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.<\/p>\n
Alvarado is in a tight race to lead the Fresno County Office of Education, highlighting his 30 years of experience across seven school districts.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“I was not being truthful,” Alvarado said on KMJ. “There’s no doubt about it, when I went back and listened to the question.”<\/p>\n
Alvarado made the statement after previously denying an administrative leave during an interview with Action News on May 19.<\/p>\n
Dr. Alvarado: “To honor both entities, (the) education entity and the campaign itself, I made the decision to retire for that reason.”<\/p>\n
Action News: “Was there a leave before that, though?”<\/p>\n
Dr. Alvarado: “There was not.”<\/p>\n
Action News: “And you say that publicly…?”<\/p>\n
Dr. Alvarado: “I made the decision to retire. I have the paperwork to show that, if needed, I have no problem showing that.”<\/p>\n
Alvarado later said on KMJ that he was under investigation at the time of the May 19 interview.<\/p>\n
“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.'”<\/p>\n
Additional questions have also emerged as his LinkedIn profile reveals a pattern of leaving districts partway through the year.<\/p>\n
There is also a post on his campaign website that appears to show him speaking from his former Parlier Unified office.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Alvarado said on KMJ that his paid administrative leave was tied to campaign-related concerns.<\/p>\n
“There were four main reasons,” he said. “They all had to do with the campaign. It’s my first election.”<\/p>\n
With the election on Tuesday, Alvarado continues to argue he is the best candidate for the position.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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