ACSA is proud to recognize the 2025 state award honorees. We offer our sincerest congratulation to all of this year’s nominees, who without exception represent the excellence and commitment of California’s educators.
2025 Special Awards
Ferd Kiesel Memorial Distinguished Service Award
The Ferd. Kiesel Memorial Distinguished Service Award is ACSA’s highest honor. Each year, we honor one individual who has made a significant contribution to education. The award is named after Ferd. Kiesel, ACSA founding president, a man whose personal commitment to schools and students—and to this association—was exemplary.
Dr. Holly Edds
Superintendent, Orcutt Union SD
Region 13
Marcus Foster Memorial Award for Administrator Excellence
ACSA established the Marcus Foster Memorial Award to honor educators who model the vision of Marcus Foster. Foster took risks to improve educational opportunities. His inclusive management style gave community and staff comfort and confidence. He was creative, and willing to try new ideas to reach out to students. Foster was a skilled manager of change.
Recipients of this award receive a $5,000 grant for a high school senior or seniors.
Dr. Frances Ufondu
Chief Business Officer, Palmdale SD
Region 15
Robert E. Kelly Award for Outstanding Community Service
ACSA’s Robert E. Kelly Award honors individuals who help advance the high quality of public education and who have made significant contributions on a volunteer basis over the years.
Dr. Mary L. Lawlor
Region 18
Partners in Educational Excellence
ACSA’s Partners in Educational Excellence Award recognizes exemplary school-community partnership programs.
Sci Phy Program in Partnership with Science Fleet Center
Region 18
Valuing Diversity Award
ACSA’s Valuing Diversity Award recognizes those who further ACSA’s mission by promoting diversity and support for all children, parents and staff.
Juan Cruz
Superintendent, Franklin-McKinley SD
Region 8
2025 Administrators of the Year
Superintendent of the Year
Mauricio Arellano
Superintendent, San Bernardino CUSD
Region 12
Secondary Principal of the Year
Derrick Lawson
Principal, Indio High School, Desert Sands USD
Region 19
Middle Grades Principal of the Year
Sherry Strausbaugh
Principal, Thornton Middle School, Fremont USD
Region 6
Elementary Principal of the Year
Dr. Jacqueline Duncan
Elementary Principal, Bay Laurel Elementary School, Las Virgenes USD
Region 13
Central Office Administrator of the Year
Joann Vaars, Ed.D.
Director of Educational Services, Santa Clara COE
Region 8
Secondary Co-Administrator of the Year
Cara Vienna
Assistant Principal, Los Alamitos High School, Los Alamitos USD
Region 17
Elementary Co-Administrator of the Year
Michelle Davidson
Vice Principal, Horace Mann Elementary, Bakersfield CSD
Region 11
Classified Leader of the Year
Michael Maaske
Director of Nutrition Services, Sylvan Union SD
Region 7
Confidential Employee of the Year
Antoinette Chambers
Executive Secretary to the Board of Education, Modesto City Schools
Region 7
Personnel/Human Resources Administrator
of the Year
Dr. David Appling
Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, Magnolia SD
Region 17
Adult Education Administrator of the Year
Jay C. Marquand, Ph.D.
Director of Adult Education, Sweetwater Union HSD
Region 18
Career Technical Education Administrator of the Year
Lisa Rodriguez
Director of Student Services, Kings COE
Region 11
Special Education Administrator of the Year
Dr. Julie Hong
Director of Instructional Support, Innovation, and Competitive Advantage, Riverside COE
Region 19
Superintendent/Principal of the Year
Dr. Michelle Farrer
Superintendent/Principal, Children’s Community Charter School
Region 2
Business Services Administrator of the Year
Dr. Annette V. Alpern
Deputy Superintendent, Administrative Services, Redondo Beach USD
Region 14
Student Services Administrator of the Year
Dr. Edison Kelly
Director of Student Services, Vallejo CUSD
Region 4
Curriculum & Instruction Administrator
of the Year
Dr. Shawna P. Dinkins
Deputy Superintendent, Lynwood USD
Region 14
Continuation/Educational Options Administrator of the Year
Dr. Jose Alonso Ramirez
Principal, Horizon School and Summit High School, Desert Sands USD
Region 19
Professor of Education of the Year
Dr. Kimberlee McKenzie
Senior Director of Professional Leadership, Shasta COE
Region 1
Retired Administrator of the Year
Clifford E. Tyler, Ed.D.
Region 8
Technology Administrator of the Year
Dr. Dominic Nguyen
Director of Innovation and Expanded Learning, Centralia ESD
Region 17
Honorees will be recognized at the upcoming 2025 Leadership Summit, Nov. 5-8 in San Francisco. Learn more about the event.
