RIVERSIDE – At the California School Boards Association’s Annual Education Conference held November 30 – December 2 in San Francisco, eight innovative programs serving Riverside County students were honored for excellence.
The Golden Bell Awards honor the hard work and dedication of governing boards and district staff in creating innovative programs that improve student achievement and well-being in the state’s preK-12 public schools. They also recognize effective governance and boardsmanship of an individual board member and the important role education journalists play in creating awareness in the community.
“These outstanding programs in Riverside County schools are making a difference for our scholars and their families inside and outside of the classrooms,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. “The innovative thinking and student-focused approach of these award-winning programs are building a solid foundation for our earliest learners, supporting staff and students in teaching and learning, and propelling graduates into college and career opportunities.”
The programs honored from Riverside County schools include:
Organization: Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE)
- Program: Early Childhood Education University
- Category: Early Childhood Education
- Description: With the creation of the ECE University virtual training series, new and existing staff supporting RCOE’s Early Care and Education (ECE) programs have access to training modules for up-to-date program requirements, regulations, and process information. This interactive training platform allows all members of the ECE team to remain current with policies and supports consistent program implementation across multiple offices serving over 15,000 children, their families, and early educators in Riverside County.
- More Information: Viridiana Lopez, vilopez@rcoe.us, 951.826.6699
District: Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD)
- Program: The Academies of Coachella Valley High School
- Category: Career Technical Education
- Description: The Academies of Coachella Valley High School have provided high-quality college and career opportunities since 1995. The academies have contributed to higher A-G rates, higher graduation rates, and have been the longest-running programs in the region. The programs are so popular that recruitment and acceptance into these programs are fiercely competitive.
- More Information: https://cvhs.cvusd.us/student-resources/academic-programs/academies-and-pathways
District: Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD)
- Program: Auburndale in Action
- Category: English Learners/Biliteracy
- Description: Auburndale implemented the Auburndale in Action program, which focuses on reclassifying students at the middle school level, rather than risking long-term English Learner status in high school. Internal structures of support are used for language development while continuing to provide a rigorous educational experience for all students.
- More Information: https://www.cnusd.k12.ca.us/c_n_u_s_d_c_o_n_n_e_c_t_i_o_n/2023goldenbell
District: Hemet Unified School District (HUSD)
- Program: HUSD Teacher Residency Program
- Category: Professional Development and Teacher Recruitment/Retention
- Description: The Teacher Residency Program tackles staffing shortages, retention, and diversity disparities. In collaboration with San Jacinto USD, and Alder Graduate School of Education, it offers aspiring educators a yearlong apprenticeship, a competitive stipend, and a Master’s degree. This innovative and replicable approach aligns with HUSD’s vision, secures sustainable funding, creates a pipeline of qualified local talent, and serves as a model for enhancing teacher diversity and effectiveness.
- More Information: Mark Garner, Director of Human Resources, mgarner@hemetusd.org, 951.765.5100 ext. 2200
District: Jurupa Unified School District (JUSD)
- Program: JUSD Dell Student TechCrew
- Category: Career Technical Education
- Description: The Dell Student TechCrew is the only one of its kind in California. This unique CTE pathway prepares students for lucrative technology careers with hands-on training in both technical and soft skills. Students graduate high school with industry certifications qualifying them for immediate employment. The pathway also is unique in that it is in place at all district high schools – including the district’s continuation high school – as well as in middle schools.
- More Information: https://bit.ly/jusdgoldenbell
District: Moreno Valley Unified School District (MVUSD)
- Program: A Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
- Category: Climate Change Innovation
- Description: The district is leading the way in connecting environmental education efforts, health and wellness, and progressive developments with solar, water conservation and air quality. It has reduced costs by $2.9 million in two years and projected savings of $19 million over a decade. Environmental education engages staff, students and the community in promoting behavioral changes. Progress examples include school assemblies, solar panels at schools and transitioning the entire school bus fleet to clean energy.
- More Information: www.mvusd.net/engage/news
District: Murrieta Valley Unified School District (MVUSD)
- Program: Inclusion
- Category: Equity and Access
- Description: Inclusion initiative removes barriers for Special Education students, ensuring equitable education and fostering cross-cultural understanding. It focuses on meeting students' needs demonstrating that all students benefit from inclusive programs and opportunities.
- More Information: www.murrieta.k12.ca.us/Inclusion
District: Riverside Unified School District (RUSD)
- Program: Cafecito, Amigos de RUSD Facebook Live
- Category: Innovation in a Time of Crises
- Description: Cafecito, Amigos de RUSD Facebook Live, is a thriving online community fostered by the Family Resource Center that has served as a vital resource for parents and offers a space for over 400 weekly viewers to connect, share information, and access valuable resources to support student learning and well-being. The community has fostered peer support while providing a safe haven for parents to seek help and guidance in navigating education and parenting.
- More Information: https://www.riversideunified.org/cms/one.aspx?portalid=580805&pageid=951883
Additional Riverside County honorees from CSBA’s Annual Education Conference in San Francisco included:
- Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD) trustee Mary Helen Ybarra was honored with the Golden Gavel Award as the 2023 Board Member of the Year. She has served on the CNUSD Board of Education, representing Trustee Area 3, since 2014.
- Former education reporter from The Desert Sun, Jonathan Horwitz, was honored with the Golden Quill Award that highlights the essential role that journalists play in increasing understanding of the objectives, operations, accomplishments, challenges, and opportunities related to public schools.
To learn more about the Golden Bell Awards, please visit: https://publications.csba.org/golden-bell/golden-bell-awards-2023/
About the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE)
RCOE is a service agency supporting the county’s 23 school districts and 500+ schools that serve nearly 430,000 students—more than the student population of 17 states. RCOE services include administrative support to districts and charter schools, programs for preschool, special education, pregnant minor, correctional, migrant, and vocational students. In addition, the organization provides professional training, support and resources for more than 18,000 teachers, administrators, and staff, throughout the 7,000 square miles of Riverside County. Learn more at www.rcoe.us.