ACSA Recognition

Administrator of the Year Award

This award is presented in 19 categories to recognize outstanding performance and achievement by individual managers, classified managers, or confidential employees.

Tracy Gaffey Award

This award is made in memory of Tracy Gaffey, former consultant for ACSA Region XVII. Tracy dedicated his life to the unwavering support of aspiring administrators as well as those already in leadership positions. His gentle, caring manner endeared him to all he mentored.

Tracy Gaffey was a lifelong educator: a teacher, principal, superintendent, and professor who had the gift of seeing the potential within his students and those he mentored. He was a visionary who possessed insight into people and leadership positions in Orange County. He inspired trust among administrators, provided guidance and honest input with a caring and diplomatic manner. He was respectful and protective of administrators because he understood; he had lived their experience.

The recipient of this award should be an individual who guides and mentors administrators in their personal and professional growth thereby contributing significantly to public education and educational leadership in Orange County.

Ferd. Kiesel Distinguished Service Award

The prestigious Ferd. Kiesel Distinguished Service Award is State ACSA's highest honor.

Marcus Foster Memorial Award

This award is presented in memory of former superintendent of Oakland Unified School District.

Robert E. Kelly Award

Sponsored by Bank of America, the Robert E. Kelly Award is presented to a retiree who contributes significantly to education.

Valuing Diversity Award

The Valuing Diversity Award is presented to an administrator who epitomizes ACSA's mission statement by his or her efforts in promoting diversity and support for all children, parents, and staff at their school or district.

Partners in Educational Excellence Award

The Partners in Educational Excellence Award is presented annually to exemplary school-community partnership programs that promote effective educational performance, enhanced student achievement, and strong community involvement in educational quality.

Outstanding Media Coverage of Public Education Award

The Outstanding Media Coverage of Public Education Award is presented in recognition of media outlets that go above and beyond regular reporting to highlight public education, and acknowledge the news media as a partner in communicating the successes and challenges in today's public schools.

Leadership Awards and Every Student Succeeding

One of ACSA's priorities is to ensure that school leaders are recognized for a job well done. Through our state ACSA and "Administrator of the Year" award program, we honor leaders for their dedication, hard work and compassion for public education. Five state ACSA awards and 19 Administrator of the Year awards (each representing a specialized level of school leadership) are granted annually.

Each year, ACSA salutes outstanding students from each of our 18 regions in the ACSA/MetLife Resources "Every Student Succeeding" awards program, developed to highlight California's public school students and the educators who help them succeed. These students have overcome obstacles to their success because of the support of their public school administrators and teachers.

Updated: April 15, 2008