“We’ve worked with Chris Frazier for several years. Her fiscal conservatism, work ethic and passion to help more of our children become successful not just in school-but in a career are among the qualities we want in our county superintendent,” said board president Don Cowan. “After much thought it is the full board’s conclusion that she has the background, ability and commitment to be Kern County’s leading advocate for children.”
Cowan noted that the board received widespread support from educators and community members on behalf of Frazier. “These (letters of support) were viewed by each board member and were factored into the decision-making process,” said Cowan.
 Christine Frazier is congratulated by Kern County Board of Education president Don Cowan on her appointment as Kern County’s 20th superintendent of schools. |
“I am extremely grateful to our board and the many from our community who supported my appointment. Like Larry Reider, my first priority always is what’s best for children and what we can do to encourage more of our youth to view high school graduation – not as an end to classroom instruction – but rather a first step toward higher education or an in-demand job skill,” Frazier said following her appointment.
Frazier worked many years on the instructional and fiscal sides of public education. Her fiscal experience includes serving on the state Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) where she developed successful plans to turn around the finances and operations of major metropolitan school districts. These included Compton, Oakland and Vallejo unified school districts.
In Kern County she is readying a pilot project designed to direct more students into higher education and in-demand careers. The project is expected to roll-out in the fall. Called UPlanit, these college career centers, will offer middle school students video overviews of college and career options coupled with the required course work needed to enter these professions. The information will be streamed over the Web and can be accessed by students and their parents 24-hours a day.
Much of the college career center content is being created under Frazier’s direction and ultimately will be shared with other San Joaquin Valley county superintendents.
Frazier grew up in a working class family. She worked her way through college and began teaching first in northern California and later in Kern County. She joined the office as a fiscal advisor helping schools throughout California address fiscal and operational issues, before being named associate superintendent of schools. As the next superintendent of schools, she looks forward to meeting and working with individuals and organizations throughout the county.
“There always is much to learn. And I know no one person does anything alone. But I do know that by reaching out and listening to others we can create new pathways that benefit more of our children and adults,” said Frazier. “Nothing worth achieving is easy, but I’m prepared and willing to put in the time and effort to do right by our students and community.”
Frazier noted while these are tough economic times, every day is the “right time to educate our children.”
In addition to her work as associate superintendent, Frazier served on the American Institute for Research Professional Judgment panel which conducted a California school funding adequacy study. She was chosen among only 18 other professionals throughout California to participate in the project.
A graduate of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce Leadership Bakersfield program, Frazier also has served on the Boys and Girls Club of Bakersfield and Junior Achievement boards. She is a member of the Selective Service board and holds leadership posts in professional organizations. She and her husband, John, have three children, a son and two daughters. Two have earned college degrees and a third now attends college.
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