Keplinger appointed

Fred Keplinger was appointed to the Ukiah Unified School District Board of Trustees during a special meeting April 27.

Ukiah Unified Trustees appointed Keplinger as a board member until the term is up Dec. 9. The seat will be up for election on the November 2022 ballot.

“I have always been interested in community service and helping with organizations that have an impact, especially with regards to children,” said Keplinger. “I know that the last two years have been difficult to navigate for school administration, teachers, students, parents and the board. If I can provide help and insight while serving our school system, then I want to be involved.”

Keplinger was raised in Ukiah and has lived here most of his life. He is the father of an Eagle Peak Middle School student, two Ukiah High School graduates, and an Emergency Management Coordinator for the Redwood Coast Regional Center. Keplinger is a retired Ukiah Police Officer and previously served as the Ukiah Police Officers Association president.

Keplinger was the cadet coordinator for the Ukiah Police Department while serving there. He has been the volunteer liaison for

Devil Pups of America, a demanding physical and academic good citizenship program for teenagers until the COVID-19 pandemic paused the program. He has also taught fifth-graders at Eagle Peak Middle School.

Ukiah Unified Trustee president Zoey Fernandez said, “I am excited to congratulate and welcome Mr. Keplinger to the board. We look forward to working with him and are grateful for the insight and knowledge we will gain from his experience and service in our community.”

If you have any questions or need more information about the Ukiah Unified School District or the Ukiah Unified Board of Trustees, please contact Debbie Ornelas at dornelas@uusd.net or 707.472.5002.