Upland High teachers sad to see Roubian leave

Guy Roubian has left his position as Upland High School principal to pursue a new career in human resources with the Ontario Montclair School District.

Roubian was principal at Upland High for the last ten years. 

He was joined by a second principal, Ben Rich, three years ago. Rich will continue to be principal. 

The Upland Unified School District will decide this week if they will replace Roubian.

But, many teachers at the school believe Roubian will be impossible to replace.

Julie Kawai, an English teacher at Upland High School, said Roubian is an honest, charismatic person who will be irreplaceable and immensely missed.

Kawai said she first met Roubian when she was a student at the school. She graduated in 2000, when Roubian was still Vice Principal.

"He always made time for teachers, students and parents and truly listened to their concerns," Kawai said. "I've always felt that he was a supportive, professional principal who 'always had my back.'  He truly cared about student success and keeping Upland High traditions alive."

Roubian was also recognized as a major supporter of Upland sports.

"He was often seen at sporting events rooting Upland teams on or showing his support by attending other extracurricular activities," Kawai said.

Dave Ficke, a recently retired Upland High science teacher, said Roubian is a man of respect and integrity and is a friend.

"I just retired form UUSD, Upland High School after 33 years and I will tell you of all the principals that I have gone through Upland he is the only one that when it was announced that he was the new principal he received a standing ovation," Ficke said. "The only one out of six."

David Geller, Upland High physics teacher, said Roubian will be missed.

"He was a great leader because he knew the difference between a gimmick and a great idea," Geller said. "He could motivate us because we knew he was authentic."