Fontana Unified School District Superintendent Miki R. Inbody has announced her retirement in December 2026, concluding a 35-year career in public education defined by student-centered leadership, expanded opportunities for students, and a lifelong commitment to the community that shaped her. A Fontana Unified alumna and first-generation college graduate, Inbody’s educational journey began as a Head Start student before attending Maple Elementary School, Alder Middle School, and graduating from Fontana High School. She continued her education at Chaffey College before transferring to California State University, San Bernardino, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, along with an administrative services credential.
At Palmetto Elementary School, student scholars cannot wait for Cardio Wednesday celebrations and the opportunity to do the cha-cha slide with their classmates and teachers. At Chaparral Academy of Technology (CHAT), neon LED lights and air hockey games fill the school’s new CHAT-cade game room. The dance parties and game room not only provide a break during the school day, they are also bringing students, faculty, and staff together, transforming the academic experience into a day of learning, connection, and fun.
Fontana High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) cadets stepped onto the national academic stage for the first time from June 12-16, joining the country’s top programs at the JROTC Leadership & Academic Bowl (JLAB) National Championship in Washington, D.C. By the end of the competition, cadets Kimberley Flores, Rosario Negrete, Marcos Alvarenga, and Angel Rios had made school history, earning third place among Marine Corps JROTC academic teams and establishing Fontana High as one of the nation’s strongest programs.
More than 2,600 graduates crossed commencement stages during Fontana Unified School District's (FUSD) Class of 2026 graduation ceremonies, celebrating years of academic achievement and personal growth as they prepare to pursue futures in higher education, military service, careers, and skilled trades. Fontana Unified honored graduates from its five comprehensive high schools, continuation high school, and adult school from May 26-28 through ceremonies filled with reflections on family sacrifice, cultural pride, celebrations of first-generation achievement, and heartfelt farewells from fellow students.
O’Day Short Elementary School and Fontana Unified student Cyrus Moss were honored by the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) on May 28 with its Community Remembrance Award, marking a milestone in the school community’s effort to preserve and share the legacy of the O’Day Short family. EJI Senior Attorney Jennifer Taylor presented the award during a recognition assembly, where she addressed students and staff, recognized Moss for his role in leading the school renaming effort, and donated books to the school library. The Community Remembrance Award recognizes efforts to memorialize a community’s history in support of developing a more just future.
Lynwood Unified School District’s music programs are reaching new heights, with both Lynwood and Marco Antonio Firebaugh high school bands earning “Superior” ratings at music festival events during the spring semester, a first-time achievement for both programs. The recent accolades shine a spotlight on the District’s Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) programs and the excitement created by two young and talented music directors who have arrived in Lynwood Unified with a goal of establishing elite programs.
O’Day Short Elementary School held its official renaming ceremony at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year, marking the transition from Randall Pepper Elementary to a campus name honoring the O’Day Short family.
Fontana Unified School District is elevating student voices in District leadership with the selection of Kaiser High School junior Julian Villeda as the Student Board Member for the 2026-27 school year. In this role, Villeda will represent nearly 32,000 Fontana Unified students, helping bring student perspectives into Board discussions and Districtwide decision-making. Villeda, who boasts a 4.12 GPA, has attended Fontana Unified schools since he was four years old and said he hopes to serve as a bridge between students and District leaders.
Fontana Unified School District celebrated a year of student achievement, innovation, and opportunity during its annual State of the District on April 22, centered on the theme “Opening Doors: Students Dream. Students Lead. Students Rise.” The event, held at Jurupa Hills High School, brought together students, families, educators, and community leaders to highlight the District’s commitment to preparing every student for success in college, career, and beyond. The event began with a spotlight on student talent, as Summit High School’s orchestra welcomed guests, joined by cheerleaders from Maple Elementary, Chaparral Academy of Technology, and Harry S. Truman and Sequoia middle schools. Inside the theater, Kaiser High School’s orchestra continued the program with a dynamic musical performance, with A.B. Miller High School student Ralston Good leading the Pledge of Allegiance and Jurupa Hills High School student Paige Pedroza singing the national anthem, setting the tone for an afternoon centered on student talent.
Cypress Elementary School students now have access to a calming sensory environment and expanded hands-on learning opportunities through the school’s newly revitalized campus garden, unveiled during an Earth Day ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 22. More than 200 students, staff, community members, and representatives from partner organizations attended the celebration, with Earth Day-themed signs and balloons lining the garden as attendees gathered for the unveiling. Cypress Garden Club students worked for weeks planting the new garden for their peers to enjoy.
