ACSA is proud to announce the 2026 statewide award honorees.
We offer our sincerest congratulations to all of this year’s nominees, who without exception represent the excellence and commitment of California’s educators.
Honorees will be recognized at the 2026 Leadership Summit
Nov. 4-7, 2026 in Chula Vista, CA
2026 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.
Jeanie Cash
Founding Partner, Lead Learner Associates
Region 17
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. James Q. Hammond
Superintendent, Ontario-Montclair SD
Region 12
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.
Charlotte Lerchenmuller
Region 16
Partners in Educational Excellence
ACSA’s Partners in Educational Excellence Award recognizes exemplary school-community partnership programs.
Bay Ed Fund
Region 5
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.
Kimberly Hendricks-Brown
Principal II, Special Assignment, Fresno USD
Region 9
2026 Administrators of the Year
Superintendent of the Year
Jennifer Root, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Menifee Union SD
Region 19
Secondary Principal of the Year
Aaron Palm
Principal, Oak Ridge High School, El Dorado Union HSD
Region 2
Middle Grades Principal of the Year
Tamara Unck
Principal, Bernal Intermediate School, Oak Grove SD
Region 8
Elementary Principal of the Year
Kate McInerney
Principal, Joe Nightingale Elementary School, Orcutt Union SD
Region 13
Central Office Administrator of the Year
Kyley Ybarra
Assistant Superintendent of Personnel, Riverside USD
Region 19
Secondary Co-Administrator of the Year
Daniel Musselman
Vice Principal, Livermore High School, Livermore Valley Joint USD
Region 6
Middle Grades Co-Administrator of the Year
Lucia B. Hernandez
Assistant Principal, Blaker-Kinser Junior High School, Ceres USD
Region 7
Elementary Co-Administrator of the Year
Donny Brubaker
Assistant Principal, Buena Vista, Ontario-Montclair SD
Region 12
Classified Leader of the Year
Ryan Bahten
Director, Information Network Services, Del Norte COE and Del Norte USD
Region 1
Confidential Employee of the Year
Teresa Plascencia
Executive Director, Fresno USD
Region 9
Personnel/Human Resources Administrator of the Year
Darrien Slider Johnson
Chief Administrator, Human Resources, Sacramento COE
Region 3
Adult Education Administrator of the Year
Tiffany Donahue
Adult Education Principal, Muzetta Thrower Adult Education Center, Vacaville USD
Region 4
Career Technical Education Administrator of the Year
Teresa Howard
Director Career Technical Education, Antelope Valley Union HSD
Region 15
Special Education Administrator of the Year
Shelly Ota
Executive Director, South East Consortium Special Education Local Plan Area, Mt. Pleasant USD
Region 8
Superintendent/Principal of the Year
Gina Murphy
Superintendent/Principal, Happy Valley Primary School, Happy Valley Union ESD
Region 1
Business Services Administrator of the Year
Kristi Britton
Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, Ceres USD
Region 7
Student Services Administrator of the Year
Sonya Smith
Director III, Division of Student Support Services, Education Center West, Los Angeles COE
Region 14
Curriculum & Instruction Administrator of the Year
Christine McCormick
Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, Nevada County Superintendent of Schools
Region 2
Continuation/Educational Options Administrator of the Year
Dr. Xochitl Ortiz
Principal, Columbus Continuation High School and Woodruff Academy Community Day School, Downey USD
Region 14
Professor of Education of the Year
Dr. Carmen Beck
Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership and Technology Department; Assistant Director, Ed. D. in Educational Leadership Director, California State University, San Bernardino
Region 12
Retired Administrator of the Year
Dr. Susan Van Zant
Region 18
Technology Administrator of the Year
Karina Montaño
Director of Instructional Technology, Calexico USD
Region 18
