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.
