New Central Unified superintendent aims to take students to next level

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Superintendent Dr. Mark Marshall is starting to become a familiar face on Central Unified campuses.

With about two months on the job, we headed to the library at Glacier Point Middle School to sit down and discuss how he leads a school district.

"My philosophy has always been to put students first," he said. "If you put students first, everything else falls into place."

For the last eight years, Marshall led the Los Banos Unified School District, but the Louisiana native says, as a child who lived in poverty, he knows the impact education can have on young minds.

"A good public education was the thing that made a difference for me, so I always made it my mission in life that any position I held that students got the best," he said.

Marshall replaces Ketti Davis, who served as superintendent for three years.

She and the district abruptly parted ways in March.

Marshall is now the first African American to be hired for the position.

He says it's the third district where he's held that title.

"That's important, but I want to make sure I'm not the last one," he said.

During his first 60 days, he's been meeting community members and staff.

Marshall says he wants insight and information to get a better understanding of Central Unified.

"This is your chance to give us feedback," he said. "Give us the good. Give us the areas that you feel we need to grow on. Give that to us."

As we headed back outside during passing period, Marshall shared that his goal is to ensure students get the best education and opportunities.

The superintendent will continue to collect feedback through town halls and meetings. You can also fill out a survey online.

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