Fullerton School District named Apple Distinguished District; staff highlight decades of classroom innovation

The Fullerton School District was recognized as an Apple Distinguished District during the opening awards portion of the board meeting, district staff announced.

Jeremy, a district staff member who introduced the item, said Apple officials visited multiple campuses with district leaders and principals to evaluate classrooms and singled out Fullerton for sustained innovation. "We are the first Apple distinguished district in California, but also the first West Of Texas," he said, adding that the designation reflects years of work by principals, teachers and the district innovation team.

Pablo Diaz, who the board identified as leading the district’s innovation efforts, framed the recognition in historical context, invoking Apple’s long-running motto. "Think different," he said, and described a 25-year history of placing Apple products in teachers’ and administrators’ hands. Diaz said site visits included filming students and talking with principals and staff to document classroom practices that go "over and above" routine device use.

District presenters credited principals and classroom teachers for the work that met Apple’s criteria, and noted that the designation will invite other principals to visit Fullerton sites as models. Board members and staff took photos with award recipients and acknowledged the district’s innovation department for supporting the work.

There were no motions or formal votes tied to the recognition. The board moved on to other recognitions after a brief photo opportunity.