News Update

Fresno elementary district hires 4th superintendent in less than a year

A Fresno County elementary district that’s been plagued by high staff turnover, low test scores and discontent among parents has hired its fourth superintendent since December 2021 to try to bring stability to the troubled district, the Fresno Bee reported.

West Park Elementary, southwest of Fresno, hired Brian Clark, a first-time superintendent with 24 years’ experience in education. Clark, who grew up in Fresno, said he was eager to lead the 600-student district.

“I am so happy and feel so blessed to have received the opportunity,” he told the Bee’s Ed Lab. “There’s so much positive here. There’s so many great students here and some fantastic educators. I just want an opportunity to help bring things to a place where we all can be extremely, extremely proud. I believe that’s possible.”

Clark takes over from interim Superintendent Darrell Yates, who replaced Regina Diaz. The board fired Diaz shortly after she was hired in early 2022. Diaz replaced Ralph Vigil, whom the board fired in December 2021 after 15 years on the job.