Celebrating California Distinguished Schools: Four Local Schools Recognized

Four Kern County elementary schools have been recognized as 2025 California Distinguished Schools, earning one of the state’s highest honors for public schools. The distinction celebrates schools demonstrating outstanding academic achievement and significant progress in closing performance gaps among student groups.

The local honorees are Norris Elementary (Norris School District), Ronald Reagan Elementary (Panama-Buena Vista Union School District), Golden Oak Elementary (Richland Union Elementary School District), and Westpark Elementary (Southern Kern Unified School District).

These campuses are among just 336 schools statewide selected for this year’s prestigious recognition. The award is granted to schools that meet rigorous criteria on the California School Dashboard, including strong performance in English Language Arts (ELA), math, student attendance, and suspension rates.

Golden Oak Principal Diane Barnett said the news of her school’s distinction came as a shock to the staff.

“When the realization began to sink in, our smiles couldn’t have been bigger,” she said. “Being recognized for the work that has been done has been such a boost for all of us.”

With a schoolwide motto of Dream Big and Work Hard, the Golden Oak Tigers have built a culture rooted in high expectations and collective effort. After facing challenges with academic performance among students with disabilities, Golden Oak launched a comprehensive improvement strategy for the whole school supported by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) and Creative Leadership Solutions (CLS). The school embraced deep collaboration, professional learning communities, and focused math and ELA coaching.

“It has not been an easy, fast process,” Barnett noted, “but we are persevering and beginning to see positive results.”

Barnett credits the school’s success to its dedicated staff — from teachers to custodians — and a focus on celebrating growth every step of the way.

Golden Oak’s Buddy Bench and Little Readers programs promote inclusivity and improve outcomes.

Meanwhile, Ronald Reagan Elementary has made targeted strides in supporting English Learners, implementing designated and integrated ELD instruction, and using Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to promote a positive campus culture. The school’s attendance rate — an impressive 95.62% — speaks to strong family partnerships and student engagement. Principal Matt Kennedy said the school’s team approach led to the Distinguished Schools recognition.

“This distinction validates our commitment to high-quality education and a well-rounded experience,” Kennedy said.

Programs like History Day, Mathcounts, and art partnerships with California State University – Bakersfield (CSUB) also contribute to Reagan’s vibrant school community. Kennedy’s advice for others is to build strong relationships, be consistent, and celebrate every success.

Programs help Norris students in the classroom.

At Norris Elementary, Principal Erin Hudson says teamwork is the school’s secret weapon.

“Collaboration is key. Working together as a team — whether it’s teachers, staff, or the community — is essential for closing achievement gaps,” Hudson said.

With the help of Title I funds, Norris invested in a literacy intervention program that’s showing strong results. Instructional aides lead small-group reading support, while PBIS and Kickboard promote positive behavior.

“We’re so proud of our students and their achievements, and this recognition really motivates us to continue striving for excellence,” Hudson added.

Across the county in Ridgecrest, Westpark Elementary Principal Patrick Holmes credits the school’s success to intentional collaboration and a laser focus on student learning. Weekly Professional Learning Communities (PLC) meetings help staff identify learning gaps and implement interventions. Holmes emphasizes that fewer dedicated initiatives have helped the school achieve greater focus and avoid burnout.

“You gain greater buy-in when teachers and staff aren’t stretched across multiple competing initiatives,” he explained. “With fewer priorities, they’re able to concentrate their energy, develop deeper expertise, and ultimately achieve greater success.”

The four schools will be formally recognized during a statewide celebration at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on May 30.