RUSD Honors Ofelia Valdez Yeager

The Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) Board of Education unanimously voted to name its new Eastside elementary campus Ofelia Valdez-Yeager Eastside Elementary School, honoring the esteemed civic leader, educator, and lifelong advocate for the Riverside community.

Valdez-Yeager was a trailblazer in public service and education. The first Latina elected to the RUSD Board of Education, her leadership and advocacy were pivotal in the development of educational and civic initiatives that continue to shape the region today. She was involved in many high profile initiatives, including the installation of the Cesar Chavez memorial in downtown Riverside, the opening of the Cheech Marin Center for Art and Culture, and the opening of the Nati Fuentes Centro de Niños at Bordwell Park. Before her election to the Board of Education, Valdez-Yeager was active in the Longfellow Elementary community, winning the Volunteer of the Year award twice and serving as PTA president.

Valdez-Yeager’s name was submitted by community members in an open invitation process offered by the District. A number of community members spoke in favor of naming the school in memory of Valdez-Yeager and her contributions to the District and to the Eastside community. "Naming the school after Ofelia Valdez-Yeager will inspire current and future students, celebrate her remarkable contributions to education and community empowerment, and reinforce the values that we strive to instill in our young learners," wrote one of the nominators. 

Dorella Anderson, well known for her service to the children and families on the Eastside at Lincoln Park and the Community Settlement Association, a public service organization in the Eastside, was also part of the board’s discussion. Three additional recognitions were approved at the Board’s recent meeting, all honoring individuals who have made lasting impacts on RUSD and its communities. Other honorees include Roberto “Tex” Murillo (Casa Blanca Elementary library), Coach Gene Hughes (John W. North High School gymnasium), and Coach Gary Rungo (Arlington High School varsity baseball field). 

The Riverside community is invited to join in celebrating this milestone as Ofelia Valdez-Yeager Eastside Elementary School will soon break ground. It will be a new home for learning, inclusion, and community pride. Event dates and more information will be shared soon.