New Deputy Superintendent Announced

After a diligent search that spanned the state, included community and staff input opportunities, and more than a 12-member community/employee interview panel, Diane L. Lira, Ed.D. will assume the role of Deputy Superintendent, Instructional Services for the Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools on July 1, 2023. 

Diane's educational journey started 18 years ago as an elementary teacher and migrant summer school teacher for grades 7 - 12 in Kerman Unified School District. During her teaching career, Diane served on a myriad of committees and boards, including School Site Council, Parent Faculty Club Executive Board, English Language Advisory Committee, Positive Behavior Interventions Support Program Team, and Response to Interventions Collaboration Team. Diane's focus was always connecting with her students and parents at every opportunity to promote student success and to provide equitable opportunities for students of all backgrounds. 

In 2013, Dr. Lira started her leadership career as the Assistant Principal at Sun Empire Elementary and in 2017 she became the school site Principal. Diane continued serving Kerman Unified in other leadership capacities including the Director of Pupil Personnel Services and most recently as the Assistant Superintendent of Personnel. Diane's bilingual skills, curriculum expertise and calm demeanor have created a safe, trusting educational environment for all students. Dr. Lira's nearly two decades of successful experience in a local, high performing school district serving students with special needs, English learners, migrant students, and advanced students will be a great asset to the county office and Fresno County School Districts.