The Denair Unified School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously to establish a five-person advisory committee that will recommend project-management options for the Measure Z modernization program. During a wide-ranging, two-hour meeting to kick off the 2025-26 school year, board members Ray Prock Jr., Billy Myers, Kathi Dunham-Filson, Andrea Bennett, and Jason De Muro took several minutes to ensure the language in the motion was precise. Ultimately, the board set a Sept. 11 deadline for the advisory committee to return with recommendations as to whether an individual project manager or a management firm should be hired. The advisory committee will be comprised of DUSD Superintendent Terry Metzger Ed.D., Chief Business Official Daisy Swearingen, Director of Facilities, Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation Mark Hodges, as well as Myers and De Muro — the two board members already seated on the Facilities Committee. Metzger pointed out that project management responsibilities have fallen largely on Swearingen and Hodges. “They’ve really been tasked with overseeing all the projects that are happening in the district,” Metzger said. “So, we researched the pros and cons of hiring a project manager vs. hiring a firm. We think that discussion really needs to happen with this advisory committee, and it may lead to an RFQP process or it may lead to bringing on someone in-house as project manager.” In other action items on Thursday, the board again voted unanimously to award course credits and establish a $30 stipend for the student board member position(s). Also, by a 5-0 vote, the board settled on Storer Transportation Services for its home-to-school and extracurricular transportation, and bus-fleet maintenance (effective July 1, 2025).

Items of note on the consent calendar, which was approved by a 5-0 vote, included:

• Ratification of payroll for June ($1,269,807.15 regular) and July ($875,127.37 accrual and $266,977.90 regular)
• Increasing the school nurse hourly rate from $45 to $65 per hour, beginning with this school year
• Applying for the Agriculture Incentive Grant to enhance DHS ag programs
• Approving a Memorandum of Understanding between DUSD and the city of Turlock’s Play Program, and outlining the after-school child-care program
• Approving a Memorandum of Understanding between DUSD and Pet Supplies Plus that will allow students to obtain work experience, job training, and on-site instruction
• Approval of the Foothill Horizons Outdoor Education Program — supported by naturalists to assist teachers — that will be attended by sixth-grade students April 14-17, 2026.

Earlier in the meeting, the board received an update from the school’s FFA department.

Roger Christianson, head of the agricultural department, talked about the program’s growth, and its performance at last month’s Stanislaus County Fair. “I looked back to when I started here – this is my sixth year – and we had seven exhibitors then,” said Christianson, who was joined for the presentation by fellow advisors Christian Obando and Melinda Rohn, and FFA members Kijhona Maciel, McKenzie Binkley, McKinley Binkley, Rin Rice, Addyson, Ramos, Brody Stallings, and 2025 Denair High School graduate ZAC Christianson. “This last year, we had 33 exhibits with 30 different exhibitors at the fair, so that’s how much we’ve grown over the past five years.” Another update presented to the board focused on the Coyote Closet, which provides clothing and household items for those in need.

Isela Arredondo, now a bilingual para-educator within DUSD, recounted how the Coyote Closet helped her family when as it dealt with a cancer diagnosis. “I had to be my husband’s caregiver 24/7, and my children’s ages at that time were 8, 3, and 1,” said Arredondo. “I will always convey to people that the Coyote Closet is a closet of answered prayers. Because of the closet, I was able to use our income for travel expenses for my husband’s treatment.” Prior to Thursday’s regular open meeting, the board met in closed session but reported no action. A special board meeting will be held on Aug. 28 at 5 p.m. (closed session to follow at 7). The next regular board meeting will be held Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. Both meetings will be in the leadership/board room, 3460 Lester Road, Denair.

Zenaida Moreno was born in McAllen, Texas, to migrant farmworker parents who shuttled between south Texas’ Rio Grande Valley and California’s Santa Clara Valley in seek of seasonal work. Thankfully, for the Denair Unified School District, Moreno ultimately settled in California. Last year, she worked with student support services and special education, as well as with the District Attendance Review Team (DART) and the Site Attendance Review Teams (SART). This school year, she’ll be managing Special Programs, as well as the Extended Learning Opportunities Program, all while maintaining her connection to DART.

Here are a few other things you likely didn’t know about one of Denair’s newest manager:

Family members: I have been married to my husband, Hector, for 26 years, and we have a 12-year-old son, Zaiden. He will start seventh grade at Denair Middle School.

Educational background: I attended school in south Texas. 

What attracted you to Denair? What drew me to the Denair Unified School District was its close-knit community. I grew up in a similar environment, where everyone knows one another and their families, and that gave me a deep appreciation for that sense of connection and support. I was especially touched by how staff took a personal interest in my son even before he began attending DECA. In Denair, students are truly seen, valued, and never go unnoticed. It’s clear this district is committed to nurturing each child as an individual, and that means everything to me as a parent.

What most inspires you about teaching? I do not teach, but I love the connection that I’ve made with a lot of students that I’ve seen grow up through the years. 

What is a challenge you look forward to tackling this year? The ELOP Manager position is a new addition to many districts this year, and I’m excited for the opportunity to implement and shape the program here at Denair. I look forward to identifying ways to continually improve it and ensure it provides meaningful benefits for our students.

What do you want your students to remember? I want our students to remember the genuine care and interest they received from our teachers and the entire Denair community. As adults, we often look back on our school years and recall one special teacher or staff member who made us feel seen and valued.

What can parents do to support you? Parents carry the important responsibility of raising their children, and when they entrust them to our schools, it is a responsibility we take very seriously. I believe strong communication between teachers and parents is essential to a student’s long-term success. When parents have questions or concerns, reaching out to their child’s teacher is one of the most effective ways to ensure the student receives the support they need both at home and in the classroom. A strong partnership between families and educators is key to helping every child thrive.

What’s something that would surprise people about your job? I believe many would be surprised by the extent of responsibilities involved in my role. I came to this position with a background in Student Support Services and Special Education, which has provided me with valuable experience in managing a variety of student programs. As part of my new role, I will continue to oversee several special programs that are already underway. Much of my work happens behind the scenes, it plays a critical role in supporting our students and ensuring programs run smoothly and effectively.

What do you do for fun? My family and I value quality time with close friends, whether we’re riding quads, enjoying each other’s company, or simply relaxing together. I also believe in the importance of self-care and make it a priority to set aside time for rest and rejuvenation. We love dancing, watching movies, and creating joyful memories together. 

One interesting, little-known fact about me is … I enjoy putting peanuts in my Coke after taking a little sip. Best snack ever! 

Thomas Hamilton knew from the time he was a student at Merced’s Golden Valley High School (class of 2018) that he wanted to be a teacher. And there was one specific instructor who influenced that decision.

“My physics teacher, Mr. (Michael) Boykin, was the most amazing teacher,” said Hamilton, who will teach seventh-grade math, as well as the STEM elective, for Denair Middle School’s 2025-26 term. “He was amazing, and I loved his class. Physics is a pretty hard subject and he made it seem easy. I was really inspired by him.” Hamilton was also a Young Life volunteer leader for six years, working with high school and middle school students. “I’ve always loved working with kids and known that I wanted to teach,” said Hamilton, who will be getting married during spring break in Hawaii.

Here are a few other things you likely didn’t know about one of Denair’s newest instructors:

Family members: I have a fiancée named Lauren and a stepdaughter named Brooklyn, who will turn 3 in September.

Educational background: Associate degree in physics from Merced College and a

bachelor’s degree in educational studies from Grand Canyon University.

Subject/grades taught: This is my first year teaching. However, I have experience

substitute teaching in both middle and high school, as well as coaching high school

athletics.

What attracted you to Denair? Denair strikes me as a very close community, where

the staff and students all know each other and work together very well.

What most inspires you about teaching? I am inspired by the many people who have

invested in my future and helped me to succeed in life, and I want to do the same for

the students in my class.

What is a challenge you look forward to tackling this year? I look forward to tackling

all of the challenges that I am sure to face as a first-year teacher. I have a lot to learn.

What is a favorite teaching tool or activity? I am a big fan of project-based learning,

especially hands-on activities.

What do you want your students to remember? I want my students to remember that

they have what it takes to achieve their goals as long as they stay focused and work

hard.

What can parents do to support you? Parents can support me by supporting their

children from home. I would also love to have open communication with parents about

how their children are doing in class, whether they need extra attention in a particular

subject or are doing especially well and deserve praise.

What’s something that would surprise people about your job? Middle-schoolers are

the coolest people in the world!

What do you do for fun? I enjoy being outside, whether it’s camping, hiking, or bike

riding. I love it all!

One interesting, little-known fact about me is … My little brother’s name is Sawyer,

so together we are Tom Sawyer. 

“Music makes us happy and helps us process our emotions,” says Laura Bishop, the new Beginning Music and Choir instructor for grades K-5 at Denair Elementary Charter Academy. “When I was in high school, I ditched piano lessons. I just thought, ‘I don’t want to do this anymore.’ I had other priorities. Now, I am so grateful I took piano for six years. I can play and it brings me so much joy.”

Bishop is looking forward to bringing that same level of joy and sense of accomplishment to DECA students during the 2025-26 school year.

Here are a few things you likely didn’t know about one of Denair’s newest instructors:

Family – I have two children: Aiden, who is 16 years old and a junior-to-be at Turlock High, and Leila, who is 13 and an eighth-grader-to-be at Dutcher Middle School. 

Educational background – I attended Bella Vista High School in Roseville (class of 1998), and I have a bachelor’s degree in child development from CSU Sacramento. This fall I will be working on my music teaching credential.

Grades taught – I will be teaching Beginning Music and Choir for grades K-5

What drew you to DUSD? – I like the close-knit community of DECA.

What most inspires you about teaching? – I love seeing my students get excited when they have mastered a new challenge, and I’m particularly excited about teaching music, because you get to see them progress from beginners to confident performers, composers or creators.

What challenge do you look forward to tackling this year? – I look forward to creating a children’s choir from scratch, and watching the children perform for their families and friends.

What is a favorite teaching tool or activity? – I plan to have a karaoke system in my classroom, and I have a feeling that Karaoke Fridays might become a big hit!

What do you want your students to remember? – I want my students to remember how much fun we had making music together and the happy memories that songs from our music class will bring them.

How can parents support what you do? – Parents can support what I do in the classroom by attending their children’s performances.

What is something that would surprise others about your job? – One of the things that has surprised me the most in my teaching career is the unexpected lifelong impact I’ve had on my students. One of my preschool student’s parents contacted me 15 years later to tell me that her son was the only teenager she knew that loved Norah Jones’ music. I would play it in my classroom each morning, and because of that, he studied piano, guitar, and became a lead worship singer in their church.

What do you do for fun? – When I am not working, I love spending time with my kids, relaxing in our back yard, cooking, traveling, attending musicals and all of their sporting events.

competition, with more than two dozen FFA students taking part in the annual event.

“I was definitely pleased with the overall performance,” said Roger Christianson, who serves as FFA advisor along with Melinda Rohn and Christian Obando. “The students’ overall work ethic, and that being reflected in awards, was great to see because we’re going against larger schools – Modesto, Turlock, Ceres – and winning awards against schools like that.”

“I believe the fair was super successful this year,” added Obando.

Here’s a recap of how Denair students fared at the 10-day event.

Beef:

• Incoming senior McKinley Binkley placed fourth in market (steer) and took first in her class for showmanship, advancing to the final drive where she placed sixth overall in the novice showmanship class.
• Incoming senior Salvador Virgen took third in market (steer).
• Incoming senior Mairany Rojas placed third in market (heifer).

Goats:

• Incoming freshman Kylie Hensley placed second in her market class, advancing to the next drive, but did not place. Kylie also took first in showmanship and advanced to the final drive, where she placed fifth overall in the novice showmanship class.
• Incoming sophomore Ryan Rohn Jr. placed fourth in market, first in his showmanship class, and advanced to the final drive where he placed eighth overall in the advanced showmanship class.
• 2025 DHS graduate Ana Rentería placed eighth in market and first in her showmanship class; she advanced to the final drive where she placed sixth overall in the novice showmanship class.
• Incoming senior Hailey James placed 13th in market and second in her showmanship class, advancing to the final drive where she placed third overall in the novice showmanship class.
• Incoming freshman Kijhona Maciel placed fourth in market.
• Incoming freshman Brody Stallings placed sixth in market.
• Incoming sophomore Sophia Virgen placed seventh in market.
• Incoming sophomore Emery Miranda placed eighth in market.
• Incoming junior Aaliyah Rodriguez placed eighth in market.
• Incoming senior Bryson Davis placed ninth in market.
• Incoming freshman Camryn Davis did not participate in market but performed well in showmanship.

Sheep:

• Incoming sophomore Anthony Zavala placed second in class and advanced to breed finals.
• Incoming junior Tiffany Mancilla placed second in class and advanced to breed finals.
• Incoming sophomore Arlene Gonzalez placed third in class.
• 2025 graduate Dakota Richards placed third in class.
• Incoming sophomore McKenzie Binkley placed fifth in class.

Swine:

• Incoming sophomore Rin Rice placed fourth in market class.
• Incoming senior Jason Araujo placed fourth in market class.
• Incoming senior Chace Butler got seventh in market class.
• Incoming senior Aaliyah Zacarias got eighth in market class.
• 2025 graduate ZAC Christianson took ninth in market class.

Miscellaneous

• Incoming freshman Jaydah Rodriguez, in the horticulture competition, received one first-place ribbon, three second-place ribbons, a one for third place for the vegetables she grew at the FFA farm.
• Zac Christianson showed LEGO exhibits and placed first for both of his entries – one was a pirate ship, and the other was a llama.

Sunday awards:

• Makenzie Miguel was named Outstanding Exhibitor for sheep and dogs. As a dog exhibitor, she took first place in advanced showmanship, and third place in true novice obedience. As a sheep exhibitor, she had the champion yearling ram, taking first place in both ram classes, while her ewes took second, third, and fourth place in class. She also took third place for a pair of ewe lambs, second place for young flock, and first place for get of sire. Miguel also received the award for small-animal master showmanship, which qualifies her to compete at the 2026 state fair.
• ZAC Christianson received a Merit Award for swine
• Denair FFA’s goat and sheep exhibitors received Clean Barn awards

“A lot of kids don’t realize how big a role ag plays in our area,” said Christianson, who pointed out that Denair FFA will be adding a sixth-grade program this coming school year. “It’s something of a shock to them when they first join the program. We try to foster an appreciation through our annual Ag Day and in our classes, teaching the students how important agriculture is to our community.”

Also competing for Denair FFA were Addyson Ramos and Carson Lee in the Novice Market Rabbits division, along with ZAC Christianson and Cloey Ellerd in the Advanced Market Rabbits category.

“All the students worked incredibly hard this season, learning new skills in showmanship, memorizing over 150 judging questions, and practicing daily with their meat-market rabbits,” said co-advisor Melinda Rohn. “It’s truly impressive how much they accomplished in just 30 days of working with their animals. I’m proud of each and every one of them.”