FONTANA, CA – Fontana Unified School District Superintendent Miki R. Inbody has announced her retirement in December 2026, concluding a 35-year career in public education defined by student-centered leadership, expanded opportunities for students, and a lifelong commitment to the community that shaped her.

A Fontana Unified alumna and first-generation college graduate, Inbody’s educational journey began as a Head Start student before attending Maple Elementary School, Alder Middle School, and graduating from Fontana High School. She continued her education at Chaffey College before transferring to California State University, San Bernardino, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, along with an administrative services credential.

Inbody later returned to Fontana Unified as a classroom teacher and ultimately became Superintendent in the 2022-23 school year. Her appointment represented a full-circle moment, returning to lead the District where her own educational journey began.

“Serving as Superintendent of Fontana Unified has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life,” Inbody said. “As an FUSD alumna and first-generation college graduate, this District has always meant more to me than a workplace. It has been home, purpose, and a place where I have had the opportunity to serve alongside remarkable people committed to students and community.”

Under her leadership, Fontana Unified has expanded Career Technical Education opportunities to 56 industry-aligned pathways, increased dual enrollment opportunities, and strengthened early literacy and academic achievement initiatives. Inbody also championed the adoption of an equity policy centered on access and opportunity. During her tenure, Fontana Unified voters approved Measure I, a $400 million bond measure to invest in the future of every child by building and modernizing school facilities and learning environments. Inbody has also led the District in maintaining fiscal stability while avoiding layoffs that would directly impact students and employees.

“As Board President, I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand that Miki never viewed this position as simply a job. Fontana Unified was home,” Fontana Unified Board of Education President Angel Ramirez said. “There is something profoundly beautiful about dedicating your life’s work to the community that first believed in you. Because she poured so much of herself into this District, generations of students and families will continue to benefit from her leadership long after her retirement. Few people are fortunate enough to leave a place better than they found it. Miki has done exactly that.”

Inbody has received statewide recognition for her leadership, including being named the Association of California School Administrators’ Region 12 Superintendent of the Year and the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators’ Superintendent of the Year. In spring 2026, she was inducted into the California State University, San Bernardino Alumni Hall of Fame and received the University’s Watson College of Education 2026 Paw Print Award.

“I’ve had the privilege of seeing Miki’s leadership from multiple perspectives, and while her accomplishments are extraordinary, they are simply the result of something even greater – her unwavering commitment to students, her belief in people, and her servant’s heart,” Board of Education Vice President Marcelino “Mars” Serna said. “Great leaders leave organizations better than they found them, exceptional leaders leave people better than they found them, and Miki has done both.”

In anticipation of Inbody’s retirement in December 2026, the Board of Education will begin the process of selecting the District’s next superintendent.

“Fontana Unified is strong, and I have great confidence in the future of this District and the leaders who will continue moving the work forward,” Inbody said. “Thank you for the trust you have placed in me throughout my career and for the privilege of serving this exceptional community. I will always believe in FUSD.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

FUSD_INBODY_1: Fontana Unified School District Superintendent Miki R. Inbody has announced her retirement in December 2026, concluding a 35-year career in public education defined by student-centered leadership, expanded opportunities for students, and a lifelong commitment to the community that shaped her.

FUSD_INBODY_2: Inbody (right) stands with rising Poplar Elementary fifth-grader Jesslyn Montes (left) who posed as “Mini Miki” during the annual 2026 State of the District event, a representation that all Fontana Unified students have the potential for bright futures.