Candidate's Story
Dr. O’Brien’s Story: A Legacy of Leadership and Educational Excellence
Celebrating Over 40 Years of Commitment to Student Success
For over four decades, I have devoted my career to shaping the future of education, ensuring that every student has the tools and opportunities needed to thrive. My journey in education began humbly in the classroom, where I spent 20 transformative years teaching, mentoring, and inspiring young minds. These years solidified my belief that a strong foundation in education is not just a steppingstone for individual success but the cornerstone of thriving communities.
Building upon my success in the classroom, I transitioned into leadership roles that allowed me to extend my impact. My tenure as an elementary and high school principal in the Clovis Unified School District was marked by a commitment to fostering academic excellence, promoting innovative teaching practices, and creating inclusive school cultures. Under my leadership, schools consistently achieved milestones in academic performance, extracurricular engagement, and community involvement. These successes laid the groundwork for my promotion to superintendent in Clovis Unified—a role in which I oversaw the district’s continued growth, development, and reputation as a leading educational institution.
As my career evolved, I embraced the opportunity to serve as interim superintendent in the Central Unified School District. This role capped my 40-year career, demonstrating my ability to adapt to new challenges while maintaining a results-driven focus. My time in Central Unified has been marked by strategic leadership, collaborative problem-solving, and a steadfast dedication to students, staff, and families. It was a privilege to lead the district through a period of transition, ensuring stability and progress during a pivotal time.
What defines my career is not just the roles I have held, but the measurable impact I have made. Over 20 years as a classroom educator and 20 years as a respected leader across multiple levels of education, I have consistently delivered results. Whether it was improving student achievement, supporting innovative programs, or advocating for policies that benefit the entire school community, my focus has always been on creating environments where students and educators can thrive.
As I reflect on this journey, I am proud to have contributed to the educational success of thousands of students, to have worked alongside talented and dedicated colleagues, and to have earned the trust and respect of the communities I have served. My career is a testament to what can be accomplished when passion, perseverance, and purpose come together in service of education.
Together, we have built not just schools, but legacies of excellence that will continue to inspire and empower future generations. As I continue my journey and consider my candidacy for Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, my dedication to education and the community remains constant.
Thank you for supporting me as we continue to champion the power of education to transform lives.
Proven Leadership from one of California's Most Successful School Districts Arrives in Fresno County
During my tenure leading Clovis Unified School District, I had the privilege of serving one of the largest and most influential school districts in California. With approx. 43,000 students and over 6,000 employees, Clovis Unified isn’t just a district—it’s a community that represents a microcosm of the diverse needs, ambitions, and challenges found across the state. Our impact extended far beyond our district boundaries, as Clovis Unified became a recognized leader at the state and national levels for its innovative practices, strong academic performance, and whole-child approach to education. Our team worked hard to achieve this success despite receiving significantly less funding resources, while educating more students experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage than the total number of enrolled students in other county districts such as Central or Sanger.
College and Career Readiness
A key pillar of our success was a steadfast commitment to ensuring that every student graduated college- and career-ready. We expanded Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways, forging partnerships with local industries and community colleges to create real-world learning opportunities that connected classroom instruction to high-demand career fields. These programs not only enhanced student engagement but also equipped them with tangible skills and certifications that opened doors to both higher education and immediate career opportunities.
“Everyone is an Educator”
Supporting this work required unwavering dedication to every member of our team—not just our educators, but our classified staff and support personnel (approx. 2/3 of our team) who are the backbone of our schools. From transportation and food services to office staff and our entire plant operations team, I worked to ensure that all staff felt valued and heard. My mantra was, “Everyone is an educator” because every interaction with a student was an opportunity to make a lasting impression in their lives. By fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect on our entire team, we cultivated an environment where students could thrive, and staff felt invested in the mission.
Commitment to Excellence
Perhaps one of the most defining and challenging moments of leadership came during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a time of unprecedented uncertainty, I led with transparency, empathy, and resolve—guiding our students, staff, and families through a landscape filled with conflicting opinions, evolving data, and strong emotions. Navigating the diverse perspectives in our community required balancing public health guidance with the urgent need for in-person connection and learning. I created spaces for open dialogue, facilitated informed decision-making, and remained focused on the well-being of our students and staff. We developed robust virtual learning structures, ensured mental health support, and innovated with safe reopening plans that prioritized both health and learning continuity.
Ultimately, my leadership in Clovis Unified was rooted in a commitment to excellence, equity, and community—values that shaped our every decision and helped position the district as a model of resilience and innovation in education.
