Key to the District

2025-2026 School Year

Paul Gavini awarded the Key to the District by Board Member Dr. Stephanie E. Lewis

Mr. Paul Gavini, Parent Volunteer
Presented by Board Member, Dr. Stephanie E. Lewis
Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Local organization Unidas de Corazon Maria Antonia receives the Key to the District from Board Vice President Mr. Edgar Montes

Unidas de Corazón Maria Antonia, Parent and Community Support Group
Presented by Board Vice President, Mr. Edgar Montes
Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Joseph W. Martinez, Board of Education Vice President, awards Simpson Elementary School Principal with the Key to the District on November 12, 2025

Mrs. Ramona Rodriguez, Simpson Elementary School District
Presented by Board Vice President, Mr. Joseph W. Martinez
Wednesday, November 12, 2025

The History of The Key
The Criteria

The History of The Key

The Rialto Unified School District's "Key to the District" is an annual recognition from the Board of Education that was established in the 2008-2009 school year. Each sitting Board of Education Member is given an opportunity to award one 8x11 golden plaque Key, per school year, to an individual or a group. The awardee's information is to be added on the public agenda of the school board meeting and publicly presented and promoted at a televised RUSD school board meeting.

The Criteria

The Key to the District is the highest annual recognition/accolade by a sitting Board of Education Member, within the RUSD. This recognition is presented to an individual (staff member, parent advocate and/or community group advocating for student success). In 2017, with the District's introduction and adoption of the Strategic Plan, the main criteria for recipients of the Key to the District evolved to embody the Body, Soul, and Spirit concept in holistically supporting students, RUSD families, and staff. The prestigious award is bestowed to five recipients each year at an RUSD School Board of Education school board meeting with proper marketing and promotion that follows. Additionally, a perpetual plaque can be viewed at the front of the District's Dr. Kazalunas Education Center, and each RUSD Key to the District recipient's pictures are posted on the District's website. It is requested that each Board Member (trustee) select the recipient based on the criteria that the honoree has at least made a five (5) year contribution to RUSD students, families and staff. It is discouraged to honor a board member's family or close friend who may not have a direct impact on student success.

Key to the District Archive

2024-2025 School Year

2023-2024 School Year

Ofeila Fitzpatrick Key to the District photo with Board Vice President Mr. Edgar Montes

Ms. Ofeila Fitzpatrick, Program Specialist in Expanded Learning Programs
Presented by Board Vice President, Mr. Edgar Montes
Wednesday, May 8, 2024

A pictured of Mrs. Marianna Gayton receiving the Key to the District from Board Clerk Mrs. Evelyn P. Dominguez

Mrs. Marianna Gayton, Jehue Middle School teacher
Presented by Board Clerk, Mrs. Evelyn P. Dominguez
Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Nadine Johnson Franklin earns the Key to the District

Mrs. Nadine Johnson Franklin, a retired secretary who worked in the RUSD for 23 years
Presented by Board Member Mrs. Stephanie E. Lewis
Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Mrs. Gloria Macias Harrison receives the Key to the District

Mrs. Gloria Macias Harrison, Inland Empire Community Newspaper group founder & San Bernardino Community College Board Trustee
Presented by Board Clerk Mr. Joseph W. Martinez
Wednesday, November 15, 2023

2022-2023 School Year

Mrs. Beth Curtiss, Lead Academic Agent: Elementary Innovation
Presented by Board Member Mrs. Nancy G. O'Kelley
Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Alfonso Real receives the Key to the District

Mr. Alfonso Real, Garcia Elementary School Crossing Guard
Presented by Board Member Mrs. Evelyn P. Dominguez
Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Nutrition Services receives the Key to the District

RUSD Nutrition Services
Presented by Board Member Mr. Edgar Montes
Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Inland Empire Children's Book Project
Presented by Board President Mrs. Stephanie E. Lewis
Wednesday, January 11, 2023

RUSD Transportation Services receives the Key to the District

RUSD Transportation Services
Presented by Board Member Ms. Dina Walker
Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Mr. Armando Urteaga receives the Key to the District

Mr. Armando Urteaga, Kolb Middle School Principal
Presented by Board Member Ms. Dina Walker
Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Mr. Derek Harris receives the Key to the District

Mr. Derek Harris, RUSD Lead Risk Management and Transportation Agent
Presented by Board Clerk Mrs. Nancy G. O'Kelley
Wednesday, September 21, 2022

2021-2022 School Year

Mr. Che Wilson, City of Rialto Recreation Programmer
Presented by Board Vice President Mrs. Stephanie E. Lewis
Wednesday, June 8, 2022

Mr. Joseph Williams, San Bernardino Valley College Trustee
Presented by Board Member Mr. Joseph W. Martinez
Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Ms. Celia Saravia, Parent Volunteer
Presented by Board President Mr. Edgar Montes
Wednesday, April 20, 2022

2019-2020 School Year

2018-2019 School Year

Mr. John Fitzsimmons, Carter High School AP Honors Teacher
Presented by Board Clerk Dina Walker
Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Mr. Armando Barton, Elementary Music Specialist
Presented by Vice President Nancy G. O'Kelley
Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Mrs. Hattie Inge, Parent Volunteer/Founder of Rialto Black History Committee, Inc.
Presented by Board President Edgar Montes
Wednesday, March 26, 2019

Mrs. Elsy De La Rosa, Parent Volunteer/Founder of Unidas de Corazon
Presented by Board Member Joseph Ayala
Wednesday, March 26, 2019

Mr. Mikal Thompson, Rialto High School MESA/Robotics Teacher
Presented by Board President Joseph W. Martinez
Wednesday, November 14, 2018

2017-2018 School Year

Mr. Dale Howard, Kolb Middle School Custodian
Presented by Board Vice President Edgar Montes
Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Mr. Scott Sparks, Eisenhower High School Principal
Presented by Board Clerk Nancy G. O'Kelley
Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Ms. Deborah Bunger, Rialto High School Teacher
Presented by Board Member Joseph Ayala
Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Mrs. Brandii Brunson, Kolb Middle School Teacher
Presented by Board Member Nancy G. O'Kelley
Wednesday, October 11, 2017

2016-2017 School Year

Ms. Deborah Bunger, Rialto High School Teacher
Presented by Board Member Joseph Ayala
Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Mrs. Cheryl Decker, Secretary III
Presented by Board Member Edgar Montes
Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Mr. Rod Campbell, Rialto Middle School Teacher
Presented by Board Vice President Joseph Martinez
Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Ms. Susan Tarbutton, Casey Elementary School Teacher
Presented by Board President Nancy G. O'Kelley
Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Mrs. Robin McMillon, Preston Elementary School Teacher
Presented by Board Vice President Dina Walker
Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Mrs. Stefanie Chamberlain, Eisenhower High School Teacher
Presented by Board Member Joseph Ayala
Wednesday, November 16, 2016

2015-2016 School Year

Ms. Maria Romano
Presented by Board Member Edgar Montes
Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Ms. Juanita Chan
Presented by Board Clerk Joseph W. Martinez
Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Mrs. Angela Brantley
Presented by Board Vice President Dina Walker
Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Mrs. Wilmer Amina Carter
Presented by Board Member Joseph W. Martinez
Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Mrs. Jasmin Valenzuela
Presented by Board Vice President Nancy G. O'Kelley
Wednesday, October 21, 2015

2014-2015 School Year

Ms. Kem Morris
Presented by Board Member Joseph Ayala
Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Mrs. Cinde Stone
Presented by Board President Edgar Montes
Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Ms. Marisol Rios
Presented by Board Member Joseph Ayala
Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Mr. Bill Ralph
Presented by Board Member Nancy G. O'Kelley
Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Mrs. Syeda Jafri
Presented by Board President Joanne T. Gilbert
Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Mrs. Peggy Wheeler
Presented by Board Clerk Joseph W. Martinez
Wednesday, August 27, 2014

2013-2014 School Year

Mrs. Neva Hayes
Presented by Board Member Edgar Montes
Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Mrs. Elizabeth Moreno, Past PTA and DLAC President
Presented by Board Vice President, Joseph Ayala
December 2013

Dr. Hilarie Dyson, Administrator of Child Development
Presented by Board President, Joanne T. Gilbert
December 2013

Mrs. Kelly Valencia, Locker Room Attendant, Kucera Middle School
Presented by Board Clerk, Joseph Martinez
September 2013

Dr. Edward D'Souza, Senior Director, Professional Development Center
Presented by Board Member, Nancy G. O'Kelley
August 2013

2012-2013 School Year

2011-2012 School Year

2010-2011 School Year

Mrs. Nancy O'Kelley, Eisenhower High School Principal
Presented by Board Member, Edgar Montes
June 2011

Mrs. Ethel Leathers, Eisenhower High School English Teacher/Cheer Advisor
Presented by Board President, Micheal G. Ridgway
May 2011

Mrs. Alicia Christiansen, Special Education Teacher, Kordyak Elementary
Presented by Board Clerk, Joe Ayala
May 2011

Mr. Rich Day, United Parcel Service, Supervisor
Presented by Board Vice President, Joanne Gilbert
April 2011

Mrs. Michelle Ridgway, Teacher on Special Assignment, Kucera Middle School
Presented by Former Board President, Dr. John R. Kazalunas
December 2010

Ms. Rhonda Kramer, Senior Director, Personnel Services
Presented by Board Member, Joseph Martinez
November 2010

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