Dr. Michele Cantwell-Copher is Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, the first woman to hold the office, elected outright in the June 2022 primary and taking office in January 2023 for a term running through January 2027. She grew up in the unincorporated community of Riverdale, attended Fresno City College and Fresno State, and earned a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of La Verne. Before becoming superintendent, she taught in the Clovis and Central Unified school districts, worked at the State Center Community College District, and spent 17 years at the county office of education.
Her tenure has included the opening of new schools, several State Distinguished Schools recognitions, passage of school bonds, the launch of two educational foundations, work on early childhood education programs, hosting a GradNation Summit, and co-authoring the Central Valley Children’s Agenda as part of a broader Fresno Cradle to Career initiative. She is seeking re-election in 2026. No controversies specific to Cantwell-Copher were found in available public records.
