FONTANA, CA – The Fontana Unified School District (FUSD) Board of Education has selected Dr. Ramiro Rubalcaba, a seasoned educator with 30 years of experience, as a finalist to serve as the District’s next Superintendent.

His appointment is contingent upon the completion of successful contract negotiations, followed by formal Board approval of his employment and employment contract, during the regularly scheduled Board meeting on Oct. 21.

Dr. Rubalcaba began his public education journey in the Los Angeles Unified School District, where he spent 17 years in progressively responsible positions. He is currently the Superintendent in the Los Nietos School District in Whittier, and previously served as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources in the Victor Valley Union High School District in San Bernardino County and in Azusa Unified School District as a high school principal and assistant superintendent.

With a career spanning three decades in large, medium, and small school districts, Dr. Rubalcaba is widely recognized for his service-oriented focus on the students, families, staff, and communities he serves. Dr. Rubalcaba holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California, along with a Master of Education in Educational Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Literature from Cal State University, Los Angeles.

Recently, he was the recipient of the statewide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Superintendent Impact Award. His other honors include: Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Human Resources Administrator of the Year; National Association of School Superintendents (NASS) Small School District Leadership Award; Whitter Association of School Administrators (WASA) Superintendent of the Year; and Toyota Financial Services Community Leader of the Year.

The Fontana Unified School District Board expresses its appreciation to the many applicants who shared an interest in the position. Ultimately, Dr. Rubalcaba’s approachable style and proven track record made him a standout candidate.

“The Board was impressed with Dr. Rubalcaba’s vast experience in school and community leadership across the region,” Fontana Unified Board President Angel Ramirez said. “Dr. Rubalcaba would become the second Latino superintendent in the District’s history. We recognize the importance of leadership that reflects the community we serve, and with approximately 86% of our students identifying as Hispanic or Latino, representation matters. It helps foster a sense of belonging, cultural pride and the belief that our students can envision themselves as leaders and achieve their fullest potential. We are proud to continue this legacy while selecting a leader whose experience, vision and commitment to student success will help guide Fontana Unified into the future. The Board is excited to advance his candidacy as our finalist.”

Dr. Rubalcaba is scheduled to begin his assignment in mid-December, pending final negotiations of an employment contract and subsequent Board approval of the contract. During the next two months, he will collaborate closely with retiring Superintendent Miki R. Inbody and the FUSD leadership team to ensure a seamless transition for all involved.

“I am incredibly honored to be selected as the finalist to serve as Fontana Unified School District’s next Superintendent,” Dr. Rubalcaba said. “I look forward to building meaningful relationships with our students, staff, families, and entire community as we work together to ensure that every learner thrives. I am grateful to the Board of Education for their trust and confidence in me and am committed to serving the District for many years to come.”

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FUSD_RUBALCABA: Dr. Ramiro Rubalcaba has been selected as a finalist to serve as the Fontana Unified’s next Superintendent, pending approval by the Board of Education at its regularly scheduling meeting on Oct. 21.