UPLAND – 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.

Dr. Bowman, who has been with Upland Unified since 2018 and currently serves as Chief Academic Officer, brings more than two decades in public education to the District’s top leadership role.

“Dr. Bowman has been a trusted and highly effective leader in Upland Unified for many years, and the Board is confident she is the right person to lead our District into its next chapter,” Board President Mary Locke said. “She brings a deep understanding of our students, schools, and community, along with a clear vision for academic excellence and a strong commitment to creating opportunities for every student. We are excited to see her build on the tremendous progress our District has made while continuing to move Upland Unified forward.”

During her eight years with Upland Unified, Dr. Bowman has played a central role in shaping the District’s academic programs and instructional practices. As Chief Academic Officer, she oversees curriculum and instruction, data and assessment, professional learning, and equity and access.

She also serves as the instructional lead for the District’s 15 school principals, providing coaching and support to strengthen instructional leadership across Upland Unified. Her connection to the District also extends beyond her professional role, as Dr. Bowman is an Upland Unified parent whose three children graduated from Upland High School.

Her tenure has coincided with significant academic growth and the expansion of programs designed to provide students with opportunities to succeed in college, careers, and life. In her leadership role, Dr. Bowman has worked closely with Dr. Carmen Day, the Board of Education, District administrators, educators, and staff to advance Upland Unified’s commitment to “Creating Excellence for All.”

“It is an incredible honor to be selected to serve as the next superintendent of Upland Unified, a District and community that have become deeply meaningful to me,” Dr. Bowman said. “I am grateful to the Board for its confidence in me and to Dr. Carmen Day for her leadership, mentorship, and the strong foundation she has built. I look forward to working alongside our talented educators, staff, families, and community partners to build on our successes, expand opportunities for students, and ensure every student has the support and resources to reach their full potential.”

Dr. Bowman brings more than 24 years of experience in public education to the superintendent position, with a professional background that spans nearly every level of public education, including service as a classroom teacher, academic coach, equity specialist, school administrator, county administrator, and district executive leader. This breadth of experience provides Dr. Bowman with a comprehensive understanding of teaching and learning, school operations, leadership development, and systems improvement.

“Dr. Bowman has been an integral part of Upland Unified’s leadership team and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and community,” Dr. Carmen Day said. “Her deep understanding of our District, combined with her experience, vision, and passion for public education, will serve Upland Unified well as it enters its next chapter. I am confident the District will continue to thrive under her leadership.”

Dr. Bowman earned her Doctor of Education from the American College of Education in 2023 and a Master of Arts in Education from Azusa Pacific University. She holds multiple-subject and single-subject teaching credentials, as well as an administrative services credential. She earned her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from California State University, San Marcos.

The Board approved Dr. Bowman’s appointment unanimously during its Aug. 27 meeting. To ensure a seamless transition over the next couple of months, Superintendent Dr. Carmen Day will work closely with the Board and Dr. Bowman to execute a strategic succession plan.

PHOTO CAPTION

UUSD_Bowman1: Dr. Shinay Bowman, Upland Unified School District’s Chief Academic Officer, has been selected by the Board of Education as the District’s next superintendent. Dr. Bowman will succeed Superintendent Dr. Lynn Carmen Day following her retirement.