superintendent of the Washington Union High School District for the past 12 years. He has spent more than 35 years as an educator in a variety of capacities, including learning director, coordinator of athletics and physical education, classroom teacher, and varsity coach.
Griffin earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1968 from California State University, Fresno. He has a Master of Science degree earned in 1972 from the same institution. In addition to earning a lifetime teaching credential, Griffin holds a lifetime school administrative services credential.
