DSUSD Receives Coveted Golden Bell Award

SACRAMENTO –Desert Sands Unified School District has been selected as a Golden Bell Award recipient for their Connect: One-to-World Initiative.

Through an innovative public-private partnership, Desert Sands has built its own LTE broadband network that affords student access to the district’s filtered network 24/7. The Connect: One to World Initiative levels the playing field for all students by providing equity through access within the district’s 752-square mile attendance zone. When coupled with district-issued devices, Connect extends and personalizes the classroom experience and fosters creativity and innovation, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.

The Golden Bell Awards are presented annually by the California Schools Boards Association. Accepting the award were DSUSD School Board President Wendy Jonathan, Vice President Linda Porras, and members Ana Conover, Donald Griffith, and Gary Tomak along with Superintendent of Schools Scott Bailey, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Kelly May-Vollmar, Ed.D., and several high school board members. In accepting the award, Bailey noted, “Desert Sands Unified School District greatly appreciates this honor. We take great pride in providing our students with outstanding tools for success, among them the Connect: One-to-World Initiative.”

Desert Sands was one of 57 recipients to receive this educational honor. The Golden Bell Awards, celebrating their 40th year, are presented by the California School Boards Association to promote excellence in public education and school board governance by recognizing outstanding programs and governance practices. The awards reflect the depth and breadth of education programs and governance decisions supporting these programs that are necessary to address students’ changing needs. A judging panel composed of wxperts from school districts and county offices of education across the state reviewed written entries and made initial recommendations. On-site validators then reviewed the recommendations and assessed the programs in action. This year’s Golden Bell winners demonstrated that they are addressing student needs through areas such as equity and access, school climate and safety, technology and wellness.

“Now more than ever is a time to acknowledge and celebrate innovative and impactful programs that make a difference in the lives of our young people,” said CSBA CEO & Executive Director Vernon M. Billy. “This year’s Golden Bell winners truly serve as beacons of success as we work to more fully and equitably serve all of California’s public school students.”

The award ceremony took place on Dec. 5, 2019, at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. The awards ceremony was part of CSBA’s Annual Education Conference and Trade Show. The conference is the premier continuing education event for California school boards and the largest education leadership conference in the state.

To learn more about the Golden Bell awards and all the winners, visit the program’s website by clicking here.

Desert Sands Unified School District serves more than 28,000 students in the central area of the California Desert. The 750-square mile area of DSUSD includes the cities of Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, and Palm Desert as well as the unincorporated area of Bermuda Dunes and part of other surrounding cities. The mission of Desert Sands Unified School District is to inspire and nurture every student…one opportunity at a time. Learn more about Desert Sands Unified School District by clicking here.

CSBA is a nonprofit education association representing the elected officials who govern public school districts and county offices of education. With a membership of nearly 1,000 educational agencies statewide, CSBA brings together school governing boards and district and county office administrators to advocate for effective policies that advance the education and well-being of the state’s more than 6 million school-age children. Learn more by clicking here.

Lead photo caption:

Desert Sands Unified School District School Board President Wendy Jonathan and Superintendent Scott Bailey accept the Golden Bell Award.