Nineteen local schools were named recently to the California Business Education Excellence Honor Roll for their achievements in academics and reducing the achievement gaps among student populations.

The Honor Roll was broken into two parts; the first being “Star Schools” or those with significant populations of socio-economically disadvantaged students that have shown a significant increase in grade-level proficiency over time. Local schools named to this list were Cedarcreek Elementary School from the Saugus District and from the Newhall District, J. Michael McGrath, Old Orchard, Peachland and Wiley Canyon Elementary Schools.

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The second tier of recognition are “Scholar Schools” or those that are showing significant levels of academic achievement without a significant socio-economically disadvantaged student population. That list includes many more local institutions; Golden Oak Community School from the Sulphur Springs District, Meadows, Oak Hills, Pico Canyon, Stevenson Ranch and Valencia Valley Elementary Schools from the Newhall District; Bridgeport, Charles Helmers, Mountainview and Tesoro del Valle from the Saugus District and from the Hart District, Academy of the Canyons, Rio Norte Junior High and Valencia and West Ranch High Schools.

“I never get used to these notifications,” said Marc Winger, superintendent of the Newhall School District. “Ever time our schools are identified by one group or another, I get a feeling pride and success. Our principals, teachers and support staff make this happen time and again – whether it’s state or federal government recognition, or a business group such as CBEE – it’s always a great feeling of reinforcement for all of us.”

Saugus Superintendent Joan Lucid echoed Winger’s pride in their achievement. “We are very proud to be recognized by California’s business community as an Honor Roll school. Our teachers and administrators work tirelessly to keep the focus on high expectations and student academic achievements and to continuously improving our practices. This hard work and dedication is paying off for all of our students, no matter their background.”

Statewide, 527 schools were given the “Star School” designation, while 1,087 schools were named “Scholar Schools.”

For more information, visit the CBEE website at www.cbee.org.