SACRAMENTO, Calif., (November 16, 2021) – The Desert Sands Unified School District was selected from 1,037 school districts, statewide, to receive two of the 39 leading educational honors presented by the California School Boards Association. The Golden Bell Awards, celebrating their 42nd year, are presented by the California School Boards Association to promote excellence in public education and school board governance by recognizing outstanding programs and governance practices. The awards reflect the depth and breadth of education programs and governance decisions supporting these programs that are necessary to address students’ changing needs. Winning two Golden Bells in a year is a rare occurrence according to CSBA.

Desert Sands Unified School District will receive its awards at a reception and ceremony on December 2, 2021, at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. The awards ceremony is part of CSBA’s Annual Education Conference and Trade Show held from December 2-4 in San Diego. The conference is the premier continuing education event for California school boards and the largest education leadership conference in the state.

Desert Sands received their recognitions for the early childhood literacy program and DSLA (Desert Sands Leadership Academy). DSLA was initiated as part of the Superintendent Action Plan during the 2017-18 school year, and is currently hosting its third cohort of leaders. The early childhood literacy program works with the youngest of DSUSD students providing the head start needed to succeed in school and life. The District also won a CSBA Golden Bell Award in 2019 for its LTE network build project, which provided equitable access to broadband throughout the pandemic-related school closure period.

2021 Award - First DSLA Graduating Class
2021 Award - Early Childhood Literacy	2019 Award - Connect: One-to-World Initiative

Superintendent Scott Bailey expressed his gratitude to CSBA stating, “This recognition celebrates the leadership of the DSUSD Board of Education, and the innovative spirit of the Desert Sands educational community”.

A panel of judges composed of experts from school districts and county offices of education across the state reviewed written entries and made initial recommendations. On-site validators then reviewed the recommendations and assessed the programs in action. This year’s Golden Bell winners demonstrated that they are addressing student needs through areas such as equity and access, school climate and safety, technology, and wellness.

“Now more than ever is a time to acknowledge and celebrate innovative and impactful programs that make a difference in the lives of our young people,” said CSBA CEO & Executive Director Vernon M. Billy. “This year’s Golden Bell winners truly serve as beacons of success as we work to more fully and equitably serve all of California’s public-school students.”

To learn more about the Golden Bell awards and all the winners, visit the program’s website.