Superintendent's Message - Two-Year Report
January 2025
Two Years of Leadership: A Brighter Future for Fresno County Students
As your elected Fresno County Superintendent of Schools (FCSS), you have entrusted me to navigate both the challenges and opportunities that shape the educational experiences of our students. As I reflect on these past two years, I share with you not just a report, but a commitment to the future we are building together. Last month marked the second anniversary of my tenure, and it is the perfect moment to celebrate the power of community, resilience, and collaboration. As we move forward, we continue to face challenges with unwavering determination. Together, we will ensure that our educational system evolves to meet the needs of all students and prepares them for the world ahead. Let’s celebrate the key accomplishments and highlights that are shaping a brighter future for all students.
A Unified Vision for Success
In 2023, we completed a countywide strategic plan, a shared vision built in collaboration with students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. This plan aligns our goals, focuses our efforts, and ensures that every student, no matter where they come from, has an equitable chance to thrive.
If you’re interested in learning more about this transformative roadmap, I invite you to read our strategic plan, which can be found on the front page of our website at www.fcoe.org.
Improved Student Achievement Across Fresno County
Our students are making significant strides. Test scores across Fresno County are improving, reflecting the dedication of our educators, families, and students. Fresno County’s English Language Arts scores increased from 42.8% in 2023 to 44.3% in 2024, while math scores rose from 30.4% to 32.18% during the same period.
I am especially proud of the progress made by our economically disadvantaged students, who have shown measurable improvement. For example, English Language Arts scores increased from 35.27% to 36.81%, and math scores grew from 22.91% to 24.98%. These gains represent much more than numbers, they reflect hard work, perseverance, and the power of a supportive community.
CTEC High School, a specialized career technical education charter school operated by FCSS, continues to deliver outstanding results. With pathways in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and commercial construction, CTEC not only provides rigorous academics but also equips students with the skills necessary for success in both college and the workforce. An impressive 80% of CTEC students demonstrate proficiency in English Language Arts, 80% graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree, and 55% secure employment immediately upon graduation, a testament to the school’s strong academic foundation and career readiness programs.
Financial Stewardship
Leadership isn’t just about vision; it’s about accountability and fiscal responsibility. When managing public funds, every dollar matters, especially when invested in our most valuable asset: our young people. Through careful planning and prioritization, we have maximized the use of taxpayer dollars, ensuring they are directed where they are needed most. Since January 2023, our office has saved over $2 million by addressing operational inefficiencies. Across the agency, departments have demonstrated a strong commitment to meeting the needs of our students while maintaining transparency and financial accountability.
This focus on smart spending has allowed us to support programs that directly benefit Fresno County students and make a real difference in classrooms and communities.
Creating Safe Schools and Opportunities for All Students
Every child deserves an education that prepares them to achieve their goals and aspirations, no matter their background or circumstances. To further this commitment, we launched the Inclusive Practices Department this past summer, an exciting step toward creating learning environments where every student can succeed. This new department partners with districts to develop solutions that best serve vulnerable and at-promise students, promoting academic achievement, technical assistance, and professional learning opportunities.
Respecting students means centering their needs in every decision we make. By working with system partners and small community-based organizations, we’re addressing challenges and building pathways for students to reach critical milestones. These partnerships reflect our shared responsibility to provide students with the tools they need to realize their full potential.
Looking Ahead
While we celebrate the progress of the past two years, our work is far from done. Fresno County is brimming with potential, and I am optimistic that the future holds tremendous promise for student success. Together, we will continue to break down barriers, push the boundaries of innovation, and ensure every student in Fresno County has a path to success.
Education is the foundation of a thriving community, and the success of our students today will define the future of Fresno County. With your continued support and collaboration, I am confident that we can create a legacy of opportunity that will shape Fresno County for generations to come. Thank you for entrusting me to serve as your Superintendent of Schools. Together, we will continue to create lasting opportunities and a brighter tomorrow for all.
Dr. Michele Cantwell-Copher
Superintendent of Schools
Fresno County
