Fresno County Office of Ed. Superintendent: Controversies collide in Fresno County schools race

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Voters in Fresno County will cast their vote to see who will advance to the November ballot for the next Fresno Office of Education superintendent: incumbent Dr. Michelle Cantwell-Copher, Dr. Eimear O'Brien and Dr. Johnny Alvarado.

Under California's jungle primary system, the top two vote-getters will advance to the November general election.

RELATED: Fresno County Office of Education race heads to June primary with 3 candidates

Dr. Michelle Cantwell-Copher is seeking a second term. Her priorities include school safety partnerships with law enforcement, improving reading and math scores, and reducing costs.

Cantwell-Copher has faced criticism over the closure of Kids Café, which was opened by her former boss and county superintendent, Jim Yovino, who now supports her opponent, Dr. Eimear O'Brien.

Dr. Eimear O'Brien, a former Clovis Unified superintendent, is focused on improving reading skills, increasing family engagement and investing in student learning.

She is also endorsed by Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer.

O'Brien has faced criticism over decisions made during her time at Clovis Unified, including pandemic reopening timelines for schools and spending too much money building Clovis South.

Dr. Johnny Alvarado, most recently an assistant superintendent in Parlier Unified, says he wants to strengthen classroom management, family engagement and academic success.

He has faced scrutiny in recent weeks over his work history and later acknowledged he was not truthful in a previous interview with Action News about his past employment.