Students, teachers urge Central Unified board to save Central East computer science pathway

A line of students, parents and teachers told the Central Unified School District Board of Trustees that removing or reducing Central East High School’s computer science program would harm students’ academic and career prospects and strip the campus of a key mentor.

At least a dozen speakers took public comment during the board’s May 12 meeting to urge the board to preserve the program and the teacher known in testimony as “Mr. McDall.” French instructor Scott Donnag, who identified himself as a 28‑year district teacher, said the program’s extracurricular work and the teacher’s day‑to‑day mentoring are integral to student well‑being. “The loss of Mr. McDall from our school will be detrimental to the academic and mental health of our campus,” Donnag said.

Computer science teacher Lyall Mcdell told the board the campus program includes five courses, a 3D‑printing club of about 25 members, dual‑enrollment cybersecurity classes with Fresno City College, and other pathways that students use to gain college credit and job skills. “Cutting the computer science course of the high school would put our students at a disadvantage,” Mcdell said.

Students described practical outcomes they received from the program: internship leads, dual‑enrollment credits, 3D printed products sold in school fundraisers, and the kinds of teamwork and technical skills that helped some secure summer jobs. One student said the class helped them choose a college major; another said the teacher provided crucial emotional support during a difficult family period.

Speakers also described extracurricular programs tied to the teacher’s classes—an esports team, a 3D‑printing club and a cyber‑security pathway—saying those offerings are not available elsewhere in the district and that removing them would close the only route for some students into technology fields.

Board President Coreo responded to the comments by noting the matter was not on the agenda and that the board could not discuss or act on it during public comment, but added trustees were listening to residents’ concerns.

What happens next: The board did not take formal action on the comments during the meeting. Parents and students asked the board to place the program’s status on a future agenda so trustees can discuss and potentially reverse personnel or program changes that were the subject of the comments.