W e e k l y RIALTO RECORD
Vol 24, NO. 40
May 14, 2026
Rialto Unified Honors Top Teachers, Classified Staff Advancing Student Success
IECN.com
Efforts to Combat Mailbox Theft and Vandalism in the Inland Empire Pg. 3
PHOTO RUSD Rialto Unified School District's 2025-2026 Employees of the Year. Top row, from left: Teachers of the Year Silk Jones (Simpson Elementary) and James Nava (Kolb Middle School). Bottom row, from left: Classified Employees of the Year Olga Guerrero (Simpson Elementary), Diane Komiyama (Rialto Middle School), Wendy Moreno (Eisenhower High School), Edith Ortiz Torres (Communications/Media Services), Raymond Palacios (Preston Elementary), Michael Slone (Technology Services), and Rachelle Warner (Safety Services).
By Manny Sandoval
Moreno Valley College Marks 35 Years With Open House Showcasing Careers, Community and Belonging Pg. 4
The Great Y Circus Brings Historic Youth Acrobatics, Aerial Performances to Redlands Through May 17 Pg. 5 Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: iecn1@mac.com Legals : iecnlegals@gmail.com
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f the approximately 3,000 employees in the Rialto Unified School District has selected its top teachers and classified employees for the 20252026 school year. Veteran classroom teachers Silk Jones, from Simpson Elementary School, and James Nava, teacher at Kolb Middle School, were selected as the District’s “Teachers of the Year.” Additionally, for classroom support, the District also selected its “Classified Employees of the Year.” With a large list of nominees, the District selected seven employees representing a wide range of essential support roles: Olga Guerrero, Paraprofessional at Simpson Elementary; Diane Komiyama, Nutrition Services Worker III at Rialto Middle School; Wendy Moreno, Transition Case Tech at Eisenhower High School; Edith Ortiz Torres, Communications & Media Technician; Rachelle Warner, Safety
Dispatcher in Safety Services; Raymond Palacios, Lead Custodian at Preston Elementary School; and Mike Slone, WideArea Network Specialist in Technology Services. Classified employees are staff members in non-teaching, non-administrative roles who support District operations through clerical, custodial, food service, safety, and technical assistance. Additionally, several of the honorees were selected to advance to the San Bernardino County Schools level to be recognized by the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. Both Jones and Nava were selected on the teacher side, while Moreno and Komiyama will represent the District on the classified side. Jones was honored for her excellence as a 26-year veteran educator at Simpson Elementary School. Under her leadership, her students have consistently increased their California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) test
scores year-over-year. That growth contributed to Simpson Elementary School's recognition as a California Distinguished School in 2025 for exceptional student performance and closing the achievement gap. Her classroom is a place where curiosity is nurtured into confidence, ensuring students develop a lifelong passion for discovery. At Kolb Middle School, Nava was honored for his 35 years of transformative mentorship. Nava is part of the team at Kolb that has twice earned State and National “Schools to Watch” honors. A pioneer of innovative learning, he developed a "Game Theory" course that is the only one of its kind in the District. Outside of the regular classroom day, Nava volunteers his time as a tutor, Chess Club advisor, and coach for wrestling and jiu-jitsu. The District’s classified county-level representatives were honored during a ceremony at the Dorothy Inghram Learning Center office on May 12. RUSD cont. on next pg.
Rialto Police Increase Patrols After Vehicle Burglaries, Vandalism in River Ranch By IECN Staff
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ialto police are investigating several recent vehicle burglaries and acts of vandalism reported in the River Ranch community, officials said. The Rialto Police Department said it is working to identify and arrest those responsible while increasing patrols and conducting proactive enforcement throughout the affected area. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and follow up on
leads. “We understand the concern and frustration these incidents cause the community,” Police Chief Mark Kling said. “The safety of our residents remains our highest priority. Our officers and detectives are actively working to identify those responsible, and we remain fully committed to protecting our community and addressing these crimes swiftly and thoroughly.” Police said they recognize the concern the crimes have caused among residents and
remain committed to maintaining public safety in the neighborhood. Residents are encouraged to stay alert, lock vehicle doors, remove valuables from plain view and report suspicious activity to police by calling 9-1-1. Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact the Rialto Police Department at 909-820-2550. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through WeTip at 800-782-7463.