These awards honor the hard work and dedication of governing boards and district staff in creating innovative programs that improve student achievement and well-being in the state’s preK-12 public schools. They also recognize effective governance and boardsmanship of an individual board member and the important role education journalists play in creating awareness in the community.

The Golden Bell Awards® promote 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. The Golden Bell Awards reflect the depth and breadth of education programs and governance decisions supporting these programs that are necessary to address students’ changing needs. More than 20 entry categories cover the full range of school programs.

The Golden Gavel: Board Member of the Year Award recognizes exceptional governance and boardsmanship of an individual board member and the Golden Gavel: Governance Team of the Year Award celebrates a governance team that exemplifies best practices and boardsmanship.