Misty Her has been appointed the new Superintendent of the struggling Fresno Unified School District – and not everybody is happy about it. The vote was 6-1 in favor of Her taking the helm, replacing Bob Nelson who departed last year to take a position at Fresno State.
“There is no accountability…The culture of failing forward is alive and well in our district,” Fresno Unified Teachers Association President Manuel Bonilla told Broekse & Musson
Board President Valerie Davis stated that during the search process, Her’s strong focus on academic achievement, accountability for both staff and students and the well-being of the entire Fresno Unified community made a lasting impression on the board. Davis also noted that Her’s extensive experience and the positive reputation she has built among teachers, administrators, students and parents distinguished her during the national search.
“As interim superintendent, Misty Her was instrumental in refocusing our district on student outcomes and achieving operational excellence, recognizing that our district was not progressing because we lacked focus and clarity districtwide. As our superintendent, I expect her to lead us to gains we have not seen before,” President Davis said.
Her has served Fresno Unified her entire career, starting as a bilingual instructional aide more than 30 years ago. Her has served Fresno Unified as a teacher, vice principal, principal, instructional superintendent, and deputy superintendent. She was named interim superintendent in May 2024 following Bob Nelson’s announcement that he would join Fresno State as an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership.
“I am absolutely committed to a new era in which our entire district is laser-focused on student achievement. We already have the new goals and guardrails in place, and I look forward to doing all in my power to bring about the academic gains our students and families deserve,” Her said. “I know firsthand the many challenges our district faces, but I believe that with the expertise and talent of our staff, collaboration and a research-based approach, we will make incredible progress. I am beyond excited about the opportunities ahead.”
Her assumes the permanent post following the adoption of her contract at the April 30th, 2025 board meeting.
