July 21, 2025 — Our town is in mourning. Dr. Terry P. Bradley, a name synonymous with educational excellence and community dedication, has passed away. For decades, Dr. Bradley was more than just a school administrator; he was a foundational figure who quietly shaped the very fabric of Clovis, leaving an indelible mark on generations of students and the institutions that served them.
From 1976, when he first arrived from Wisconsin, until his retirement in 2009, Dr. Bradley’s commitment to Clovis Unified was unwavering. While many knew him as superintendent in his final seven years, his 26 years as the district’s chief business official were equally, if not more, impactful. He was the financial architect behind the scenes, turning grand educational visions into tangible realities.
Superintendent Dr. Corrine Folmer perfectly encapsulated his essence: “Anyone who knew him well will tell you that he had a passion for numbers and budgets, and that he loved this district.” Dr. Folmer highlighted how Dr. Bradley’s profound understanding of California’s complex school funding model was key to realizing much of Doc Buchanan’s ambitious vision. Without his financial acumen, many of the top-tier facilities and educational programs Clovis boasts today simply wouldn’t exist. His influence extended far beyond our city limits, with California’s school finance program still bearing “marks of his making.”
Even after retirement, Dr. Bradley remained a guiding light, mentoring superintendents across Fresno County and continuing to contribute to the education community. His recent recognition with the Jim Murdoch Lifetime Achievement Award from the Coalition for Adequate School Housing speaks volumes about his enduring impact on a state and national level.
Next month, a new educational center, bearing Dr. Bradley’s name, will open its doors – a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to learning. It’s a bittersweet moment for our community, as many had hoped he would be there to celebrate its inauguration. Yet, his legacy will live on within those walls and in the lives of every student who walks through them.
Dr. Bradley’s deep roots in education began in Wisconsin as a teacher and school business administrator. He brought that wealth of experience to Clovis, later sharing his knowledge as a visiting professor at USC, USF, and Fresno State, cementing his status as a true leader in his field. His doctorate from the University of LaVerne in 1986 further underscored his intellectual rigor and commitment to excellence.
He was a force in professional organizations, holding leadership positions in groups like the Association of School Business Officials and the Coalition of Adequate School Housing. Through these roles, he championed policies that benefited schools and students across the state, always with an eye toward improving the educational landscape.
Under his leadership, Clovis Unified achieved an unparalleled list of accolades: multiple State Distinguished School and National Blue Ribbon awards, top API scores, and countless athletic titles. These achievements weren’t just statistics; they were testaments to Dr. Bradley’s unwavering belief in the potential of every child and every school.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bradley family: his wife Jeannie, children Kelly and Billy, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As a community, we share in their grief, but also in the profound gratitude for a man whose wisdom, integrity, humility, and tireless work ethic enriched every corner of Clovis. He truly “poured his heart into this community,” and for that, we will forever be grateful.