Dr. Alvarado admits he lied to Action News as he seeks to become next county superintendent

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Dr. Johnny Alvarado declined an interview with Action News on Friday, citing "a family matter," but later appeared on KMJ radio, as revelations about his work history surfaced.

Alvarado is in a tight race to lead the Fresno County Office of Education, highlighting his 30 years of experience across seven school districts.

Documents obtained by Action News show a 2022 separation agreement with Selma Unified and paid administrative leave from Parlier Unified in February, which led to a retirement.

"I was not being truthful," Alvarado said on KMJ. "There's no doubt about it, when I went back and listened to the question."

Alvarado made the statement after previously denying an administrative leave during an interview with Action News on May 19.

Dr. Alvarado: "To honor both entities, (the) education entity and the campaign itself, I made the decision to retire for that reason."

Action News: "Was there a leave before that, though?"

Dr. Alvarado: "There was not."

Action News: "And you say that publicly...?"

Dr. Alvarado: "I made the decision to retire. I have the paperwork to show that, if needed, I have no problem showing that."

Alvarado later said on KMJ that he was under investigation at the time of the May 19 interview.

"When Gabe asked me the question on May 19, the research (investigation) was still being done," he said. "Not knowing that I could speak about it, maybe that was one of the reasons why I didn't say, 'yes.'"

Additional questions have also emerged as his LinkedIn profile reveals a pattern of leaving districts partway through the year.

There is also a post on his campaign website that appears to show him speaking from his former Parlier Unified office.

"I currently serve in a school district in Fresno County," he said in the video. "I'm running for the position of Fresno County Office of Education."

Alvarado said on KMJ that his paid administrative leave was tied to campaign-related concerns.

"There were four main reasons," he said. "They all had to do with the campaign. It's my first election."

With the election on Tuesday, Alvarado continues to argue he is the best candidate for the position.

"I want to continue to earn your vote, where I want to be elected, not appointed, to the position of Fresno County Superintendent of Schools," he said in a campaign video posted Friday morning.

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