Upland Unified School District will soon welcome new leadership, as the Board of Education has selected Dr. Shinay Bowman to serve as the District’s next superintendent. Current Superintendent Dr. Lynn Carmen Day announced her retirement in August and will continue to serve through the end of the calendar year.
Two Whittier Union high schools have been named Schools of Excellence by the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), recognizing their leadership in creating welcoming and inclusive school communities. Whittier and Pioneer high schools were among 300 schools across the country to receive the two-year designation, highlighting parent, teacher, and student volunteers who work tirelessly to increase family engagement, advocate for teachers, support student achievement, and celebrate school spirit.
More than 7,000 students returned to El Monte Union High School District (EMUHSD) campuses on Aug. 19, kicking off a historic 2026-27 school year as the District and El Monte High School commemorate 125 years of serving students and the community. From music and spirited welcomes to colorful displays and student-led traditions, schools across the District brought their own personality to the first day of school. Associated Student Body (ASB) leaders, Link Crew members, band, cheer, and staff greeted students as they arrived. Several schools also welcomed new administrators who are beginning their first year leading their respective communities.
From young learners exploring classrooms for the first time to seniors preparing for a strong finish to their high school journeys, Bonita Unified School District welcomed approximately 10,000 students and 1,100 teachers and staff back to campus for the 2026-27 school year on Aug. 17. The celebrations began days prior, as schools held orientations for transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students along with back-to-school events, during which students met their teachers, began connecting with classmates, and participated in community-building activities. The festivities continued on the first day of school with senior sunrise activities, photo backdrops and colorful decorations across campuses, and welcome-back breakfasts.
Fontana Unified School District (FUSD) has launched its first-ever Fontana School Police Department (FSPD) Cadet Program, providing a pathway for public safety career technical education (CTE) graduates to return to the District for an exclusive opportunity to build their experience in the field. The program welcomed its first cadets: Zachary Flores and Nadia Whiting, two Jurupa Hills High School graduates who completed Fontana Unified’s public safety CTE pathway and are now gaining firsthand experience with the FSPD.
Covina-Valley Unified School District welcomed nearly 11,000 students back to campuses on Aug. 17 with posters, balloons, red carpets, and excitement for the start of the 2026-27 school year, setting the stage for another year of achievement, growth, and innovative learning opportunities. Cheerleaders, Associated Student Body members, and staff greeted students as they arrived on campuses, helping create an enthusiastic and welcoming start to the new academic year.
Upland Unified School District celebrated the opening of Pathways Prep Academy on Aug. 10, welcoming the inaugural class of 100 students to the West End region's first Early College High School. The historic milestone was marked with live music, dancing, and bursts of colorful confetti as students arrived to cheers from faculty, staff, community members, and local leaders before beginning a new educational journey that will allow them to earn college credits and an associate degree while pursuing their high school diploma. The VIP gala brought together Congresswoman Judy Chu, Upland Unified Board President Mary Locke, local educators, Upland community members, and a contingent from Atlanta’s nationally recognized Ron Clark Academy, whose innovative educational model helped inspire the creation of Pathways Prep.
Upland Unified School District's Board of Education voted unanimously during its July 28 meeting to place a $236.7 million school improvement bond measure on the Nov. 3 ballot, asking voters to consider funding campus modernization, facility upgrades, and repairs across the District.
Bonita Unified will begin the 2026-27 school year on Monday, Aug. 17 with new principals at Chaparral-Vista High School and Ekstrand Elementary School, bringing a combined 38 years of experience to their new roles. Kendra Lewis will serve as principal of Chaparral-Vista High School and Kara Duros will lead Ekstrand Elementary School; both appointments were approved by the Board of Education at its Aug. 5 meeting.
Fontana Unified School District has welcomed the 2026-27 school year with six dedicated administrators assuming new leadership roles as principals across several campuses, including the newly opened Oak Grove Preparatory Academy.
