Press releases are posted on Independent.com as a free community service.
Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Unified was honored by the California School Public Relations Association (CalSPRA) with a 2026 Excellence in Communication Award. This statewide recognition celebrates the “Culture of Care” initiative, a comprehensive campaign spearheaded by Chief of Communications Ed Zuchelli to transform mental health support and safety through a student-driven lens.
The “Culture of Care” mission focuses on creating a proactive environment where resources are accessible, visible, and destigmatized. The campaign was built on three years of direct advocacy from the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee.
“This recognition from CalSPRA validates our commitment to ensuring every student feels seen and supported,” said Dr. Hilda Maldonado, Superintendent. “The ‘Culture of Care’ is more than just a slogan; it is a promise to our families that mental health and safety are our top priorities. Ed Zuchelli’s strategic leadership was instrumental in bringing this vision to life and ensuring our message reached those who needed it most.”…