Chaffey Joint Union High School District wins Golden Bell Award

The Chaffey Joint Union High School District has earned a prestigious 2020 Golden Bell Award for its exemplary work in preparing students for college and career.

Presented annually by the California School Boards Association, the Golden Bell represents one of the highest honors a school district can receive, recognizing exemplary leadership provided by the Board of Trustees in innovative programs that improve student achievement and well-being.

The Chaffey District was honored for its commitment to college and career readiness. Recently released data shows the percentage of graduating seniors successfully completing A-G requirements for admission into the California State and University of California systems has increased by 2 ½ times in the past decade, from 26.7% in 2010 to 72% this year.

In addition to its focus on academics, the District has embedded career readiness standards into courses at each of its schools, using the acronym TCELL – Technical Skills, Career Exploration and Assessment, Employability Skills, Learning Skills and Life Skills.

Each year, every freshman and junior has the opportunity to complete an online career inventory, where they can learn about careers that might interest them and the preparation needed to enter that line of work. In addition, the District connects assistant principals, counselors, and teachers with the community agencies and local businesses who are willing to provide career exploration opportunities for students.

This past year, Chaffey District students participated in 43,327 career exploration opportunities, up from 545 when the program was launched five years earlier.

“We’re honored to win a Golden Bell Award, and greatly appreciate the recognition for our District-wide vision that all students graduate ready for college and careers,” said Chaffey District Superintendent Mathew Holton.

Chaffey’s A-G growth rate stands out as one of the highest in California, and its 72% completion rate is well above the statewide average of 50% and the Inland Empire average of 45%, according to a July 2020 report by CaliforniaCompetes.org. The Chaffey District’s numbers are all the more remarkable considering its size – with nearly 24,000 students, CJUHSD is the second largest high school district in the state – and the large number of students coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. More than 60% of District students are classified as coming from low-income households – nearly double the percentage of a decade ago.

“We are committed to helping all students succeed, and college and career readiness is a critical part of that. It’s embedded in everything we do, knowing that we’re changing students’ lives by preparing them for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead,” said Sue Ovitt, a member of the Chaffey District Board of Trustees since 2008.

Shari Megaw, Vice President of the Board, noted that 98% of Chaffey District parents expect that their children will graduate high school prepared for college and career.

“As a Board and as a District, we are fully committed to meeting the expectations of our community and are extremely proud of the work our team has done to provide our students with a pathway to the future,” Megaw said.

This year’s Golden Bell Awards ceremony will be held virtually, and available for viewing beginning Monday, November 30, at awards.csba.org.