Administrator of the Year
Abraham Olivares
Principal at Fort Miller Middle School
Abraham Olivares has been principal at Fort Miller Middle School since 2019 , leading with innovation and a goal to change the community ’ s perception of the campus . He ’ s made organizational changes and initiated a physical facelift that includes a clean campus , creating more pride and school spirit . He is a “ hands-on ” leader , picking up trash on campus and engaging with students . His school has more than 54,000 followers on TikTok and he brought back a school dance , the first in several years . Olivares is constantly looking for innovative ways to connect with students and increase academic achievement , like tossing school swag to crowds of students , dancing and wrestling P . E . teacher Garrett Spooner during a rally . He has overhauled Move Up Day , when incoming seventh graders visit during their sixth-grade year , to build connections among students from the eight feeder schools before they even start at Fort Miller . Students are greeted by school cheerleaders , student leaders , the band and Olivares dancing on the roof , dressed as the Falcon Father .
Carrying out the district ’ s vision : Where students , families and staff are valued and empowered to achieve their greatest potential : Olivares encourages students to voice their opinions and share their concerns with him . He works with staff and the community on suggestions for the school and sends a video announcement to families in English and Spanish , a monthly newsletter in English and Spanish and a weekly flyer for staff .
About Olivares : He was born and raised in Sacramento and graduated from UC Merced . His biggest goal is to increase student achievement . “ We have to find ways to close the large achievement gaps we see in our kids ,” he said . His parents taught him the value of hard work and keeping faith in humanity . He is married to Kristi Imberi-Olivares , the district ’ s executive director of Technology Services , and they have four children ranging in age from 5 to 18 .
Eric Calderon-Phangrath , Fort Miller teacher : “ He is a people-first administrator who looks for solutions and is proactive in his ideas to increase student , staff and family engagement .”
In His Own Words : “ I am so lucky I get to do what I do every day . I am surrounded by amazing people , not just at home , but at my second home , Fort Miller . They give so much of themselves to our students on a daily basis , and I could not think of anywhere else I ’ d rather be . No one has it better than us .”
Department Administrator of the Year
Tumani Heights
Oversees Project ACCESS , which serves students identified as homeless , in foster care and those who have encountered the juvenile justice system
Tumani Heights has led Project ACCESS since 2018 , recently expanding the program to serve elementary students as well as middle and high school students . Under her leadership , Project ACCESS transitioned to focus on both mental health and academic support . This has led to the establishment of mental health services for students coming from juvenile hall ; collaboration with other organizations , services and school districts to bridge gaps and better serve students ; Foster / Homeless Advisory Clubs at all high schools ; field trips to colleges and universities beyond Fresno County ; and securing grants .
Carrying out the district ’ s vision : Where students , families and staff are valued and empowered to achieve their greatest potential : Heights takes the time to connect with students by visiting schools , club meetings and student events . She recognizes students as resilient leaders despite difficult circumstances . She also empowers families by making home visits to families in crisis and helping to find solutions . She provides check-in time for staff , professionally and personally and helps her staff remember their “ why .”
About Heights : Heights was born and raised in Fresno and is a graduate of Fresno Unified . She has been married to her high school sweetheart for 21 years and they have three children , two biological and one adoptive daughter who has blessed her with four grandchildren . Her passion to serve comes from personal experience with adversity , including having a father who struggled with substance abuse and was in prison most of her childhood . She was raised by a single mother who taught her dedication , courage and strength . Heights was a teen mother who often felt “ invisible ” and graduated from high school with no plan . Through her own perseverance , she graduated from Fresno State , earned a master ’ s degree in social work , and had a career as a social worker before becoming the manager of Project ACCESS . She is an adjunct social work instructor at Fresno Pacific University . Heights is one of three finalists from throughout Fresno County who will compete for County Administrator of the Year .
From Fresno Unified Superintendent Bob Nelson : “ Every day , Tumani stands on the front-line with her staff and advocates to ensure that all Project ACCESS students have access to every possible resource . With a team of Clinical School Social Workers and Academic Counselors , the department has been transformed under her leadership .”
In Her Own Words : “ I strongly believe my purpose in life is to serve and change the narrative of families and students . I wholeheartedly accept the challenge of being the game changer for all students .”
6 FACES : EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION