Bonita Unified School District has been recognized as a “District on the Rise” by the Education Scorecard, according to data compiled through the collaborative efforts of the Center for Educational Policy Research at Harvard University and the Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford University. The data reflects math and reading test scores throughout the District for grades 3-8 since 2021, which have risen steadily. The scores are compared to other districts with similar socioeconomic status, demographics, and size. Bonita was one of just 12 school districts in California to be designated as a “District on the Rise” by the Education Scorecard in 2026.
By the time San Dimas High School Class of 2003 graduate Lisa Carson received her diploma, she was already planning her return to the campus she loved so much. As an Associated Student Body (ASB) student leader, Carson realized that school spirit and guiding future Saints toward a path to success was her future. Carson fulfilled her destiny when she became San Dimas’ activities director and ASB advisor in 2011. Following in the footsteps of her mentor, former San Dimas High activities director and current Ramona Middle School principal James Ellis, Carson has balanced academic rigor with powerful school spirit, a commitment that has earned her the 2026 Bob Burton Spirit Award from the California Association of Directors of Activities (CADA).
Three Bonita Unified School District employees were recognized as the District’s 2026 Employees of the Year for their service to the BUSD community, highlighting the range of roles that support student success across the District. Ramona Middle School Physical Education (PE) and Adaptive Physical Education (APE) teacher Peri Berkler was honored as the Certificated Employee of the Year; San Dimas High School Cafeteria Manager Christie Reilly was named Classified Employee of the Year; and Bonita High School Assistant Principal Joy Lindsay received the Management Employee of the Year award.
Nearly 800 graduates from Chaparral-Vista, San Dimas, and Bonita high schools crossed the commencement stage on June 2 and 4, turning their tassels and tossing their caps as family, friends, and educators honored the Class of 2026 for its achievements during ceremonies that celebrated the character and traditions of each school community. Each high school recognized students’ achievements in academics, arts, and athletics, in addition to celebrating graduates who overcame personal challenges in their pursuit of a diploma. Among the graduates’ many accomplishments, all of Bonita Unified’s valedictorians and salutatorians will continue their academic journeys at UCLA.
Bonita Unified students and families looked on with anticipation as Lone Hill Middle School science teacher Kevin Amegin turned a handful of household items into a bright blue blast of “elephant toothpaste” foam that shot nearly 15 feet into the air. Displays like this lined the Lone Hill Middle school quad as students led the inaugural Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Night in early May, inviting families and local Bonita Unified elementary school students to explore interactive demonstrations designed to make STEAM subjects feel fun and accessible.
As an elementary school student during the pandemic, Bonita High School senior James Hurwitz would often spend time between online classes viewing short history-related videos on the internet. The more he watched, the more fascinated he became with world history, dreaming of becoming a standout student with solid character and a future leader. Devoting himself to academics and leadership in high school, Hurwitz is on track to graduate with a 4.0 GPA, while building his skills through participation in the Civil Air Patrol as part of its Brackett Composite Squadron 64, and training with the Marine Delayed Entry program, where he impressed recruiters with his academic and physical capabilities, knowledge of history and enthusiasm in engaging with instructors and cadets.
Gladstone Elementary School hosted its annual “Be You” Night in April, drawing its largest turnout to date with more than 150 students and parents coming together for an evening centered on supporting neurodiverse learners. Organized by the Gladstone Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and supported by a campuswide community effort, the event continues to grow each year, bringing students and families together during Autism Acceptance Month through interactive, sensory-friendly activities.
San Dimas High School’s Saint Shop Digital Art Studio has been helping to create and define Saint spirit for more than a decade, assisting students, administrators, teachers, and community groups on their design projects with expert-level technique and affordable prices. Known as the “fab lab,” the Digital Art Studio is available to all San Dimas students and staff, as well as community partners, to help design and manufacture T-shirts, stickers, banners, logos, and more, using the combined talents of the school’s Visual Communication (VisCom) pathway students, which include traditional artists, graphic artists, and printing specialists.
A single book recommendation in fourth grade transformed Bonita High School junior Lexi Cocores from a reluctant reader into a passionate storyteller, a journey that has since led her to publish her debut novel at 16 and begin work on a full trilogy. In the months following its release, Cocores marked the milestone with a book signing at Judging By The Cover in San Dimas, where she shared her work with friends, family, community members, and staff from Allen Avenue Elementary, marking a full-circle moment for a student whose love of reading first began in the classroom.
Bonita Unified School District is preparing to refinance a portion of its General Obligation bonds to take advantage of lower interest rates, a move projected to generate approximately $1.3 million in savings for local taxpayers. The refinancing is expected to close in early May and will move forward following a 0.59% decline in interest rates. It will apply to bonds originally issued in 2014, along with two bond issuances from 2016, which are part of Measure AB, a bond measure approved by voters in November 2008.
