Clovis Unified School District will be on the hunt for a new superintendent to replace Eimear O’Brien, who called a press conference Thursday to announce her retirement.
The big picture: O’Brien joined Clovis Unified in 1996 as a third-grade teacher at Maple Creek Elementary, eventually working her way up as the principal of Clovis West High School and assistant superintendent of the Clovis West area before being named as superintendent in 2017, succeeding Janet Young.
- While O’Brien has a contract that runs through June 2024, she will be stepping down a year ahead of time on June 30.
What we’re watching: The search to replace O’Brien will begin immediately. Clovis Unified School Board President David DeFrank said the board will hold a special meeting on Monday to kick off the process.
- O’Brien and several other CUSD superintendents were promoted from within to the district’s top job, but the board will consider conducting a national search to find the right candidate.
What they’re saying: O’Brien said she is stepping down to help care for her aging mother in Ireland.
- “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity allowed me by the seven individuals serving on our Governing Board to lead the Clovis Unified School District,” O’Brien said. “Through challenging times, our Governing Board has worked with me to keep the best interests of our students and the well-being of the people who serve them as our first priority.”
