From housing to basketball, Fresno schools invest in the whole child

February 5, 2026

Fresno Unified invested $30 million in services for children and families that go beyond traditional academics, from housing assistance and food pantries to digital music production and lunchtime sports programs.

Teachers say the programs are getting students excited about being at school, and addressing some of the barriers that made it hard for them to get to school or to learn once there.

Guests:

Eugene Reinor, Principal, Fort Miller Middle School, Fresno Unified School District

Hector Giovanni Romero, Music teacher, Lincoln Elementary School, Fresno Unified School District

Lasherica Thornton, Reporter, EdSource

Read more from EdSource: Fresno Unified’s $30 million investment to support students is paying off

Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

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