Attendees included officials and representatives from the Riverside County Office of Education, U.S. Assembly members, Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, Mt. San Jacinto College, local law enforcement, and the City of Hemet, among others.
This event provides an immersive experience, allowing participants to step into the role of a principal and gain firsthand insight into the daily operations of Hemet Unified’s 28 schools while witnessing the outstanding programs, achievements, and initiatives that support student success.
The event began at the District Office, where participants were welcomed with a breakfast reception and a presentation by Superintendent Dr. Christi Barrett on the state of the district. Dr. Barrett highlighted HUSD’s key achievements over the past year and emphasized the district’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.
A District on the Rise
Dr. Barrett explained that the purpose of Principal for a Day is not only to showcase the incredible work happening across HUSD schools but also to cultivate a network of ambassadors who will help shape the narrative of the district’s progress. She reflected on the district’s journey, describing how HUSD has focused on identifying the root causes of challenges, harnessing collective strengths, and aligning efforts under a unified vision.
“Our goal over the last several years has been to create a clear ‘North Star’ that everyone—students, staff, families, and community partners—can rally behind,” said Dr. Barrett. “By working together, we have seen meaningful progress, and most importantly, our students are succeeding.”
Among the district’s notable successes related to its improvement work, Dr. Barrett highlighted that nearly half of HUSD students in grades 2-12 are approaching or reading at grade level—an increase of 2% from last year. Additionally, she shed light on the district’s support for its most vulnerable students, noting that over 900 HUSD students (4% of the student population) are experiencing homelessness, underscoring the importance of continued investment in student services.
Celebrating Excellence in Academics, Athletics, and the Arts
As part of her presentation, Dr. Barrett highlighted the outstanding achievements of HUSD students across academics, athletics, and the arts. Hemet High’s Traditional Competitive Cheer team won the inaugural Division 1 Coed State Championship, while wrestlers Diara "DD" Pomares and Malohi Sipowicz competed at the CIF State Wrestling Championships, with Pomares earning CIF individual and Masters titles. Hemet High’s football team received the prestigious National Football Foundation Hatchell Cup, recognizing them as the nation’s top high school team for academics, athletics, and community service. The school’s Girls' Tennis team led the county with a 4.30 GPA in the Fall Riverside County Academic-Athletic Team Awards. In addition, Western Center Academy claimed its third consecutive Riverside county Academic Decathlon title, outshining 10 other schools in the competition. Additionally, HUSD expanded its arts programs, adding Folklórico dance teams at Hemet, Tahquitz, and West Valley high schools, providing students with new opportunities for creative expression.
Dr. Barrett also emphasized the district’s growing recognition for its exceptional programs. Among the recent accolades are Winchester Elementary’s designation as a Purple Star School, which underscores its commitment to supporting military-connected families; Rancho Viejo Middle School’s Schools to Watch designation, awarded to middle schools that excel academically, are developmentally responsive, socially equitable, and foster collaborative leadership; and the district’s third Golden Bell Award for exemplary educational support programs, among others.
A Call to Action: Advocating for Hemet Unified’s Future
As the event concluded, Dr. Barrett urged participants to take their experiences and insights beyond the day’s visit, advocating for HUSD’s continued growth and success.
“We want our community partners to not only see the incredible work happening in our schools but to become champions for our students and educators,” she said. “Together, we can continue to create opportunities, foster innovation, and build a district where every student thrives.”
Hemet Unified appreciates the participation and support of all those who took part in this year’s Principal for a Day event. As ambassadors for the district’s schools, their voices and advocacy will help shape the narrative of student success and drive continued progress across the district.