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No Charges for Central Unified Schools Chief. Here's His Reaction.
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By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 4 years ago on
August 5, 2021

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The superintendent for the Central Unified School District will not face charges after his arrest earlier this summer on suspicion of committing domestic violence.

Madera County District Attorney Sally Moreno announced she will not charge Andy Alvarado, who was hired to lead the district in 2018.

“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,” Moreno’s office said in a news release.

Fresno police arrested Alvarado June 3 at his northwest Fresno home on allegations of committing corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant. The Central Unified school board placed him paid administrative leave days later.

Moreno took up the case after Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp recused her office because of a personal and professional relationship with Alvarado.

Alvarado Reacts

Alvarado was still processing the news when he spoke with GV Wire.

“We’re obviously pleased with the DA’s decision. As I stated from the very beginning, I have the utmost confidence in the process and was confident that the right decision would be made at the appropriate time. It’s unfortunate that this personal and private matter was played out in the media, but I’m relieved that we can move on and focus on our future and continue to make improvements each and every day,” Alvarado said.

He would not go into the nature of what happened the night of his arrest.

At the time of the arrest, Alvarado told the San Joaquin Valley Sun, “it’s my responsibility to try to win over the community.”

Asked how he planned to do so, Alvarado said, “that’s just premature at this point. I have yet to even speak to the board yet. So, you know, as I mentioned earlier, this is pretty fresh off the press, so I’m still still processing it. I’ll comment further when when that time is appropriate.”

Statement from the School District

After this story published, the Central Unified School District issued a statement.

“At this time, Superintendent Alvarado remains on paid administrative leave. Per Board President Yesenia Z. Carrillo, this is a confidential personnel matter. Individuals wanting to provide input to the board can do so at our next scheduled Board meeting by attending in person or calling; (559) 276-3150. The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at 7 PM at the Central East High School Performing Arts Center.”

A direct item about the fate of Alvarado is not listed on the agenda for Tuesday. There is a closed session item about employee discipline/dismissal that is a standard item on an agenda. No specific names or positions are listed for Tuesday. Also, the board will discuss in open session to approve an acting superintendent agreement without any specific details. Assistant superintendent Ketti Davis has been serving as acting superintendent since Alvarado was placed on leave.

The board will also vote to extend the existing contracts for Davis and two other assistant superintendents for one more year, through June 30, 2024. Salaries and other benefits would remain the same.

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David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

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