Rialto Unified board confirms Dr. Alejandro Alvarez as superintendent after contested public comments

The Rialto Unified School District board of education voted unanimously on Nov. 12 to appoint Dr. Alejandro Alvarez as the district's next superintendent, with a contract beginning Dec. 1, 2025, and running through Jan. 30, 2029.

The employment agreement approved by the board sets a base salary of $356,000, an annual $5,000 doctoral stipend, a $600 monthly automobile allowance in lieu of mileage reimbursement, statutory retirement contributions, standard district health and welfare benefits and reimbursement for District‑approved business expenses. The contract also allows the board to approve leadership coaching for the superintendent.

The vote followed extensive public comment. Multiple speakers urged the board to delay or reject Alvarez's selection, alleging problems during his prior tenure in other districts. Samuel Vasquez told the board that under Alvarez "Van Wick Elementary School recorded one of the highest lead levels ever documented in any California school, roughly 4,700 parts per billion," and said families and watchdogs had encountered barriers to obtaining records and corrective action. Ma Ree said the selection process lacked transparency and that scheduling and notice had limited community participation.

Other commenters urged support or asked for patience and cooperation. A speaker representing a parents' group that identified itself as Amigosidos welcomed the board's vote and said community members looked forward to working with the new superintendent.

Board members said the selection process included community outreach, surveys and deliberation. The appointment was approved by roll call: Dr. Stephanie Lewis (president), Mrs. Decira Williams, Evelyn P. Dominguez, Mr. Edgar Montes (clerk) and Vice President Mr. Martinez each voted in favor.

In addition to the hire, the board reported out of closed session that it approved a settlement in San Bernardino Superior Court case C1V2203525 "in exchange for a release of all claims." The board also recorded denial of liability claim number 25‑2608 during the meeting.

What happens next: Alvarez's appointment is effective Dec. 1, and the board will complete contract formalities. Community members who requested additional transparency asked the board to make search documentation public; the board did not release search scoring materials during the meeting.

— Reporting by Rialto USD meeting minutes and public comments