The Ripon Unified School Board voted last week to support the Consolidated Fire District assessment.

The action recognizes the need according to District Superintendent Rusty Clark for improved fire and emergency protection to support the school district’s 7 schools and more than 3,000 students.

The action was approved unanimously by Trustees Caroline Hutto, Harpol Chandar, newly appointed Michael Hogan and veteran board member Kit Oase.

Earlier in the meeting Superintendent Clark administered the Oath of Office to Michael Hogan to fill the seat vacated in May by Vince Hobbs.

Other key actions approved by the board included the adoption of a new School Facilities Master Plan for 2026-31, and the educational plan for the coming year called the Local Control Accountability Plan.

Meanwhile, ballots pertaining to the “Fire Protection and Emergency Response Services Assessment” may be returned by mail or in person to the Fire District’s offices at 142 South Stockton Avenue. Ballots may also be returned at a public meeting scheduled for Thursday, August 13, prior to the close of the public input portion of the hearing to be counted.