Staff Report
Jonata Middle School has been recognized as one of 162 California Distinguished Schools for 2019, the only secondary school in Santa Barbara County to be recognized this year.
Buellton Union School District has also been named a California Exemplary District for 2019. Nominated by Santa Barbara County Education Office, it is one of only 18 districts to receive this recognition in the state.
“I want to emphasize the hard work of students and staff, as well as the commitment from our community in support of the district’s schools,” said Buellton Union Superintendent Randall Haggard. “Jonata Middle School is being recognized as a California Distinguished School because it represents an excellent example of academic rigor and supportive relationships. The recognition of Buellton Union School District as a California Exemplary District honors every employee, student and family in the district for a commitment to creating a caring community of excellence.”
Sponsored by the California Department of Education and California Casualty, the program recognizes outstanding education programs and practices. Schools are honored for achieving exceptional student performance for two consecutive school years or closing the achievement gap between two school years.
The Distinguished Schools program was on a three-year pause while California transitioned to its new assessment and accountability system. From 2015 to 2017, California recognized schools that demonstrated exemplary achievements with the California Gold Ribbon Schools Program.
The Distinguished Schools program returned last year. It recognizes elementary, middle schools and high schools in alternate years and allows eligible schools to apply once every two years.
Schools that applied were eligible based on their performance and progress on test scores, suspension rates, and graduation rates.
