Serving over 206,000 students across Fresno County, The Foundation @ FCOE raised over $1.6 million in 2023-2024 to support programs and services that ensure students obtain a well-rounded education with Excellence, Access, and Innovation at the forefront.
- Excellence: To support academic and co-curricular student events coordinated by the Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, such as Academic Decathlon, College Night, Science Fair, Spelling Bee, Young Authors’ Faire, and Career Tech Expo.
- Access: To help fund countywide programs that promote opportunities for student success, such as early care and education, empowerment and equity supports, graduation rate improvement, college and career-tech readiness, libraries, technology and more.
- Innovation: To provide grants to school programs across the county that demonstrate innovation and improve student educational success.
Countywide Impact
Clovis West Student Advances at Science Fair
The Fresno County Science Fair, hosted by Fresno County Superintendent of Schools (FCSS), once again showcased the incredible talent and innovation of local students. Among the standout participants was Olaf Muchalski, a junior from Clovis West High School, who captured the top prize by being named the Sweepstakes winner. With this prestigious honor, Olaf will now advance to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), where he will compete against some of the brightest young minds from around the world.
Arts Education Month
March was Arts Education Month, a time dedicated to promoting and recognizing the importance of arts education in schools, as well as highlighting the value of integrating visual arts, music, theater, dance, and other creative disciplines into the educational experience. Throughout the month, FCSS celebrated by hosting performances every Friday, featuring talented students from local high schools. These performances were made possible in part by a grant from the Hewlett Foundation, which supports arts education initiatives.
February Superintendent's Superstar
The February Superintendent's Superstar is Jade, a junior at Laton High School and a shining example of school spirit. As a Navajo Native American and Hispanic student, Jade has maximized all that the district provides to grow, lead and inspire. Raised in the close-knit community of Laton, she has flourished in an environment that values connection, opportunity and perseverance. Drawing strength from her grandparents, the father figures who have guided her, and -- most importantly -- her mother’s unwavering support, Jade has turned encouragement into action. Guided by the saying, “Be the reason the tree grows,” she credits those who have nurtured her success and, in turn, strives to uplift others.
MathCounts
The excitement was palpable as 103 students from across Fresno County gathered to compete in the annual FCSS MathCounts Competition, a thrilling event that celebrates mathematical talent, problem-solving skills, and academic excellence. Hosted by the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools at Fresno State, this competition brings together some of the brightest middle and elementary school minds for a day of challenging math problems and spirited collaboration.
January Superintendent's Superstar
The January Superintendent's Superstar is Rylee, an 8th grade student at Rafer Johnson Junior High School in the Kingsburg Elementary Charter School District. As this month’s Superstar recipient for her school, she possesses a heart full of resilience and a radiant spirit. Her journey through middle school has been anything but easy. Rylee has risen above, continually inspiring her peers, teachers and community with her strength and determination. Rylee is known for her cheerful disposition and unwavering commitment to embodying her school’s core values of patience, integrity, justice, humanity, and courage.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Competitions
The 2025 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Reception took place this month, celebrating the remarkable achievements of student winners in the speech, art, and essay categories of the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Competition Series hosted by the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools. This year’s theme, “Dreaming Together: Changed by the Past, Molding the Future,” challenged students to explore their dreams—whether inspired by a historical figure or someone in their own lives. The competion brings together an inspiring group of young minds who demonstrated creativity, thoughtfulness, and a deep understanding of the values Dr. King championed.
Educator of the Year Awards
The Educator of the Year Awards is a special ceremony that celebrates and honors the incredible educators of Fresno County who go above and beyond in shaping the lives of their students. These dedicated individuals inspire, motivate, and empower the next generation, fostering an environment where students can thrive academically and personally. The awards provide an opportunity to recognize the hard work, passion, and commitment of those who play such a crucial role in the success and growth of their students, making a lasting impact on both their educational journeys and futures.
Health Youth Corps Conference
The Health Youth Corps Conference, hosted by the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools-Health Services Department on November 18, focused on empowering students from the Central Valley to play an active role in promoting community health, both now and as future leaders. This impactful event welcomed students from Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, and Tulare counties, giving them a platform to explore how they can influence the region's health outcomes and to deepen their understanding of health equity.