We are proud to announce the 2026 ACSA Award Winners, whose outstanding leadership and dedication to education have made a significant impact in our community. This year’s honorees include school administrators, school board trustees, and a community partner, all of whom have demonstrated unwavering commitment to enhancing the educational experience for our students and supporting the growth of our schools. They will be recognized for their achievements on May 1st at our Region 7 Annual Spring Conference in South Lake Tahoe. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these exceptional leaders for their tireless work and invaluable community partnership.
Superintendent
Dr. Michelle Rodriguez – Superintendent of Schools – Stockton USD
Secondary Principal
Karen Sells – Principal, Sonora High School – Sonora Union High SD
Middle Grades Principal
Kristi Cody – Principal, Prescott Jr. High – Stanislaus Union SD
Elementary Principal
Kristin Lilly-Porter – Principal, Samuel Vaughn Elementary School – Ceres USD
Central Office Administrator
Michael Rich – Associate Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development – Modesto City Schools
Secondary Co-Administrator
Wendi Cook – Assistant Principal, John H. Pitman High School – Turlock USD
Middle Grades Co-Administrator
Lucia Hernandez – Assistant Principal, Blaker-Kinser Junior High School – Ceres USD
Elementary Co-Administrator
Marielena Zuniga – Vice Principal, James Marshall Elementary School – Modesto City Schools
Classified Leader
Angelica Cazares – Director of Child Nutrition – Ceres USD
Confidential Employee
Randon Jones – Office Manager, Ceres High School – Ceres USD
Personnel/Human Resources
Aggie Christensen – Division Director – Human Resources – San Joaquin COE
Adult Education
Carly Sexton – Director II, Workforce Development – San Joaquin COE
Career Technical Education Administrator
Rachelle Barkus – Senior Director, Educational Options – Modesto City Schools
Special Education Administrator
Angela Durossette – Program Specialist – Ceres USD
Superintendent/Principal
Carmel Portillo – Superintendent/Principal – Belleview School District
Business Services Administrator
Dr. Kristi Britton – Assistant Superintendent of Business Services – Ceres USD
Student Services Administrator
Kristina Smith – Director of Student Support Services – Calaveras COE
Curriculum & Instruction
Heidi Nunes – Senior Director, Early Childhood Education – Modesto City Schools
Continuation/Educational Options Administrator
Doug Silva – Director I, County Operated Schools and Programs – San Joaquin COE
Professor of Education
Lisa Reece – Teachers College of San Joaquin – San Joaquin COE
Technology Administrator
Mark Fabela – Director of Technology – Sylvan Union SD
Valuing Diversity
John Acha – Director of Secondary Education and CTE – Turlock USD
Partners In Educational Excellence
Tuolumne JPA
Bob Price Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Sheri Coburn, RN, RCSN – Retired Administrator – San Joaquin COE
Bill Ullom Award
Deborah Rowe – Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources – Sylvan Union SD
Board of Trustees
Empire Union School Board – Loretta Stein, Board President; Carole Dovichi, Board Clerk; Doug Bentley, Trustee; Bob McDonough, Trustee; Gina Smith, Trustee