The Riverside Unified School District Board of Education voted unanimously 5-0 in closed session to appoint Dr. Sonia Yamas as the district's next superintendent, effective July 14, the board announced at its June 26 meeting.

Board President Lee introduced Yamas and said the board selected her after closed-session consideration. “We took action, during closed session by a unanimous vote 5‑0, to appoint the next superintendent of Riverside Unified, starting July 14, Dr. Sonia Yamas,” President Lee said.

Dr. Sonia Yamas told the board and public she is “deeply honored and humbled” to serve. “It represents the hopes and sacrifices of those who came before me, and it reflects what is possible through education, opportunity, and service,” she said. “I will lead with care, listen with intention, and work alongside you to ensure that every student thrives.”

In remarks introducing her, President Lee described Yamas as having “more than 25 years in public education” with experience spanning counseling to chief academic officer roles and service in the Orange County Department of Education, Santa Ana Unified, Pasadena Unified and Los Angeles Unified. Lee said the board was impressed by her track record of using data-driven decision making to improve student outcomes.

Yamas introduced family members in the audience and repeated her start date. The board offered formal welcome remarks; multiple trustees thanked her and said they looked forward to working with her when she assumes the role on July 14.

No board vote was taken in open session on the employment contract; the appointment was announced following the closed-session action described above. The board also later approved the formal employment agreement for the superintendent by roll-call vote as part of the open meeting record.

The board did not discuss implementation details or goals tied to Yamas’s first 100 days at the June 26 meeting. Additional meetings will be required to finalize transition details, cabinet assignments and any onboarding steps the board or staff choose to set publicly.