Covina-Valley Unified School District has successfully refinanced a portion of its General Obligation bonds, securing lower interest rates that will generate more than $1.6 million in total debt service savings and approximately $1.4 million in net savings for local taxpayers. Under the leadership of the Board of Education, Covina-Valley Unified refinanced the bonds to take advantage of favorable interest rates in 2026. The refinancing reduced the interest rate on the refunded bonds from 4.26% to 3.19%.
Covina-Valley Unified is known as a destination District, with standout programs, innovative learning opportunities, and enriching extracurriculars that inspire every student’s unlimited potential. From elementary school through high school, Covina-Valley Unified’s 16 schools prepare students for success in college, careers, and beyond. Students begin their educational journey with access to innovative programs, including Spanish and Mandarin Dual Language Immersion programs. These help students develop bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural skills at an early age, preparing them for success in an increasingly global society.
Las Palmas Middle School students are creating a culture of inclusion and friendship through the school’s Best Buddies program, creating meaningful connections that have earned the campus the distinction of Best Buddies California Outstanding Middle School Chapter of the Year. The Best Buddies program pairs students with disabilities with peers, creating opportunities to build friendships, a sense of belonging, and inclusion across campus. What began nearly a decade ago as a small club has grown into a campuswide effort involving leadership students, physical education (PE) classes, and a dedicated Best Buddies Club, with 71 students currently participating.
Covina-Valley Unified School District celebrated nearly 1,200 graduates during commencement ceremonies held June 1-4, honoring the many achievements, perseverance, and future aspirations of the Class of 2026. Families and friends gathered at the District Field to cheer on graduates from Covina, Northview, South Hills, and Fairvalley high schools, as well as the Covina-Valley Learning Options Academy (C-VLOA) and Tri-Community Adult Education. Many Class of 2026 graduates will be continuing their academic journeys at prestigious universities, including UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, the University of Southern California, the University of Oregon, Cornell University, and more. Others will enter the workforce, pursue career training, or serve in the Armed Forces.
Covina-Valley Unified School District is home to exemplary athletics programs, with all three comprehensive high schools offering CIF-level teams that help students develop their athletic skills, build camaraderie with teammates, and compete at high levels. From baseball and tennis to flag football, cheer, track and field, and more, student-athletes across the District are strengthening their athletic abilities and developing leadership, responsibility, discipline, and perseverance that support success both on and off the field.
From a young age, Covina High School senior Levi Lopez has been driven by a passion for helping and leading others, whether in school, sports, or everyday life. This fall, Lopez will bring that drive to the University of California, Berkeley, where he plans to double-major in history and economics, with the goal of returning to Covina-Valley Unified as a teacher. Long term, Lopez said he hopes to become a school district superintendent, with the ultimate dream of one day serving as President of the United States.
Joy Glaspy, Las Palmas Middle School math and special education teacher, has been named a 2026 Jostens Renaissance Educator of the Year, a prestigious national honor recognizing educators who make a lasting impact on their school’s culture and climate. Glaspy is one of only four educators nationwide selected for this award, reflecting her unwavering commitment to creating a positive, inclusive school environment where every student is encouraged to grow and achieve.
Northview High School senior Valerie Chavez is reaching for the stars, turning her passion for astronautical engineering and rocketry into reality after being named an Edison Scholar and receiving the prestigious $50,000 scholarship. Each year, Edison International awards the competitive scholarship to only 30 high school seniors across Southern California, helping them pursue a future in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and make an impact in their communities.
South Hills High School junior Denise Lee has spent the last two years volunteering in her community, developing innovative technology, launching a small business, and strengthening her athletic skills, efforts that have earned her the highest honor the U.S. Congress bestows upon young Americans, the Congressional Award Gold Medal. To earn the Gold Medal, Lee completed 400 hours of Voluntary Public Service, 200 hours of Personal Development, and 200 hours of Physical Fitness, along with a five-day, four-night exploration of a new environment or culture.
Las Palmas Middle School students are developing bilingual, biliteracy, and bicultural skills in the school’s Spanish Dual Immersion program, opening doors to expanded opportunities in higher education and future careers. The dual immersion journey begins early at Manzanita Elementary School, where students enter the program in transitional kindergarten. By the time they arrive at Las Palmas, students are already multilingual and ready for a more rigorous, in-depth curriculum taught in Spanish. The program continues into Northview High School, where students further refine their skills and ultimately graduate with the Seal of Biliteracy.
