For the first time since their establishment in 1975, ACSA’s two highest honors—the Ferd. J. Kiesel Distinguished Service Memorial Award and Marcus Foster Memorial Award for Administrator Excellence—will now be selected through the same regional and state review process as ACSA’s other awards. Beginning with the 2027 Awards Program, nominations will be reviewed by each region, with one finalist in each category advancing to the state Awards Committee.
ACSA membership is not required for the Kiesel award, offering a unique opportunity to recognize not only educational leaders but also any individual who has demonstrated a sustained commitment to and impact on education in California. Past recipients have included business executives, community leaders, state legislators, and school board members.
ACSA membership is required for the Foster award, and recipients receive a $5,000 grant for a designated high school senior or seniors.
Also new for 2027 is the Early Education Administrator of the Year award, recognizing leaders serving children from birth through age 5, including preschool and Transitional Kindergarten. The nomination window is now open, with nominations due January 21, 2027. Visit acsa.org/awards to learn more and submit a nomination.
To learn more about these awards visit: https://edcal.acsa.org/acsa-updates-process-for-kiesel-foster-awards