Ukiah Unified School District was honored to host Assemblymember Chris Rogers at Ukiah High School on Monday, September 22, 2025, for a campus tour showcasing the district’s robust Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways.
Assemblymember Rogers was joined by Ukiah City Manager Sage Sangiacomo, Sonoma State University Chair of School of Teacher Education and Leadership Dr. Penny Lane, Mendocino College Vice President Deb Polak, Ukiah High School Principal Dr. Analese Alvarez, Assistant Principal Jonica Vice, and Ukiah Unified School District Superintendent Deb Kubin.
Superintendent Kubin highlighted the district’s “grow-your-own” approach to developing the next generation of educators through innovative partnerships with the City of Ukiah, Mendocino College, Sonoma State University, and other higher education institutions.
“Through innovative partnerships with the City of Ukiah and with our higher education partners, we are starting to create our own educators,” said Superintendent Kubin. “Our students can gain experience working with children, earn their AA from Mendocino College, complete their Bachelor’s and teaching credential with Sonoma State, and then pursue advanced leadership or special education credentials through San Diego State or Cal Poly Humboldt. These pathways open doors for students while strengthening the local educator pipeline.”
Strong Partnerships Fuel Student Success
- Mendocino College: Ukiah High School students access dual-enrollment courses that allow them to earn both high school and college credit. Many graduates continue to Mendocino College for their Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies. Families often save thousands in tuition through DE classes and the district’s Middle College program, where students can graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree.
- City of Ukiah: In partnership with the district, the City hires high school students and recent graduates to work in After School Education and Safety (ASES) programs across Ukiah Unified schools. These hands-on opportunities often inspire students to pursue careers in education.
- Sonoma State University: With a local classroom facility at Mendocino College, students can seamlessly transfer from Mendocino to Sonoma State while staying in Ukiah. The SSU Teacher Residency Program has already graduated eight paraprofessionals into teaching roles, with 13 more currently enrolled.
- Other Initiatives: The district also partners with San Diego State University for an administrative credential and master’s program (24 teachers enrolled) and with Cal Poly Humboldt for a special education credential program.
Career and Technical Education at Ukiah High
Ukiah High School currently offers 20 CTE pathways with 1,034 students enrolled and 315 pathway completers. During the visit, Assemblymember Rogers and guests toured classrooms in Child Development, Welding, Construction, Machine Shop, and Emergency Response, engaging directly with students about their learning experiences and career aspirations.
“I’m very proud of our students,” Kubin added. “They are articulate, authentic, and confident when speaking with leaders. They showcase the power of applied learning and the strength of our pathways.”
District leaders also urged Assemblymember Rogers to oppose cuts to education funding and to support efforts to simplify regulations that often create unnecessary administrative burdens.
Ukiah Unified School District thanks Assemblymember Rogers for his visit and for taking time to learn about the innovative programs and partnerships that benefit local students and the greater Ukiah community.