ACSA is excited to announce the recipients of its 2026 statewide Awards Program, an annual celebration recognizing outstanding leaders who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to an equitable education system and made significant contributions to California’s schools.

Nominations for this year’s awards were submitted to ACSA’s 19 regions in January. Each region reviewed entries and selected regional winners, who advanced as finalists for the state-level honors. This year, more than 290 finalists competed across 27 categories, showcasing the remarkable talent and dedication within California’s education community.

“The caliber of these awards reflects the very best of our profession — leaders whose impact is both profound and enduring,” said ACSA Past President Rafael Plascencia, who chaired the Awards Committee. “The integrity of the selection process ensures that those recognized truly exemplify excellence, service, and an unwavering commitment to the communities they serve.”

The high caliber of nominees left a strong impression on the committee, which includes current board members Dr. Alana Hughes-Hunter, Dr. Patricia Brent-Sanco, Dr. Julie Hatchel, Dr. Nicole Newman and Collin Miller. The committee’s work, together with the regions’ critical role in facilitating the program and collaborating with charters, ensured the selection of exceptional finalists.

As part of ACSA’s annual recognition program, 22 Administrators of the Year awards and five special awards are presented to exemplary educational leaders and one school-community partnership program. These honors celebrate administrators and community leaders who go above and beyond to support California’s students and schools. New this year, ACSA added an additional award, Middle Grades Co-Administrator of the Year, to recognize excellence in this role and grade level.

All 2026 recipients will be featured in EdCal beginning in June and will be honored at the Leadership Summit Statewide Awards Ceremony, scheduled for Nov. 6 in Chula Vista. For more information about the event, visit bit.ly/LeadershipSummit_2026.

Looking ahead, the nomination window for the 2027 awards will open Aug. 1. ACSA members are encouraged to visit acsa.org/awards to learn how to nominate colleagues and recognize outstanding leadership in the coming year.