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Smith Elementary highlighted as California Blue Ribbon nominee; district celebrates award
Summary
Superintendent Castro told the board Smith Elementary was nominated for the National Blue Ribbon and will be recognized by California after federal modifications. The district said local officials and representatives from state and federal offices sent recognition and the school will be honored at a state ceremony in Anaheim.
Superintendent Castro reported to the Lawndale Elementary School District board that Smith Elementary had been nominated as a National Blue Ribbon school and will receive recognition through a California program after federal award changes.
"We received notice at the end of last year that Smith Elementary School was, nominated as a national blue ribbon school," Castro said. The superintendent said that, following federal changes to the award process, California's superintendent Tony Thurmond notified districts that nominee schools would receive a California Blue Ribbon recognition and that Smith will be honored at an April ceremony in Anaheim.
Castro told trustees the nomination and recognition were presented to a large local audience: "We had a lot of dignitaries there, including mayor pro tem Pat Kearney... representatives from Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Senator Richardson, Assembly Member Tina McKenner and Supervisor Holly Mitchell." The superintendent said the recognition emphasized the school's work closing achievement gaps among students of color and marginalized communities.
Superintendent Castro also noted the district's local publicity and that Smith is one of eight schools in Los Angeles County and about 31 in California to receive this recognition this year. The board and staff thanked school leaders, including Principal Crystal Moore and her team.
No formal action was required; the item was presented as part of the superintendent's report. Trustees and board members expressed congratulations and appreciation for staff and community partners who supported the school.
