Covina-Valley Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Eminhizer has been honored as a 2024-25 Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), recognizing her as an innovative and visionary leader who is dedicated to fostering student success and excellence. Each year, NSPRA recognizes up to 25 superintendents from across the country, honoring dynamic district leaders with fewer than five years of experience as a superintendent who uses strong communication and technology to expand outreach efforts.
Covina-Valley Unified School District celebrated the re-election of its Board of Education members during an Oath of Office ceremony on Dec. 16., reaffirming the Board’s unwavering commitment to student success. The event, held at the Dr. Mary Hanes Professional Development Center and Board Room, brought together District leaders, staff, and community members to honor the dedication and continued leadership of the Board.
Covina-Valley Unified School District has earned exceptional recognition in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings, reaffirming the District’s reputation as a standout educational leader across the San Gabriel Valley. Barranca, Grovecenter, Manzanita, Mesa, Merwin, Rowland Avenue, and Workman Avenue elementary schools, and Las Palmas and Traweek middle schools were all ranked highly in California, gaining eligibility to display a U.S. News & World Report badge to highlight this achievement. This recognition reflects the District’s dedication to providing a high-quality education that prepares young learners to thrive in high school and beyond.
Covina High School’s student-run thrift shop, Colt Outfitters, which offers students affordable access to clothing, school supplies, backpacks, books, and toiletries, has won a Golden Bell award from the California School Boards Association, recognizing the shop’s innovation and impact on supporting students. Established in the 2021-22 school year by the school’s Interact club, Colt Outfitters offers students essentials, with most items priced at $2 or less. Colt Outfitters serves not only as a resource for students but also as a learning environment for those in the Life-Skills Education Advancement Program (LEAP), which helps special education students develop real-world skills. LEAP students assist with running the store, learning social skills that will help them succeed in future jobs and life beyond high school.
Dr. Michele Doll, Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services at Covina-Valley Unified School District, has been named the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Human Resources Cabinet Member of the Year, underscoring her dedication to building a supportive and dynamic work culture that positively impacts both students and staff. With a distinguished career in public education spanning three decades, Dr. Doll has established a compassionate and strategic approach to human resources, helping the District to attract, retain, and nurture employees since 2015. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment has been instrumental in shaping the District’s culture and enhancing the experiences of educators and staff.
The California Reading Coalition (CRC) has ranked Covina-Valley Unified School District sixth in California and fourth in Los Angeles County in its California Reading Report Card, underscoring the District’s commitment to fostering early literacy for long-term academic success. The CRC’s Reading Report Card identifies and highlights California school districts that successfully teach reading to third graders, particularly to economically disadvantaged Hispanic/Latino students. Districts are ranked by the percent of these students who meet or exceed grade level for the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) third-grade English Language Arts test.
Delta College in University City, MI, is championing student well-being both in and out of the classroom through the institutionalization of Caring Campus strategies. With a focus on fostering a sense of belonging, the college has seen improvements in enrollment, retention, and completion rates, underscoring its commitment to student success.
Grovecenter Elementary School kindergarten teacher Jennifer Ritter is building a more inclusive learning environment for students by writing and publishing two children’s books about food allergies, using her own personal experience with gluten intolerance to educate students and families about dietary restrictions. Ritter’s diagnosis of gluten intolerance came two and a half years ago. Her daughter and grandson were also both recently diagnosed with celiac disease, an illness caused by an immune reaction to consuming gluten. This experience, she said, fueled her passion to educate others on the importance of understanding and accommodating food allergies in schools.
Twelve Covina-Valley Unified School District schools have been granted 2024 ENERGY STAR Certification by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the second year in a row, marking the District’s dedication to environmental stewardship and operational efficiency. Twelve of the District’s elementary, middle, and high schools performed in the top 25% nationwide for energy efficiency and met strict ventilation standards to receive 2024 ENERGY STAR Certification. These schools have not only excelled in reducing energy consumption but also set an example for educational institutions nationwide. These certifications not only recognize the District’s efforts in energy conservation but also signify potential cost savings and improved learning environments for students and staff. Schools that earn the ENERGY STAR Certification are recognized for their superior energy performance, contributing to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future.
Covina-Valley Unified School District celebrated its commitment to student success with the groundbreaking of a new South Hills High School library on Aug. 23 and the completion of renovated Covina High School tennis courts on Aug. 26, providing state-of-the-art facilities that help students thrive. The new South Hills High Library will serve as a new learning hub for students, featuring both individual and collaborative workspaces as well as updated technology. The project is estimated to be completed at the end of the year, just in time for the return of students from winter break.
