Claim 1: I closed Kids Café, harming student work opportunities and community engagement.

Truth: Kids Café was operating at an annual deficit of more than $350,000. We transitioned the program into a Produce Stand model, which significantly reduced costs and expanded student opportunities. As a result, we increased Adult Transition Program student employment from 20 to 55 and grew the number of community-based employment placements, ensuring more students benefited from meaningful work experiences.

Claim 2: FCSS staff morale has plummeted and resources are being wasted on rebranding, furniture, and signage.

Truth: FCSS has made intentional changes to improve efficiency, collaboration, and fiscal responsibility. Staff salaries have been raised to remain competitive, and resources have been reinvested in student-serving programs while maintaining financial prudence. The evidence speaks volumes with regard to staff morale in the past three years:

• We conducted a staff engagement/satisfaction survey in January 2025, and earned an 88% result to the question "Would you recommend working here."
• Over the prior 3 years, we have had 232 staff who left our office in the past return to employment with the FCSS across multiple classifications of employees.
• For some of our posted openings we have as many as 50 applicants.
• We have had about an even number of retirements for the past 10 years.
• Our Goodwill participation has grown from 80 staff to almost 300 staff in the past two years.
• Our number of nominations for Above and Beyond was at an all-time high of 30, which means our staff are seeing and affirming outstanding work among themselves.
• Our newly created Employee Wellness program is seeing an increase in participation month over month.

Claim 3: I am afraid of public speaking and rely on scripts.

Truth: I routinely engage in public speaking. I request talking points not out of fear, but to ensure that all partners, sponsors, and program successes are appropriately acknowledged when I speak on behalf of FCSS and our students.

Claim 4: There is "serious opposition" in this election for the first time in 20 years.

Truth: For the past two decades, former superintendents handpicked their successors. This is the first time in many years that our community has the opportunity for a truly open and transparent choice in leadership.

Claim 5: I have made "too many changes."

Truth: We have raised standards, addressed longstanding challenges, and become substantially more fiscally responsible. These changes are designed to protect taxpayer dollars and better serve our students.

Claim 6: I have failed to seek guidance from my predecessor.

Truth: I reached out for the first eight months of my tenure, including invitations to meet and collaborate. Those overtures were not reciprocated, and I chose to direct my energy toward the future of our office and students.

Claim 7: I lack strong relationships with school district superintendents.

Truth: My work is endorsed by superintendents across Fresno County who recognize the value of our partnerships.

Claim 8: I am less visible than past superintendents.

Truth: My public calendar and social media reflect a consistent and visible presence across our county schools and communities.

Claim 9: I declined an interview with GV Wire out of fear.

Truth: Like many public figures, I declined due to the publication's demonstrated bias, not out of reluctance to speak publicly.

Claim 10: My salary warrants scrutiny.

Truth: A historical review shows that my salary placement among California Class 2 County Superintendents has declined in recent years. At the same time, FCSS staff salaries have been elevated to ensure competitiveness, reflecting our priority to invest directly in educators and support staff who serve students daily.