Former Clovis Unified Superintendent Eimear O’Brien is taking the same job with Central Unified School District on an interim basis.
The Central Unified Board of Trustees voted unanimously to appoint O’Brien as the Interim Superintendent on Tuesday.
Driving the news: Central Unified parted ways with former Superintendent Ketti Davis two weeks ago in an amicable agreement.
- Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Tami Boatright served as the Administrator in Charge of the district since Davis departed.
State of play: O’Brien, who has had a career in education for four decades, spent 26 years with Clovis Unified.
- She started as an elementary school teacher in 1996 and worked her way up to become the principal of Clovis West High School. That led to her becoming the assistant superintendent of the Clovis West area and her eventual hiring as the district superintendent in 2017.
- O’Brien left Clovis Unified in 2023 to care for her aging mother in Ireland.
What we’re watching: While the Central Unified board will decide on a path forward to hiring a permanent superintendent, O’Brien has already signaled her future plans, saying last year that she will run for the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools in 2026.
What they’re saying: “Dr. O’Brien’s extensive experience as an educator and superintendent is exactly the leadership Central Unified needs at this critical moment,” said Board President Naindeep Singh Chann. “Her unwavering commitment to education embodies the guiding principles of our district. With her leadership, we will see an unyielding focus on student success, high expectations paired with strong support, and a clear path for our district to thrive as we close out the school year.”
- O’Brien said she is humbled by the opportunity to serve Central Unified.
- “As we approach the final stretch of the school year, my focus is on ensuring stability, maintaining high expectations, and keeping student achievement at the forefront,” O’Brien said. “Every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, and I am committed to making sure their needs are met so they can reach their fullest potential in the classroom and beyond.”
