Your guide to the Fresno County schools superintendent race. Two big names face off

As we inch closer to Election Day, many Fresno County educators’ eyes are on the Superintendent of Schools race, as it involves two well-known education figures vying to oversee more than 30 districts across the county.

The incumbent candidate in the race is Michele Cantwell-Copher, who was elected in 2022.

Prior to entering the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools role, Cantwell-Copher worked at Central Unified for 12 years before transitioning to the Fresno County Office of Education.

Cantwell-Copher says she has prioritized fiscal responsibility in the role. She aims to increase dual-enrollment opportunities for students and expand access to early-childhood education.

Her listed endorsements include Fresno County Supervisors Buddy Mendes and Brian Pacheco, Clovis Mayor Vong Mouanoutoa and Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni.

Eimear O’Brien is the challenger candidate who is running to lead Fresno County Schools for the next four years.

Most known for leading Clovis Unified from 2017 to 2023, O’Brien also led Central Unified for a 4-month stint and taught for 20 years before becoming an administrator.

O’Brien has been vocal about the importance of strengthening early childhood literacy in Fresno County. She says her first priority is getting children to read proficiently by third grade.

O’Brien’s list of endorsements includes Fresno City councilmembers Mike Karbassi and Tyler Maxwell, Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp and Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer.