Screenshot from Rialto USD’s Board of Education meeting Oct. 22, 2025 / courtesy photo

Rialto, CA — The Rialto Unified School District’s Board of Education celebrated student accomplishments, heard reports from campus leaders and announced a new direct-admission pathway to Cal State San Bernardino (CSUSB)during its Oct. 22 board meeting.

Board Vice President Joseph W. Martinez and other trustees unanimously approved the evening’s agenda before turning the floor over to student representatives from Rialto’s middle schools, who highlighted campus achievements, major events and academic initiatives.

Student board member reports dominated the early portion of the meeting.

Representatives from multiple middle schools shared updates on academics, extracurriculars and school culture.

At Jehue Middle School, one student leader said she and her peers started the year with a focus on spirit and engagement,sharing that “our Jaguars kicked off the school

year with PBS roll out and multiple spirit days where our Jaguars busted out their school spirit and showed it off.”

She noted that the school’s first dance of the year was a success and invited board members to see their campus clubs and after-school activities.

Rialto Middle School ASB President Bailey Rubin described a campus energized by spirit events and leadership development opportunities.

“We kicked off the school year strong in August with our welcome tunnel during the entire first week of school,” shesaid. “With posters, high fives and plenty of energy without coffee, I might add.”

She added that their Hispanic Heritage celebration brought “creativity and energy on

campus” and emphasized leadership training at regional conferences and Disneyland, where students “learned valuable leadership lessons about communication, creativity and teamwork.”

Trustees applauded students throughout the presentations, with board members describing them as examples of academic ambition and leadership.

One of the evening’s major announcements came from district staff and CSUSB leadership, who detailed a new Direct-Admission Program that will allow eligible Rialto seniors to secure university admission without applying first.

Dr. Manuel Burciaga, the district’s executive director of education services, told the board the agreement “will significantly enhance the post-secondary opportunities available to our students, specifically our [Class of] 2026 high school seniors.”

The university will receive a list of eligible seniors in the coming weeks.

Dr. David Dufault-Hunter, CSUSB Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management and Marketing, said the district and campus will coordinate tours so students can experience the college environment firsthand because “students need to see the place as they make a determination about their future.”

Board members praised the agreement.

Early in the meeting, the board also disclosed several closed-session decisions, including settling a salary claim and accepting the resignation of an employee.

According to the report, “The board of education approved the payment of $33,139 and settlement of an anticipated salary claim.”

Trustees also voted to appoint a new fiscal manager and accept a negotiated resignation, both unanimously.

Student reports highlighted several upcoming community-building events, including fall festivals, Red Ribbon Week and family carnivals across the district.

Rialto Middle School extended an invitation to trustees for its fall festival, where students will host a “bubble roller race challenge” and serve funnel cakes.