Fresno’s Central Unified schools superintendent Alvarado resigns two months after arrest
Andrew Alvarado, the superintendent of Fresno’s Central Unified School District, resigned Tuesday, two months after he was arrested — but never charged — in a domestic violence case.
Board President Yesenia Carrillo thanked Alvarado for his work as superintendent. She did not mention Alvarado’s arrest or explain why he resigned.
Assistant Superintendent Ketti Davis, who was named acting superintendent after Alvarado was placed on leave in June, will continue in that role “until the board takes further action,” Central Unified spokesperson Gilbert Magallon confirmed late Tuesday.
Carrillo thanked Alvarado on behalf of the board for his leadership during the pandemic, for leading negotiations with Central Unified labor groups, and helping the district pass a $120 million school bond last year, which assisted in the construction and opening of Justin Garza High School.
Alvarado could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday.
The 49-year-old school chief was arrested June 3 at a home in northwest Fresno on suspicion of inflicting corporal injury to a spouse, the Fresno Police Department reported.
Few details of the incident have been released. Police have said the 911 caller told the officers Alvarado was “pushing and throwing things,” and, police said, they “determined Mr. Alvarado had committed a felony domestic disturbance.”
Following news of Alvarado’s arrest, the school board placed him on paid administrative leave pending investigation. During a special board meeting held a week after his arrest, community members and parents called for his resignation or termination.
Earlier this month, the Madera County District Attorney’s Office announced that Alvarado would not face criminal charges.
“After thoroughly examining the evidence, we have concluded that we will not be able to prove charges beyond a reasonable doubt, so we will not be filing charges in this case,” prosecutors said in a news release.
The Madera DA took over the case after Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp recused her office, citing personal and professional relationships with Alvarado.
Following the announcement that he would not be charged criminally, Alvarado told reporters he was looking forward to returning to work and said he expected to be reinstated.
Several parents and community members reacted to the resignation during Tuesday night’s meeting but didn’t mention Alvarado by name.
One community member asked for Davis to be named the district superintendent, while Central Unified parent Gabriel Suarez said that Davis was “a terrible fit for the district” and had been “condescending,” “rude,” and “unprofessional.”
Suarez is the father of fifth-grader Malachi Suarez, who has called for the district to change the name of Polk Elementary.
Central Unified School Board’s full statement
“During closed session on August 24, 2021, the Governing Board took action to enter into a Resignation and Settlement Agreement with Superintendent Andrew Alvarado.
“Mr. Alvarado’s resignation is effective on August 24, 2021. The board would like to thank Mr. Alvarado for his service to the District.
“As Superintendent, Mr. Alvarado assisted the District in successfully navigating operations through a global pandemic by providing valuable resources to District children and the community. The District has made significant strides in negotiating labor peace with its labor partners, CSEA and CUTA.
“Under Alvarado’s leadership, the District was able to pass a $120 million school bond last year which assisted in the construction and opening of Justin Garza High School this school year. His vision and foresight has prepared Central Unified for future success.
“The Board wishes Mr. Alvarado the best in his future endeavors.”
-Central Unified School Board
This story was originally published August 24, 2021 at 7:44 PM.
