January 1, 2026

Dear Friends of Fresno County Education,

As we begin the new calendar year, my third as your Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, I am proud of the collective work being done on behalf of our students. I want to take a moment to share some of the progress and accomplishments we have achieved together. These highlights reflect not only the success of our students, but also the dedication of the adults and community partners who are working tirelessly to ensure their future.

• Schools: Through strong partnerships with law enforcement, parents can be assured that children are both physically and psychologically safe in Fresno County schools. Visitor management systems, cameras, fencing, and coordinated communication with law enforcement enhance campus safety, while Safe School Ambassadors, cyber training, anti-bullying programs, and student monitoring software support social well-being.
• Improved Student Outcomes and Achievement: Over the past three years, Fresno County students have demonstrated steady gains in reading and math. Secondary schools are seeing increased participation in A-G coursework, dual enrollment, and Career Technical Education. Chronic absenteeism has largely returned to pre-pandemic levels, and countless individual student achievements reflect that excellence is thriving across our county.
• Expanded Mental Health Services: In partnership with the Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health, the All for Youth initiative now deploys over 200 clinicians to serve more than 5,000 students annually. In addition, state grants have allowed FCSS to open 13 new Wellness Centers on school campuses.
• Recognition for Excellence: Fresno County schools and districts continue to shine statewide and nationally. In the past three years, our schools have been honored with 5 National Blue Ribbon awards, 10 California Distinguished School awards, 10 Middle Schools to Watch designations, and 10 Golden Bell Awards.
• Increased Community Support: Together, we have secured more than $175 million in state funding to expand vital services such as social supports, food and clothing pantries, and tutoring. All 12 local school bonds placed on ballots last year were approved by voters—a powerful testament to our community’s confidence in public education.
• Cross-Sector Partnerships: FCSS continues to lead the Fresno Cradle to Career network, engaging 15 systems leaders and over 70 partner agencies to improve outcomes for youth ages 0–22 through coordinated health and education services.
• Stronger Relationships with School Leaders: Attendance and engagement at monthly Superintendent Network meetings remain strong, with superintendents collaborating on legislative advocacy, governance in special education, and other shared initiatives.
• Fiscal Responsibility: In my first year as Superintendent, we reduced teacher overages, transitioned Kids Café into a more sustainable in-house Produce Stand, and balanced the CTEC High School budget—achieving more than $5M in savings while rebuilding public trust in our fiscal stewardship.
• Philanthropic Engagement: The Foundation @ FCOE has raised more than $27M to date, supporting programs in early literacy, the arts, and STEM, further enriching opportunities for our students.
• A Clear Sense of Direction: For the first time in many years, our office has a unified vision, reflected in a Strategic Plan, an Annual Report to the Community, and a Pro-Child Legislative Advocacy Plan. These efforts affirm our commitment to transparency and community partnership in raising up our students.

Together, these milestones reflect what is possible when schools, families, and community partners work in unison for the benefit of our children. I remain deeply committed to ensuring every student in Fresno County has the opportunity to learn, thrive, and succeed.

Thank you for your continued support. With your help, we will continue to make Fresno County a place where every child’s future is bright.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michele Cantwell-Copher
Fresno County Superintendent of Schools

What Happens If We Keep Moving Forward?

My Vision for the Next Four Years

• Improve literacy
• Expand career pathways
• Strengthen school safety
• Recruit and retain teachers
• Increase student attendance