CA principals receive national recognition
October 28, 2024
Two California principals from National Blue Ribbon Schools have been named recipients of the Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership.
Principal Paulette Smith from Madison Elementary School (San Leandro Unified School District) and Principal Belinda Averill from South Lake Middle School (Irvine Unified School District) were announced as award recipients by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel A. Cardona and are among nine school leaders nationwide selected from the 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools. Both principals will be honored during the National Blue Ribbon Schools awards ceremony on Nov. 7.
“It is my pleasure to honor and recognize Principal Smith and Principal Averill as exemplary leaders who provide outstanding opportunities to students, shape positive communities, and support teachers to achieve excellence,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, in a news release.
Over the last five years, as Madison Elementary has grown in student enrollment, Principal Smith has built the school’s capacity to welcome new students. Her leadership has cultivated a school culture that celebrates diversity, promotes inclusivity, and instills a sense of belonging among students. This positive atmosphere has supported increased student engagement, improved academic performance, and dramatically reduced disciplinary incidents. Under her guidance, the diverse school of almost 700 students has become a hub of cultural activities, academic enrichment, and community partnership. For example, Smith initiated regular evening celebrations focused on various cultural backgrounds and identities, like Lunar New Year Lion Dancers, mooncakes for the Mid-August Festival and Lotería for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Smith is a champion of inclusive education. Her efforts have included professional development for staff on best practices for inclusion and securing resources to enhance the learning environment for all students. She fostered cross-program interactions and invested in specialized resources like a Sensory Room and a wheelchair-accessible garden.
“Principal Paulette Smith embodies leadership that uplifts students, staff and the community,” said San Leandro USD Superintendent Mike McLaughlin. “Her commitment to creating a high-achieving, inclusive school culture inspires us all. We are incredibly proud of her well-deserved recognition.”
Principal Averill is the lead administrator of the most sizeable Title I middle school in her district. South Lake Middle School, with over 600 students (each of whom Averill knows by name), has the highest proportion of Hispanic students (18 percent), English language learners (15 percent), students with disabilities (12 percent), and African American students (5 percent) in the district. The foundation of her leadership is establishing an environment where diversity is celebrated and every student feels valued and supported.
A positive school culture is extremely important to her. Averill feels it is her duty and responsibility to ensure that her school is safe, welcoming, and focused on learning and growing. During her nine years as principal, she has cultivated a school culture that values inclusivity and respect. Her passion is to ensure that all students, regardless of background or ability, have the resources and support they need to succeed. For example, South Lake models the inclusion of English learners and students with disabilities through the co-teach model of instruction.
“IUSD is incredibly proud of Principal Averill and this well-deserved recognition,” said IUSD Superintendent Terry Walker. “Her leadership has enriched the educational experiences of students at South Lake and strengthened the entire school community. This recognition highlights her tireless efforts.”
Principal Paulette Smith from Madison Elementary School, San Leandro Unified School District.
Principal Belinda Averill from South Lake Middle School, Irvine Unified School District.