Fresno Unified Superintendent Misty Her is getting a $100,000 pay bump in her new role as Fresno Unified superintendent.

Her will earn $385,500 annually, compared to the $355,000 she made as interim superintendent and the $283,939 she was paid as deputy superintendent.

The employment contract for Her was released Wednesday morning and will be presented Wednesday evening to the School Board for approval.

The board named Her the sole finalist of the yearlong superintendent search, and she was appointed on a 6-1 vote on April 23. Trustee Susan Wittrup cast the lone no vote, later saying there were more qualified candidates.

Her will take up her new post officially on Thursday on a three-year contract, if it is approved at the board meeting.

Trustee Keshia Thomas declined to comment on the contract. The other six trustees did not respond to requests for comment in time of publication.

There is an opportunity for a one-year extension of the contract later if the board gives Her a positive evaluation. The board must approve the extension in a regularly scheduled meeting.

After the contract expires, the board can vote on a new contract to extend Her’s tenure as superintendent.

The district finalized the contract and made it available to trustees this morning, Fresno Unified spokesperson Nikki Henry said.

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Superintendent Salary and Benefits

As superintendent, Her will earn $385,500 annually, broken down into 12 monthly payments, which includes a 7.5% career increment.

This does not include other pay and benefits.

The salary is based on multiple factors, including the salary of the previous superintendent, according to a question-and-answer sheet provided by Henry.

Former Superintendent Bob Nelson made $246,567 in 2017 in his first year in the top job. He had worked in Fresno Unified for 26 years prior to his appointment.

“Superintendent Her’s starting salary is equivalent to Superintendent Nelson’s starting salary when you factor in inflation and salary growth in the system over time,” Henry said.

Comparatively, Long Beach Unified School District, similar in size and diversity to Fresno Unified, paid their current superintendent, Jill Baker, about $279,300 during her first year in 2020. Baker had 30 years of experience in Long Beach when selected.

Additionally, the contract grants Her a one-time payment of 2.5% of her salary, $1,500 monthly travel pay, 12 sick days, and 25 vacation days annually.

She also receives lifetime health benefits due to her long-term employment within the district.

The board will conduct Her’s first evaluation as superintendent on July 1, 2026, with the potential for a 3%-7% pay raise. This evaluation will continue each July 1 thereafter.

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Primed for the Job

Her has worked 31 years with Fresno Unified, including a yearlong stint as interim superintendent.

During this time, Her received one-on-one coaching through a contract with the Council of the Great City Schools.

This was apart of a package deal between Fresno Unified and Great City Schools. Currently, the board is also receiving coaching.

The primary coach provided support for leading and managing a large urban district, according to the contract.

“One-on-one coaching is for general executive coaching as is a best practice for executive leaders, especially of incredibly large systems/businesses like ours,” Henry said. “Former Superintendent Nelson also held contracts throughout his tenure for executive coaching as well.”

A coach met with Her in one-hour increments for $300, not exceeding an overall cost of $15,000.

The contract was approved on Sept. 25, 2024, and it will end June 30.

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