
Christine Lizardi-Frazier is the first Latina to serve as Kern County Superintendent of Schools replacing Larry E. Reider, recently retired. The Kern County Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint her as Kern County’s 20th superintendent of schools. The appointment was effective July 1, 2009.
Christine Lizardi-Frazier is 57 years old, she was born in Arizona. She is the daughter of Robert Haro Lizardi (1923-2009) and Dorothy Armijo-Lizardi (1926-1998), her father was born in Magdalena, New Mexico and her mother was born in Belen, New Mexico. Christine has a brother and a sister. She is married to John Frazier they have three children; a son and two daughters. Two of the three adult children have earned college degrees and a third now attends college.
Neither of Lizardi-Frazier’s parents graduated from high school. Her father dropped out to join the Navy and later became a barber for more than 60 years. Christine grew up in a working class family. While both her parents spoke Spanish, the second-generation Latina did not; however, she took a second major in Spanish while at Arizona State University. "It was the support of my family that propelled me, for higher education," Lizardi-Frazier stated.
Christine Lizardi-Frazier graduated with a degree in Education from Arizona State University, a Masters degree from California State University, Bakersfield, and a Doctorate degree from the University of the Pacific’s Gladys L. Benerd School of Education near Stockton, California.
In 1996, she joined the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office and from 2005 to the end of June 2009 Lizardi-Frazier has been the Associate County Superintendent of schools. She worked many years serving on the state Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) where she developed successful plans to turn around the finances and operation of major metropolitan school districts. These included Compton, Oakland, and Vallejo unified school districts.
As the next superintendent of schools, she looks forward to meeting and working with individuals and organizations throughout the county. In addition to her work as Associate Superintendent, Christine Lizardi-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 program, she 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.
While being a Latina in such a high position is a major accomplishment, much like U.S. Supreme Justice Sonia Sotomayor, it is not the most important aspect. “It is about being able to do the job,” stated Lizardi-Frazier. Magda Menendez, the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation Administrator, agreed. “The fact the most qualified person in this case happens to be a female and Latina is just plain pretty,” Menendez said. “Ms. Lizardi-Frazier strikes me as someone who has worked hard her entire professional career for the betterment of all of our children’s education. She will obviously have sensitivity to Latinos and their needs based on her own experiences as a Latina.”
Don Cowan, the Board President stated, “We’ve worked with Chris Lizardi-Frazier for several years. Her fiscal conservatism, work ethic and passion to help more of our children become successful not just in school, but also in a career that is among the qualities we want in our County Superintendent. 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 Christine Lizardi-Frazier. “These [letters of support] were viewed by each Board member and were factored into the decision-making process.”
Michael Butcher Kern County Board member and many other members were also impressed with her past work and credentials. “First of all, she is extraordinarily qualified — not only does she have curriculum experience, but also the financial experience. She has the experience of leading and working with people. Secondly, with the economy the way it is, it was not a good time to call for an election, nor was it time to look for someone outside who had no idea what was going on in the County office,” Butcher stated.
On September 26, 2009, Thomas Martinez, a California State University professor at Bakersfield, stated that he was so impressed with Christine Lizardi-Frazier that he asked her to be the keynote speaker at this year’s 26th annual Hispanic Excellence Scholarship Awards Dinner. “She is eloquent, sincere and speaks with passion about her commitment to the education of all children in our community.”
Christine Lizardi-Frazier is readying a pilot project designed to direct more students into higher education and in-demand careers. The project is expected to rollout 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 career content is being created under her direction and ultimately will be shared with other San Joaquin Valley county superintendents.
During her acceptance speech this year, Christine Lizardi-Frazier stated:
“I am extremely grateful to our Board and the many [people] 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. 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. 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.”
When asked how she would address generational issues affecting Latinos, Lizardi-Frazier said her methods are the same for all students. “My family represents both first-generation English speakers and second-generation English only speakers and my goal for both remains the same-excellence,” she added. “My expectation is one of high academic achievement for all our students.”
“My heritage has always made me proud, I was proud of the first generation engineers and teachers in my family. Their appreciation of an education, their strong work ethic and their incredible Catholic faith were inspirations to me.” And while she was motivated to obtain her college degree, she was not always geared toward the education field. It wasn’t until Lizardi-Frazier did community service at a school during college that she discovered her true calling. Lizardi-Frazier was teaching at a school for mentally disabled children and was impressed by how much they understood. “I thought to myself, look how much they are learning. Imagine what they could learn if I actually knew what I was doing.” Consequently, she said. “I went back to Arizona State University and changed my major to education.” Lizardi-Frazier’s career has spanned more than 30 years as a classroom teacher, School Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and now School District Superintendent.
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