To the Fresno County Community,
My focus has, and always will be, on serving students and supporting educators. I wanted to respond publicly to a false narrative that has been distributed, and for the sake of our children, it is important to clarify the facts.
Kids Café: Operated at an annual $350,000 deficit for several years before I took office. To reduce costs and expand student opportunities, I restructured the program into a Produce Stand, which grew the Adult Transition Program student employment from 20 to 55. This strategic approach ensured more young people gained meaningful work experience, while substantially lowering overhead costs.
Fiscal Responsibility: I take seriously my responsibility to taxpayers to steward public funds in a way that builds and maintains public trust. As rising costs loom and the potential for reduced funding grows, it is my top priority that funds are allocated towards programs and services that directly correlate to student achievement.
Staff and Student Success: FCSS salaries have been raised to remain competitive and in line with increased cost of living, and I consistently redirected portions of our limited resources toward programs that directly serve students. In my tenure as Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, student outcomes have improved significantly.
Relationships: I have the support of many district superintendents and charter school leaders across Fresno County, and my public schedule and social media reflect a consistent presence in schools and communities. I will never leave our small, rural school districts behind when making Countywide decisions.
Media: Public speaking plays a large role in this position, and it is one that I am very comfortable with. I regularly engage with a wide range of audiences and remain committed to clear and transparent communication.
The changes we have made at FCSS were necessary: raising standards, addressing longstanding challenges, and being more fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars.
Our community deserves honesty, focus, and leadership committed to students, not distractions. I remain dedicated to transparency and to ensuring that every decision made in this office benefits the children of Fresno County.
Dr. Michele Cantwell-Copher
Fresno County Superintendent of Schools
