The Hart School District is one of only 18 districts in the state named an “Exemplary District” by the California Department of Education (CDE), and the only district to be recognized within Los Angeles County.

The William S. Hart Union High School District, which serves over 22,000 students in grades 7-12, has been recognized by the CDE for its ability to produce one of the highest graduation rates in the state, as well as test scores 20 percent higher than students across Los Angeles County and the state.

“It’s the first time the district has received this award,” said Dave Caldwell, spokesperson for the Hart District. “Obviously our schools have been award-winning and recognized by the state individually, but from a district perspective this is the first time we’ve received this award.”

Related: Hart District Set To Receive Historic ‘California Exemplary District Award’

The Hart School District boasts a district graduation rate of 95.8 percent, a 5.8 percent chronic absenteeism rate and an extremely low 1.8 percent suspension rate through multi-tiered systems of support at all schools, according to officials.

The event is set to be hosted by Hart District Superintendent Vicki Engbrecht and Board President Bob Jensen.

Various Hart District principals and school directors are also scheduled to attend the event, which is meant to recognize the hard work of their individual schools as a whole.

“This is a huge acknowledgement of what we do in this school district and for the families of the Hart School District,” said Caldwell. “That is what we plan to celebrate on Friday.”

Other dignitaries include State Senator Scott Wilk, Assemblywoman Christy Smith, members of the Santa Clarita City Council, District Director for Congresswoman Katie Hill, and Deputy Director for Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

The event is set to take place on Friday, April 12 at 10 a.m. in the Hart School District Board Room, located at 21380 Centre Pointe Pkwy. in Santa Clarita.

Ed. Note: This information was provided to KHTS by the William S. Hart Union High School District.

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