RUSD Assistant Superintendent Earns Statewide Administrator of the Year Award

Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Leadership and Development Kyley Ybarra has been named the 2026 Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) State Central Office Administrator of the Year for her outstanding leadership and dedication to public education.

Ybarra was one of 22 education leaders statewide recognized in ACSA’s 2026 Administrator of the Year awards, announced April 8. They will all be formally honored during the 2026 ACSA Leadership Summit in November in Chula Vista.

Since 2016, Ybarra has served as RUSD's Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Leadership and Development and lead negotiator – roles that build on her 30 years in the district, where she has also served as an elementary and secondary principal, counselor, instructional coach, and teacher. 

“At Riverside Unified, we know that strong relationships are the foundation for a thriving school community,” Ybarra said. “I’m deeply honored by this recognition, but this work has always been about supporting the people who make our district so special. I’m grateful to work alongside dedicated colleagues who care deeply about our students, staff, and families every day.”

Under Ybarra’s leadership, Riverside Unified has looked to strengthen its relationships with employee associations through open communication and interest-based bargaining practices designed to foster trust and collaboration. 

Ybarra’s commitment to collaborative leadership has long been recognized beyond the district. She received the ACSA Ray Curry Award for her excellence in human resources and her commitment to advancing ACSA’s mission and values in 2024, and received Riverside County’s Principal of the Year award in 2010.

In a 2025 article for ACSA, she reflected on Riverside Unified’s approach to labor relations, emphasizing the importance of communication, leadership support, and mutual respect in building successful partnerships.

“Kyley leads with a rare combination of heart, expertise, integrity, and a deep responsibility for those she serves. Her deep roots in Riverside Unified, along with her commitment to building strong relationships and supporting our employees, have helped create a culture where people feel valued, respected, and empowered to do their best work,” RUSD Superintendent Dr. Sonia Llamas said. “This recognition is so well deserved and reflects the tremendous impact Kyley has had on our district.”