Corcoran Unified School District Superintendent Rich Merlo submitted his retirement notice to the School Board and will officially retire from his position August 30.
A native of Sanger, Rich Merlo began his career in education in 1977 as a biology and physical education instructor and coach. After teaching in the Bay Area, he returned home to the Central Valley as a biology, physical education instructor, and head football coach at Selma High School. He became Selma’s assistant principal in 1994 and served as principal starting in 1996 for the next eight years. During this time, he was also a part-time instructor at Kings River Community College. He is currently an online instructor for the University of Phoenix.
Since July of 2004, Mr. Merlo has served as superintendent at Corcoran Unified School District. Mr. Merlo is passionate about raising the achievement level of all Corcoran students through “motivating people to motivate students.” A key part of his mission is ensuring staff and students have the most innovative tools and technology available to enhance student learning and to prepare students for success in this Information Age.
While serving as Superintendent Merlo has served on various boards and committees including:
Corcoran Rotary Club;
Corcoran Chamber of Commerce;
Community and Schools Together (CAST);
Citizens Advisory Committee for California State Prison-Corcoran and Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and Prison at Corcoran;
President’s Advisory Committee for the School of Education at California State University, Fresno;
Executive Leadership Council for Central Valley Educational Leadership Institute;
Rural Schools Network for the Central Valley; and
several educational committees through the Kings County Office of Education.
Meanwhile, the School Board trustees will bring the process to ensure a smooth transition in leadership that will take the District to greater heights and achievements.
