Our EPIC Journey – May 2026

Our EPIC Journey

By Deb Kubin, Superintendent

As we close another remarkable school year in Ukiah Unified, I find myself reflecting not just on accomplishments and statistics, but on the collective effort behind them. Every success story this year – every student milestone, every classroom breakthrough, every moment of growth – was made possible through the partnership between our schools, our families, our staff, and our community.

This is the work we are doing together.

From Transitional Kindergarten through twelfth grade, we have worked hard to create warm, welcoming, and academically challenging environments where students can grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Education is about far more than grades and test scores. It is about helping young people become confident, capable, resilient adults prepared for whatever path they choose next.

One of the clearest signs of progress this year has been attendance. Across the district, attendance increased approximately 1.2% over last year, while chronic absenteeism dropped 19.9%. Those numbers matter because every day in school strengthens learning, relationships, confidence, and connection. Behind those gains are thousands of parents making sure students arrive ready to learn each morning, and staff members building classrooms where students feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to succeed.

This year, we also celebrated 424 students through our Students of the Month program. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our local sponsors, students were recognized with cookies, pizza, slushes, crepes, savings certificates, photographs, and proclamations that reminded them that their hard work and character matter. Recognition builds confidence, and confidence helps students thrive.

We also celebrated the adults who make this work possible. Throughout the year, more than 40 employees were surprised and recognized through our Employee of the Month celebrations, honoring the dedication, compassion, and professionalism our staff bring to students and families every day. These are employees you helped nominate.

Our commitment to students also includes preparing the next generation of educators and leaders. Through partnerships with Sonoma State University, San Diego State University, and Cal Poly Humboldt, we are helping develop future teachers, administrators, and special educational professionals right here in our community.

Our parent and student perception surveys also showed double-digit improvements in important areas connected to our Strategic Plan, including school climate, communication, safety, belonging, and engagement. Those improvements reflect intentional work happening every day across our campuses to ensure students feel seen, valued, challenged, and connected.

Parent engagement with families remained a major priority this year. Across our district, we shared 984 Facebook and Instagram posts celebrating student life and helping families stay connected to our schools. Schools sent more than 112,346 direct ParentSquare messages, along with 4,314 ParentSquare posts, ensuring families had timely information and meaningful opportunities to stay engaged in their child’s educational journey. Plus, schools held open houses, back-to-school nights, parent/teacher conferences, performances, and events – opening their doors to the community.

And what a season of celebration this has been for our graduating seniors.

At Ukiah High School’s Scholarship and Awards Night, 95 students were recognized with 161 scholarships, with more than $300,000 announced before college signing day (and more still to come). We also celebrated 90 students earning the Seal of Biliteracy, 69 students completing college coursework through Dual Enrollment, and 218 students completing Career Technical Education pathways that prepare them for high-demand careers and future success.

Just days later, Senior Signing Day celebrated students entering the workforce, attending trade schools, enrolling in community colleges and universities, and committing to military service. Every pathway represents opportunity, purpose, and growth. Just as every day matters, every pathway matters.

That is the heart of Ukiah Unified.

The EPIC Journey we’re on is vibrant and exciting. It is the shared experience of a community raising children together – one day, one lesson, one relationship at a time. I am deeply proud of the work happening across our community and grateful to every parent, staff member, volunteer, community partner, and student who helped make this year so meaningful.

Thank you for being on this EPIC journey with us!