News Details
![SSD Director of Student Services Paul Slayton and Community Engagement Supervisor Vanessa Escobar accept CSBA Golden Bell Award]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765324400/sesdorg/wcprvfz8ug7emfynygru/IMG_2739.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1765324400/sesdorg/wcprvfz8ug7emfynygru/IMG_2739.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1765324400/sesdorg/wcprvfz8ug7emfynygru/IMG_2739.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1765324400/sesdorg/wcprvfz8ug7emfynygru/IMG_2739.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1765324400/sesdorg/wcprvfz8ug7emfynygru/IMG_2739.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1765324400/sesdorg/wcprvfz8ug7emfynygru/IMG_2739.jpg","width":2200}])
SUNNYVALE, CA — December 3, 2025 — The Sunnyvale School District’s Family Engagement Program was recognized by the California School Boards Association (CSBA) for strengthening partnerships with underrepresented families, including those who are Hispanic/Latino, Black/African American, English learners, and students with disabilities. SSD received the CSBA’s 2025 Golden Bell Award for practices that have increased parent participation by over 30 percent.
Sunnyvale SD’s Parent Engagement Program provides culturally responsive workshops and resources, focusing on topics like navigating individualized education programs and accessing mental health services. The program aims to empower parents as co-educators and remove barriers to success.
"When parents feel empowered as co-educators, the impact on student learning and outcomes is transformative,” said Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite. “We are not just celebrating a program; we are celebrating a philosophy that positions parents as our most important partners. We look forward to deepening these vital connections with our families, ensuring every child in the Sunnyvale School District achieves their fullest potential."
The CSBA Golden Bell Awards, now in its 46th year, promotes excellence in education and school board governance by recognizing outstanding programs and governance practices of school boards in school districts and county offices of education throughout California.
This year, 263 entries in 23 categories were received. Experts from school districts and county offices of education comprised the 71-member judging panel. SSD is one of 74 recipients of the award this year. To learn more check out this year’s program: https://publications.csba.org/golden-bell/.
