State Superintendent Tony Thurmond has congratulated two distinguished California educators for receiving the 2024 Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership. Principal Paulette Smith of Madison Elementary School in the San Leandro Unified School District and Principal Belinda Averill of South Lake Middle School in the Irvine Unified School District were recognized by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel A. Cardona as part of a select group of nine school leaders nationwide from the 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools.
During the announcement, Thurmond praised Smith and Averill as exemplary leaders who create exceptional opportunities for students, foster positive communities, and support teachers in their pursuit of excellence. “Students in these environments are allowed to thrive and feel motivated and equipped to achieve their best,” he said.
The Terrel H. Bell Award honors school leaders dedicated to the transformative power of education. It is part of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, with principals nominated by their school communities during the final stages of the application process. Smith and Averill will be formally recognized at the National Blue Ribbon Schools awards ceremony on November 7, 2024.