It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Clovis - Big Dry Creek Museum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Clovis, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Cottonwood Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Trelio Food & Wine or visit Garfield Schoolhouse Arch, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Clovis, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Clovis, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Clovis, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
What is the best internet provider in Clovis?When it comes to being the best internet service provider in Clovis, you can't go wrong with AT&T Fiber. Better yet, it's easily one of the best internet providers operating in the U.S., full stop. Our ...
When it comes to being the best internet service provider in Clovis, you can't go wrong with AT&T Fiber. Better yet, it's easily one of the best internet providers operating in the U.S., full stop. Our AT&T review notes that the fiber internet service is noted for providing an excellent connection at a terrific value. Additionally, it boasts the highest customer satisfaction scores of any ISP in the nation, coupled with symmetrical speeds of up to 5,000 megabits per second.
If you don't want AT&T Fiber for any reason, it doesn't mean you'll lose out on getting 1) a great deal and 2) an excellent internet service provider. After all, some other internet service providers offer cheaper prices and coverage where AT&T's network isn’t immediately available.
For those looking for the absolute cheapest internet service provider in Clovis, we recommend Xfinity. It's plans start at $20 per month. Be warned: that rate will likely increase in your second year. You will have the option to switch to a different provider if things get too pricey. There is also wireless home internet, such as T-Mobile and Verizon cellular networks, that serve the area. You’ll want fiber internet for the best speeds, but it’s a great backup for those who need it.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
The best internet deals and top promotions in Clovis depend on what discounts are available during a given time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Clovis internet providers, such as Verizon and Xfinity, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, including AT&T and T-Mobile Home Internet, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
It doesn’t end there: We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
The answer to those questions is often layered and complex, but the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
On average, Clovis, CA residents spend about $311 per month on electricity. That adds up to $3,732 per year.That’s 33% higher than the national average electric bill of $2,796. The average electric rates in Clovis, CA cost 35 ¢/kilowatt-hour (kWh), so that means that the average electricity customer in Clovis, CA is using 876.00 kWh of electricity per month, and 10512 kWh over the course of the year.This data is aggregated over the p...
On average, Clovis, CA residents spend about $311 per month on electricity. That adds up to $3,732 per year.
That’s 33% higher than the national average electric bill of $2,796. The average electric rates in Clovis, CA cost 35 ¢/kilowatt-hour (kWh), so that means that the average electricity customer in Clovis, CA is using 876.00 kWh of electricity per month, and 10512 kWh over the course of the year.
This data is aggregated over the past 6 months.
Solar saves you money by reducing or eliminating your monthly electric bill. The amount that you can save with solar in Clovis, CA is based on two factors: how much you spend on electricity now and how much of your electric bill you can offset with solar.
Based on the intensity and amount of sunlight hours in Clovis, CA, the average electricity customer in Clovis, CA will need a 5.8 kilowatt (kW) solar panel system to offset 100% of their annual electricity consumption of 10512 kWh per year. On the EnergySage Marketplace, solar shoppers in Clovis, CA pay an average of $16,000 for a 5.8 kW solar panel system prior to incentives.
The savings from offsetting 100% of an electric bill with solar can add up fast! Assuming an 5.9% annual increase in electricity prices and that you install your system with a $0-down loan, you can expect to save $3,700 in your first year, $21,000 over five years, $48,900 over 10 years, and $135,600 over 20 years on electric bills in Clovis, CA. Over your system’s lifetime you’ll save more by financing your solar system with a cash purchase, but you won’t start saving in year one. Learn more about how to finance your solar panel system.
Even if onsite solar doesn’t make sense for you, you can still participate in the clean energy transition and save on your electric bills by subscribing to a community solar farm. Community solar programs in Clovis, CA typically save you 5-15% in electricity costs over the course of the year. For the average electricity customer in Clovis, CA, 10% annual savings would amount to $373 in savings per year.
OPINION AND COMMENTARYEditorials and other Opinion content offer perspectives on issues important to our community and are independent from the work of our newsroom reporters.This fall 10 school districts across Fresno County are asking voters to approve $1.3 billion in new bonds.From Firebaugh to Parlier, the districts n...
OPINION AND COMMENTARY
Editorials and other Opinion content offer perspectives on issues important to our community and are independent from the work of our newsroom reporters.
This fall 10 school districts across Fresno County are asking voters to approve $1.3 billion in new bonds.
From Firebaugh to Parlier, the districts need to make repairs and renovate school buildings, as well as replace old plumbing and electrical systems. Energy and technology upgrades are planned. New classrooms are also needed to keep up with enrollment.
Why do school districts pay for new construction through bonds? The simple answer is that there really isn’t any other way for kindergarten-through-12-grade districts to do it. The percentage in state funding given to districts each year for preventative maintenance is woefully short of the need. Yet the Fresno Unified School District, the third-largest district in California, has about $2.5 billion in renovation and maintenance needs, and that number just keeps growing.
The two biggest bond measures on the Nov. 5 ballot are in Fresno and Clovis.
Opinion
Fresno Unified has Measure H. It asks voters to back $500 million in new bonds. For the Clovis Unified School District, Measure A would issue $400 million in bonds. Both measures require approval by 55% of those casting ballots.
The Editorial Board interviewed school officials in Fresno and Clovis about their measures, and came away impressed with how well the proposals are organized. The needs in both districts are significant, and The Bee Editorial Board recommends voters approve Measure H and Measure A.
Here are more details on the measures in Fresno and Clovis.
The first thing to know is that 67% of the district’s schools were built before 1970. Paul Idsvoog, Fresno Unified’s chief of operations, said some campuses date to the 1920s and still rely on clay pipes in their plumbing systems.
Such outdated plumbing could suffer a major failure at any moment, leaving a school without water. That is a chief concern of interim Superintendent Misty Her. “The last thing we need is to have 800 kids to not be able to go on (a campus) because we’ve got plumbing out at a school,” she said.
While the project list for the bond is still being finalized, updating plumbing, heating-cooling and electrical systems is a key focus. So too is improving student safety. That means creating single access points and improving pedestrian routes at campuses.
Fresno Unified has more than 1,000 portables, and some are sinking because they were originally placed on dirt, not a cement pad. So outdated portables would be replaced.
In addition, Measure H funds would establish a 17-acre farm for a new plant and animal science program. And an aviation academy at Chandler Airport would be created so students could learn about aviation and even earn a pilot’s license at graduation.
The monies would be spent among the district’s seven high school areas, but would be prioritized so that greatest needs would be handled first, Idsvoog explained.
The bond is the largest ever sought by Fresno Unified, and would be an average annual charge of $58 per $100,000 of assessed property value. The highest the rate would go is $60 per year; the bond repayment would run through 2065-66.
To put it another way: The maximum aggregate tax that property owners will pay for Fresno Unified bonds would be $238.86 per year.
No teachers or other staff would be paid for by the bond. Rather, “it is just looking at, how do we provide safer schools,” said Her. “How do we update our classrooms for learning, and repair and upgrade our schools so that we can really prepare our students for careers that have yet to be imagined?”
The answer, Her explained, is Measure H.
The district needs to finish building its newest high school, Clovis South, which is part of the Terry Bradley Educational Center at Highland and Clinton avenues. Part of the $400 million bond will do just that so students can begin attending the Sanchez Intermediate School in 2025. Sanchez Intermediate will feed grades 7-9 into Clovis South.
A citizens committee advised the Clovis school board on how large the bond issue should be and for what it can be used. Repairing and renovating is a major task — 30 of the district’s 55 schools are more than 30 years old.
New schools will also be funded from the bond, and energy, technology and safety upgrades will be made.
Todd Cook, chair of the citizens committee, said a key aspect to the bond is that it won’t raise the tax rates paid by district residents. The rate — $155 per $100,000 of assessed valuation — will remain the same, the level it has stayed at since 2012. This despite the fact the district has a need for $550 million in facility work.
The argument against both bond measures is from the Libertarian Party. It accuses public officials of corruption and misuse of public funds. Is it political screed? Yes. Does it address the measures specifically? No. Its relevance is dubious.
It bears repeating: There isn’t another good option for districts to get the funding they need to repair and modernize their schools. The students of today — and tomorrow — deserve safe, updated campuses in which to learn.
Add in the state requirement that school bonds have independent citizens oversight to make sure they are being spent correctly, and voting in support makes sense. Fresno and Clovis voters should pass Measures H and A.
The Fresno Bee’s Editorial Board interviews candidates for elected office, then discusses the merits of each before making a decision on whom to recommend.
The Editorial Board consists of Opinion Editor Juan Esparza Loera, opinion writer Tad Weber and McClatchy Central Valley Editor Don Blount.
Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
This story was originally published October 5, 2024, 2:47 PM.
READ MOREThis November, the Clovis Unified board has four open seats and two races - incumbents Steven Fogg and Yolanda Moore are running unopposed. Click the arrow below to read the profiles of the candidates.Expand AllThe longest-serving member on the Clovis Unified school board, ophthalmologist Dr. Steven Fogg, says he’s running for a third term to maintain stability on the board.Fogg, who runs an eye care practice with more than 100 employees, was first elected to the Clovis board in 2016, when board...
This November, the Clovis Unified board has four open seats and two races - incumbents Steven Fogg and Yolanda Moore are running unopposed. Click the arrow below to read the profiles of the candidates.
The longest-serving member on the Clovis Unified school board, ophthalmologist Dr. Steven Fogg, says he’s running for a third term to maintain stability on the board.
Fogg, who runs an eye care practice with more than 100 employees, was first elected to the Clovis board in 2016, when board trustees were elected “at-large.”
Fogg said he joined the board because he felt indebted to the district’s teachers, who helped his struggling son learn how to read. Fogg says he tries to give back to the school district by mentoring students who are interested in becoming physicians.
“Coaches brought my son in, made him feel important and kept him in school. He is now a car salesman,” Fogg said. “As a father, sometimes you can’t do anything, so I’m so indebted to the teachers and coaches of Clovis Unified, I could never pay that back.”
An incumbent of Clovis Unified’s Area 5, Fogg is running unopposed. The Fresno Bee sat down with Fogg to talk about his priorities for the next term. Answers are edited for length and clarity.
Why are you running for re-election?
Our board now is relatively young. I’m the most senior member of the board and it’s only been eight years since I was elected. It’s my obligation and duty to help train new board members how we work in Clovis Unified. We don’t fight about things, we discuss them as adults. We are unified in student achievement.
When boards aren’t unified, the administration is not unified and the schools aren’t unified. We have one vision: student achievement, student welfare and student well-being. We have cared for staff and teachers and administration, and it comes from and for that one reason.
Clovis Unified is changing from an “at-large” to a “trustee-region” voting system. How could it change the board?
That’s probably the worst thing that happened since I’ve been on board. In the past, I would visit schools from all over the district. They’re all mine. There’s no school that wasn’t important to me because the whole district was mine. They all elected me and I was responsible for everybody. Superintendent Bob Nelson at Fresno Unified mentioned in one of the articles that the district started having more conflict once they went to areas. “I’m only worried about my little section, you’re worried about your section.” Now, it becomes divided and conflict increases, it’s not about the whole district anymore.
Having individual elected areas does not help student achievement. There’s no data that when Fresno Unified did that, student achievement increased and cooperation between board members increased.It was just the opposite.
We delayed it for as long as we could until we were forced to do it. I think it’s the worst thing that’s happened to our district and we made our decision that we’re not going to let this divide us. I want to stay here until I feel that the vision I was given is passed on. I want to make sure whoever comes on has that vision.
So one of my goals is, as the senior member of the board, to show the other members, “This is how we run Clovis Unified.” When people start to become selfish and divided, I gotta remind them, “No, that’s not what Clovis Unified is.” We don’t say, “What’s mine and what do I get out of it,” it’s what I can give to the region.
What are the biggest challenges facing Clovis Unified?
The biggest challenge we have is our success. The builders want to make Clovis Unified a destination school district. We demand a lot from our staff, teachers and students. We expect a lot. Because of that we are growing very rapidly.
We got a new school we’re trying to build. We ran out of money because of inflation. Now we have to go ask for more money. I hate asking for more money, but what choice do we have? We need a school for our kids. We’re not going to stop people from moving in, but it is a real challenge of how we balance it. The builders are building faster than we can provide seats for students. We want smaller classrooms, but they keep putting more kids in our district.
Clovis Unified leans conservative in a progressive state. How does that impact the district?
Yes, the state brings down mandates that may not be in agreement with all of our parents. They moved to Clovis because they like the values we have, but the state is imposing state values rather than local values. When a state doesn’t allow a local school district to be locally run, it’s frustrating. Nevertheless, we try to obey the laws given to us, but we may do it differently than other districts because that is what people want in Clovis. We want to meet those expectations. When a kid goes to school, he knows there’s going to be a certain level of conduct.
What do you think about teachers unionizing?
I’m very much a data person. I have not seen any school district unionize and increase their student achievement. If that would improve the overall education for our students, we should do that, but I don’t see that in the data.
There are a lot of efforts for unionization because teachers don’t feel like they’re being heard or their needs are being met. I give everyone my cell phone number, I make myself very available to any teacher, not just a representative of a group, but anyone in the district who wants to talk to me so you can have direct access to a board member who makes decisions.
Over the years, I’m always the one who’s looked at the salaries and the benefits, and we do the very best we can with the budgets. It’s so much more efficient when you can talk to people directly without going through another organization. When you go through another organization, it becomes more confrontational. It becomes less like a family, because these people are my neighbors, they’re my patients. I do surgery on a lot of people who work at Clovis Unified. I would never ignore them. I hope they will never need a separate organization to be representative as long as I’m on the board.
This story was originally published September 30, 2024, 5:30 AM.
The Fresno Bee
Leqi Zhong is the education reporter for The Bee. She is a graduate of UC Berkeley with a Master’s degree in journalism. Before moving to the Central Valley, she covered tech, business, and internet safety and regulations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Leqi grew up in China and is native in Cantonese and Mandarin.
Rob Pokorny, a cherished resident of Clovis, CA, has passed away unexpectedly, leaving a profound impact on his family, friends, and the community. Known for his sense of humor, his willingness to help others, and his strong faith, Rob’s passing has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew him. He was remembered fondly for his love of storytelling, outdoor activities, and his dedication to his family.A GoFundMe campaign has been set up by Lesley Hayes to help cover the costs of Rob’s cremation and celebration of li...
Rob Pokorny, a cherished resident of Clovis, CA, has passed away unexpectedly, leaving a profound impact on his family, friends, and the community. Known for his sense of humor, his willingness to help others, and his strong faith, Rob’s passing has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew him. He was remembered fondly for his love of storytelling, outdoor activities, and his dedication to his family.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up by Lesley Hayes to help cover the costs of Rob’s cremation and celebration of life. The unexpected nature of his passing has placed a significant financial burden on his family, and any support—whether through donations or sharing the campaign—is greatly appreciated.
Many in the community have shared their thoughts on social media, expressing their sorrow and offering condolences. Brandy Hickinbotham Hamilton-Scott shared, "Sweet Robby. At peace and with cousin Robby Pokorny. Please support this family – my family." Missy Michelle added, "I’m sorry. I shared." Kathy Sisk also commented, "Very sad. I pray for the family. To have peace and strength during this time."
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Donations have started to come in, with contributions from individuals like Keri Podergois, who recently donated $50, and Caryl Pokorny, who generously contributed $250. These acts of kindness reflect the support and love the community has for Rob and his family during this difficult time.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Rob Pokorny. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, and we hope they find peace and comfort in the memories they shared with him. May his soul rest in peace.
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| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Rob Pokorny |
| Fundraiser Created By | Lesley Hayes |
| Goal Amount | Not specified |
| Amount Raised | Donations from community members including $250 |
| Location | Clovis, CA |
| Purpose | Funeral expenses, cremation, and celebration of life |
SOCIAL MEDIA REACTIONS: About Rob pokorny
Note:This post was written and edited by Mason Smith, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.
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