NBC Palm Springs Team Steps Into Schools for “Principal for a Day” Event

“Principal for a Day” returned to the Palm Springs Unified School District, giving community leaders a firsthand look at life on campus.

The annual program invites local business partners and community members, including familiar faces from NBC Palm Springs, to shadow or temporarily step into the role of a school principal.

Participants spent the day engaging with students, staff, and school operations before gathering for a luncheon at district headquarters.

School board members say the event is a valuable opportunity to showcase the work happening across campuses and strengthen ties between schools and the community.

The luncheon itself was prepared and served by students in the culinary program at Rancho Mirage High School, highlighting student talent and career pathways.

Mark Mester shared his experience stepping in at Cathedral City Elementary School, where they also took part in career day, speaking with fifth-grade students about working in journalism.