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Superintendent

Rich Merlo, Superintendent

Welcome to Corcoran Unified School District. Our Board, community and district have a common goal of becoming a “Destination District.” This vision is becoming a reality with our continued growth in student academic achievement and a positive, professional environment that encourages innovation and personal growth. We are very proud of our superb, hard-working staff members who are creating a culture of excellence for our students.

Our passion and mission is to develop confident, successful academic achievers among our whole student population. There is no limitation or hindrance that can overcome the positive influences of highly effective teachers and schools. We are seeing more and more students grow and achieve academically despite the former conventional expectations of mediocrity and low achievement for low income and underprivileged students. All students can achieve!

We are also excited about the District’s commitment toward student education using 21st Century learning tools via the One to One Laptop Learning Program as well as the use of technology tools available now in every classroom in the District. The District is committed to a focus on academic achievement with a priority to develop staff members in using innovative, effective strategies in the use of these powerful learning tools.  The results in improved academic achievement are encouraging along with the enthusiasm and excitement from students and staff.

We are excited about the recently constructed 22,000 square foot Technology Learning Center Facility. This high-tech facility is designed for staff development, job training for the community and will offer courses for students from 11th grade through those workings towards a master’s college degree.  Considered one of its kind in the Central Valley, the Center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to assist staff and students in learning and employing 21st Century learning skills.

The enthusiasm and excitement of our continued growth in the many dimensions of our District is just starting to catch up with the high expectations we have for every student at Corcoran Unified.

- Rich Merlo, Superintendent

Superintendent’s Bio

A native of Sanger, Rich Merlo earned degrees in Human Biology and Masters of Arts in Education at Stanford University. He followed that with a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Fresno Pacific University in May 2001. He received his Certificate of Completion of the ACSA Superintendent’s Academy in May 2004. He has life credentials in Physical Education, Life Science, and Health, as well as a community college credential in Physical Education and Health.

Mr. Merlo began his career in education as a biology and physical education instructor and coach in 1977. After a couple of years teaching in the Bay Area, he returned to the Central Valley as a biology and physical education instructor, as well as head football coach, at Selma High School.  He became Selma’s assistant principal in 1994 and two years later was promoted to principal. Mr. Merlo served in his capacity as principal at Selma High School for eight years. During his years with Selma, he was also a part-time instructor at Kings River Community College.

Since July, 2004 Mr. Merlo has served as superintendent at Corcoran Unified School District. Mr. Merlo’s passion is in raising the achievement level of all Corcoran students through motivating people to motivate students.  Part of his mission is ensuring staff and students have the most optimal and innovative technology tools to greatly enhance student learning and prepare students for the Information Age.

In fulfillment of that mission, after four years of pursuing a grant, planning, and construction, a Technology Learning Center (TLC) for Corcoran came to fruition in August 2009. It is considered by many to be unique in the Central Valley. The TLC’s programs and technology will prepare the community’s youth and adults for jobs in the 21st Century.  The District has also grown in the use of technology with the one-to-one laptop use for every 6-12 grade student in Math, English, Social Science and Science classes.  By the end of the 2009-2010 school year, almost every CUSD classroom will be equipped with an interactive white board or an interactive slate for teacher and student electronic presentation and illustration.

Mr. Merlo has received honors as Central Sequoia Football Coach of the Year on two occasions and was named head coach of the County All Star Team in the 1985 City County All Star Game. He also received awards as Selma Unified School District Teacher of the Year in 1994, and was named a Fresno County Administrator of the Year finalist in 1998 as principal of Selma High School.  In 2009, Mr. Merlo was presented the Association of California School Administrators Region 11 Administrator of the Year Award.

Mr. Merlo has become a member and/or board member of several local organizations, including Corcoran Rotary Club, Corcoran Chamber of Commerce, and Community and Schools Together (CAST). He is a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee for California State Prison-Corcoran and Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and Prison at Corcoran. Mr. Merlo serves as a member of the California State University-Fresno President’s Advisory Committee for the School of Education. He is a participant on the Executive Leadership Council for Central Valley Educational Leadership Institute as well as the Rural Schools Network for the Central Valley. In addition, Mr. Merlo serves on several educational committees through the Kings County Office of Education and currently is an instructor for University of Phoenix Online.