In April, the Upland Unified School District refinanced $22.6 million in General Obligation bonds which will save District property owners more than $2.8 million in property taxes. The District took advantage of low interest rates due to economic uncertainty to refinance bonds approved by voters in 2008. This follows five prior refinancings completed between 2015 and 2017, which combined with this refunding will save District taxpayers a total of $37.4 million. In 2008, 60% of Upland Unified School District voters approved Measure K. The bonds were authorized to improve schools by upgrading classrooms and libraries, installing energy efficiency improvements, and providing up-to-date technology to students throughout the District. Interest rates on the original bonds ranged between 3.00% and 5.00%. Rates on the new refunding bonds range from 2.16% to 3.18%, a difference that will save property taxpayers $2,801,804.
Upland Unified School District proudly honored outstanding families from across the District during its eighth annual Family Leadership Recognition Night on April 15. The event celebrated families who generously volunteer their time, lend their talents, and contribute meaningfully to their school communities and the District as a whole. A total of 33 individuals were recognized this year, including two people from each school, four selected at the District level, and, for the first time, one person personally selected by Superintendent Dr. Lynn Carmen Day. The evening began with a dinner for honorees and their guests, followed by a heartfelt program in which school principals presented awards and highlighted the unique contributions and lasting impact of those selected. From organizing events to supporting classroom initiatives and fostering school spirit, award recipients were recognized for helping strengthen the connection between home and school.
Students at Upland High School (UHS) are earning widespread recognition for outstanding achievement across academics, arts, and athletics, demonstrating a strong tradition of excellence and a commitment to well-rounded success. Academically, UHS students excelled in multiple regional competitions. Forty students participated in the San Bernardino County History Day competition on March 7 at California State University, San Bernardino, with 26 advancing to the state-level competition. Students developed original projects aligned with this year’s theme, “Revolution, Reaction and Reform in History,” choosing formats such as documentaries, performances, websites, and exhibits. Eleven students also represented UHS at the San Bernardino County Science Fair on Feb. 26 at the University of Redlands, with all participants earning silver awards.
Upland Unified School District will honor the dedication and impact of its employees this spring through appreciation and Board recognition, highlighting the vital role staff play in supporting student success. At its April 14 meeting, the Board of Trustees unanimously adopted resolutions recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week from May 4–8 and Classified Employee Appreciation Week from May 18–22. These observances recognize the collective contributions of certificated, classified, confidential, and management staff across the District. District personnel will be providing staff with thoughtful gestures of appreciation in recognition of their daily commitment to students and families.
Since 2020, Upland Unified School District has offered Wednesday Webinars, a virtual series designed to connect families with District staff, provide practical tools to support student learning and well-being, and strengthen the partnership between home and school. Held on Wednesday evenings to accommodate family schedules, the program has grown into a key resource for Upland Unified families. The webinar series was launched during the COVID-19 shutdown to maintain communication and offer additional support to families. Topics are guided by family feedback and District priorities, with families invited each spring to suggest subjects for the coming school year. Prior topics covered include financial literacy, identifying students’ need for mental health services, and preparing for the challenges and opportunities of AI. Sessions typically feature presentations from District educators or administrators, along with opportunities for attendees to ask questions and share feedback. Past webinars have also featured community partner guest speakers such as the Upland Police Department, Inland Empire Health Plan, and CALKids. Spanish-language translation services are available upon request.
Upland High School’s (UHS) dedication to expanding opportunity and supporting student success has earned the campus recognition as a 2026 California Distinguished School, a prestigious honor achieved through implementing programs and initiatives that help close the achievement gap for historically underserved student groups. The recognition reflects UHS’ commitment to creating opportunities for all students through strong academic programs, targeted student support, and a culture that emphasizes high expectations and meaningful connections.
Nearly 300 students, families, staff members, and community partners gathered at Upland High School (UHS) on Feb. 12 for Upland Unified School District’s Fifth Annual Black History Night, an evening dedicated to honoring Black culture, uplifting student achievement, and strengthening community connections. The celebration showcased the extraordinary talents of Upland Unified students through poetry, spoken word, vocal performances, and dynamic dance presentations. A live DJ energized the crowd and led an interactive dance tutorial that invited audience members of all ages to take part, creating an atmosphere of unity, joy, and shared pride.
Upland Unified School District opened enrollment for its 2026 summer programs on March 2, offering academic support, enrichment activities, and arts instruction opportunities for students from transitional kindergarten through high school. Programs begin in June and families are encouraged to review deadlines carefully, as some programs have limited capacity. Summer Bridge, part of the District’s Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, serves current TK through fifth grade students. The program will run from June 15 through July 23, Monday through Thursday, with Juneteenth observed as a holiday. The morning session includes instruction focused on reading, math, and social skills. Afternoon programming emphasizes enrichment activities, sports, and hands-on experiences. Enrollment closes April 17. All current TK–5 students who apply before the deadline are guaranteed placement.
Upland High School (UHS) celebrated the completion of its new athletic field on Feb. 18 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a major milestone for the school and broader community. The event honored the generous community partners and donors whose support made the project possible.Local dignitaries, school officials, students, and community members gathered to commemorate the occasion and honor Ralph Cavallo, a beloved community leader who was instrumental in bringing the project to life and who died in early February.
Upland Unified School District will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the grand opening of Upland High School’s newly renovated athletic facilities. The upgraded space features new artificial turf baseball and football multi-use fields as well as a new high-tech scoreboard and sound system.
