FRESNO - Cesar Granda, the President of the Central Unified School District Board of Trustees, announced the appointment of Andrew G. Alvarado as the district’s new superintendent effective July 1, 2018. The Central Unified Board of Trustees enlisted Jack Kelejian, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, to advertise and conduct a statewide search for the new superintendent. The Board interviewed several candidates and determined Mr. Alvarado would fit the needs of the students and community of Central Unified.
Mr. Alvarado has been the superintendent of the Golden Valley Unified School District in Madera County for the past seven years and prior to that, served as assistant superintendent, high school principal and high school vice principal prior to his promotion to the District Office. During Mr. Alvarado’s tenure as assistant superintendent, he guided the District in the area of Educational Services, specifically, curriculum, instruction and assessment, all while focusing on teaching, learning and student achievement. As a result of Mr. Alvarado’s educational leadership, the District has experienced tremendous gains in all of these areas through his direct involvement with staff and students.
During Mr. Alvarado’s tenure as superintendent of GVUSD, he has led the district to new levels of academic excellence. All traditional schools have earned California Distinguished School status. The district’s academic scores are one of the highest in the Central Valley and district schools have won several prestigious recognitions such as CSBA Golden Bell awards, Bonner Virtues in Character Education awards, and multiple league and section titles in their athletic programs.
As Superintendent of Golden Valley Unified School District, colleagues will tell you that he has a deeply embedded belief in people and the ability to get the best of out of each person through a combination of high expectations, clear communication and positive relationship building. Mr. Alvarado is a collaborative leader with the skills and talents for building foundational trust. Most importantly, he believes that all students can and will learn if given the appropriate amount of time and support.
Born in Sanger, California, Mr. Alvarado has spent his entire career as a public servant, enlarging those around him and surrounding himself with talented leaders and others with a deep passion for teaching and learning and serving the public. Andy lives in Fresno with his wife, Leah Alvarado, an English teacher in the Central Unified School District.
Mr. Alvarado will begin his superintendency in Central Unified School District on July 1, 2018, leading a district of 15,772 students. “I am very excited and honored to have been selected as the next Superintendent to lead the Central Unified School District”, said Superintendent Alvarado. “I look forward to this new opportunity and meeting the staff, students, and parents of the Central Unified community.”
Cesar Granda, Central Unified School District Board President stated, "The Board is excited that Mr. Alvarado has accepted our offer to become the next Superintendent of our district. When we met with him, we were impressed with his experience, leadership skills, and professionalism. We look forward to him working with our staff, students and community for years to come.” Brian Freeman stated, “As the Golden Valley Unified School District Board President, I would like to congratulate Mr. Alvarado on his new position as superintendent of Central Unified School District.
