The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) honored a San Bernardino County student and two administrators during the ACSA Leadership Summit, held Nov. 4–6 in San Francisco.
“I am proud to have two incredible administrators from our region honored this year,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “It takes a team with a common vision and a strong passion to create amazing opportunities for students. I am equally proud of our students who seize those opportunities and show determination when overcoming obstacles.”
Through their annual awards program, ACSA honors students, administrators and community organizations from across the state for their achievements and dedication to public education.
“The two Administrators of the Year from Region 12 exemplify the caliber of leadership we have throughout San Bernardino County,” said County Board of Education President Ken Larson. “Our educators and administrators have worked tirelessly to ensure the highest possible standards of education for our students, and I am proud to see their efforts rewarded.”
Each year, ACSA recognizes one student from each geographic region for achieving success despite various challenges.
One such student, Matthew Barrera, is an eighth-grader at Sequoia Middle School in Fontana Unified School District. He was honored by the Every Student Succeeding Program on Nov. 4.
After losing his mother at 11 years old, Barrera moved from Idaho to live with relatives in California. Undeterred by these major life changes, he has achieved a 4.0 grade point average, is part of the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program and is an active participant in several clubs.
“Look to the future,” Barrera advised other students during an interview with ACSA’s Every Student Succeeding video series. “You should always focus on what’s ahead. Take it one thing at a time.”
Two administrative leaders in San Bernardino County were honored at the 2021 Administrators of the Year award ceremony on Nov. 5. The first honoree, Barbara Alejandre, was recognized as the statewide Classified Leader of the Year. Recently retired, Alejandre served for 34 years at San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. She most recently held the position of Chief Intergovernmental Relations Officer.
“I am thankful to be in the company of a very distinguished group of administrators," said Barbara Alejandre. “It is a prestigious capstone to my career in education and I am truly honored by the recognition.”
The second administrator honored, Kimberly M. MacKinney, Ed.D., was awarded Curriculum and Instruction Administrator of the Year. MacKinney is serving as the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services in the Oro Grande School District. Known for her exceptional collaborative abilities, she helped lead the district through the transitions in and out of distance learning with a focus on maintaining high instructional standards.
On making the transition from classroom teacher to administrator, MacKinney said, “I couldn’t just sit by and wait for someone to make decisions and take actions that would support what was good for all students. I felt called to make sure those needs were met.”
Both leaders cited the resources and networking opportunities provided by ACSA as integral to their professional development and success.
Formed in 1971, ACSA serves more than 17,000 educators in 19 regions throughout the state. Its top priority is advocating for public school students in K-12, as well as adult learners. ACSA is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, as well as the 25th anniversary of the Every Student Succeeding Program.
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