Multiple Challengers Seek Fresno Unified's Edison Seat

Rizpah Bellard, Deshunna Ricks, and others vie for Area 1 school board position

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Several candidates are preparing to run for the Fresno Unified School District Area 1 school board seat, including rancher and educator Rizpah Bellard, education advocate Deshunna Ricks, and community activist Daren Miller. The election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, with the filing window opening on July 13.

Why it matters

The Area 1 seat on the Fresno Unified School District board represents the southwest region of the district, including the Edison High School area. This is a competitive race with multiple challengers, indicating the importance of this position in shaping the future of education in the community.

The details

Rizpah Bellard, a rancher and educator with an Ivy League background, launched her campaign in November 2025 and has already loaned herself $11,250. Deshunna Ricks, who has a doctorate in education and teaches at local colleges, is running on a platform of improving academic performance for underserved student groups. Daren Miller, a former Fresno County Education Board trustee, is also eyeing the seat. Incumbent Keshia Thomas, who represents the Edison High region, is running for Fresno City Council District 3, which could open the door for her to seek re-election to the school board if she doesn't win the council race.

  • Rizpah Bellard launched her campaign in November 2025.
  • The filing window to run for the school board seat opens on July 13, 2026.
  • The election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.

The players

Rizpah Bellard

A rancher and educator with an Ivy League background who launched her campaign for the Fresno Unified Area 1 school board seat in November 2025.

Deshunna Ricks

An education advocate with a doctorate in education who teaches at local colleges and is running on a platform of improving academic performance for underserved student groups.

Daren Miller

A community activist and former Fresno County Education Board trustee who is also eyeing the Fresno Unified Area 1 school board seat.

Keshia Thomas

The current Fresno Unified trustee representing the Edison High region, who is running for Fresno City Council District 3.

Ingram Tate

A potential candidate who has filed fundraising paperwork for the Fresno Unified Area 1 school board seat.

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What they’re saying

“I believe in high academic achievement. I believe in opportunity. I believe in the power of education and the opportunities it can give you in life.”

— Rizpah Bellard (gvwire.com)

“Our children deserve the best. I know that in Fresno Unified, certain student groups have historically underperformed.”

— Deshunna Ricks (gvwire.com)

“I desire to use my 34 years of educational experience to help improve academic outcomes, increase school safety, and redirect decades of underperformance in FUSD.”

— Daren Miller (gvwire.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This competitive race for the Fresno Unified Area 1 school board seat highlights the importance of education in the community and the diverse perspectives and experiences of the candidates vying for the position.