Purpose Awards

Wed September 2, 2026 | District News

Honorees Named for Inaugural Kern County PURPOSE Awards Oct. 8

Eleven individuals and teams representing some of the best of Kern County education will take center stage Oct. 8 as the Kern County Superintendent of Schools hosts the inaugural Kern County PURPOSE Awards at Bell Tower Plaza.

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Mario Lizarraga, an Automotive Collision & Refinishing Technology instructor at the Kern High School District Regional Occupational Center, became the first-ever Kern County recipient of the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, receiving $100,000 in recognition of his impact on students and skilled trades education.

The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools team, ROC & CTEC students, staff, community members, and Lizarraga`s friends and family gathered this morning to surprise him with the award.

Read the latest EdConnect feature at the link in our bio to learn more about the award.

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Mario Lizarraga, an Automotive Collision & Refinishing Technology instructor at the Kern High School District Regional Occupational Center, became the first-ever Kern County recipient of the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, receiving $100,000 in recognition of his impact on students and skilled trades education.

The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools team, ROC & CTEC students, staff, community members, and Lizarraga's friends and family gathered this morning to surprise him with the award.

Read the latest EdConnect feature at the link in our bio to learn more about the award.

Alekha Goldberg`s persistence and passion for science have earned her national recognition. She is one of 30 finalists in the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, the nation’s premier STEM research competition for middle school students.

Inspired by her brother’s own experience with a traumatic brain injury, the Peak to Peak Mountain Charter School student conducted a science experiment investigating whether methylene blue could help protect the brain from secondary traumatic brain injury. As a finalist, she will travel to Washington, D.C. this October to test her STEM skills and compete for more than $100,000 in prizes.

Learn more about Goldberg`s research journey in the latest EdConnect feature at the link in our bio.

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Alekha Goldberg's persistence and passion for science have earned her national recognition. She is one of 30 finalists in the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, the nation’s premier STEM research competition for middle school students.

Inspired by her brother’s own experience with a traumatic brain injury, the Peak to Peak Mountain Charter School student conducted a science experiment investigating whether methylene blue could help protect the brain from secondary traumatic brain injury. As a finalist, she will travel to Washington, D.C. this October to test her STEM skills and compete for more than $100,000 in prizes.

Learn more about Goldberg's research journey in the latest EdConnect feature at the link in our bio.

Yesterday, RISE Culinary students put their skills to work for the first time in the Bell Tower Plaza kitchen, preparing and serving a special plated meal for KCSOS mechanics as a thank-you for their hard work and dedication to supporting students.

With guidance from their teacher and KCSOS staff, students planned, prepped, cooked, plated and served each dish, putting their culinary skills, teamwork and professionalism into action.

We’re proud of our RISE Culinary students for taking on this hands-on experience and showing what they can accomplish!🎉

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Yesterday, RISE Culinary students put their skills to work for the first time in the Bell Tower Plaza kitchen, preparing and serving a special plated meal for KCSOS mechanics as a thank-you for their hard work and dedication to supporting students.

With guidance from their teacher and KCSOS staff, students planned, prepped, cooked, plated and served each dish, putting their culinary skills, teamwork and professionalism into action.

We’re proud of our RISE Culinary students for taking on this hands-on experience and showing what they can accomplish!🎉

It was a special day at the Richardson Center as we celebrated the completion of its modernization project with a ribbon cutting! 🎉

Students helped kick off the celebration with a flag salute and special performance before guests toured the facility and saw the many improvements firsthand. Thank you to the staff who helped make this project possible and to the families and community members who joined us to celebrate this exciting milestone.

We’re grateful to everyone who helped bring the modernized Richardson Center to life! 🚀

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It was a special day at the Richardson Center as we celebrated the completion of its modernization project with a ribbon cutting! 🎉

Students helped kick off the celebration with a flag salute and special performance before guests toured the facility and saw the many improvements firsthand. Thank you to the staff who helped make this project possible and to the families and community members who joined us to celebrate this exciting milestone.

We’re grateful to everyone who helped bring the modernized Richardson Center to life! 🚀

Explore opportunities with KCSOS and take the next step in your career! We are currently hiring for the following roles:

26-27 AmeriCorps Mentor (Buttonwillow, Shafter, Lost Hills, & Wasco only)
Benefit Technician Assistant
Child Development Associate - Part Time (North Kern)
Content Coordinator- CALPADS and Accountability (KiDS)
Database Specialist II
Indemnity Claims Examiner- Workers` Compensation
Indemnity Claims Examiner- Workers` Compensation (Fresno/Clovis, CA)
Indemnity Claims Examiner- Workers` Compensation (Sacramento, CA)
Instructional Aide V- Interpreter for the Deaf
Lead Graphic Artist
Mechanic II
Program Facilitator II-Bilingual (North Kern)
Property and Liability Adjuster II (Fresno/Clovis, CA)
Property and Liability Adjuster II (Sacramento, CA)
Teacher - Special Day Class, Extensive Support Needs

Read job descriptions and apply online at the link in our bio or visit edjoin.org/kcsos.

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Explore opportunities with KCSOS and take the next step in your career! We are currently hiring for the following roles:

26-27 AmeriCorps Mentor (Buttonwillow, Shafter, Lost Hills, & Wasco only)
Benefit Technician Assistant
Child Development Associate - Part Time (North Kern)
Content Coordinator- CALPADS and Accountability (KiDS)
Database Specialist II
Indemnity Claims Examiner- Workers' Compensation
Indemnity Claims Examiner- Workers' Compensation (Fresno/Clovis, CA)
Indemnity Claims Examiner- Workers' Compensation (Sacramento, CA)
Instructional Aide V- Interpreter for the Deaf
Lead Graphic Artist
Mechanic II
Program Facilitator II-Bilingual (North Kern)
Property and Liability Adjuster II (Fresno/Clovis, CA)
Property and Liability Adjuster II (Sacramento, CA)
Teacher - Special Day Class, Extensive Support Needs

Read job descriptions and apply online at the link in our bio or visit edjoin.org/kcsos.

Ready, aim, launch! Aurora Learning Center students put their STEM skills to the test in an epic catapult challenge.

Using their knowledge and creativity, students built custom catapults that launched foam balls across the multi-purpose room. The results had students, staff, and parents cheering in amazement!

Classes competed for three awards: Most Creative, Farthest Launch, and Best Sportsmanship.

Swipe through to see the talented participants locked in on the launch, and later showing off their unique designs to the judges.

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Ready, aim, launch! Aurora Learning Center students put their STEM skills to the test in an epic catapult challenge.

Using their knowledge and creativity, students built custom catapults that launched foam balls across the multi-purpose room. The results had students, staff, and parents cheering in amazement!

Classes competed for three awards: Most Creative, Farthest Launch, and Best Sportsmanship.

Swipe through to see the talented participants locked in on the launch, and later showing off their unique designs to the judges.

What can happen when families put down their phones and gather around the dinner table? ❤️ For more than three decades, Lamont Elementary School District’s Cene Con Sus Hijos has encouraged families to make time for meals, meaningful conversations and connections that can last a lifetime.

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What can happen when families put down their phones and gather around the dinner table? ❤️ For more than three decades, Lamont Elementary School District’s Cene Con Sus Hijos has encouraged families to make time for meals, meaningful conversations and connections that can last a lifetime.

Tiny teeth deserve big-time care! An early visit can help:
🪥 Prevent cavities
🦷 Monitor development
💡 Give parents helpful tips
😊 Make the dentist a familiar, positive place

📲 Call Kern County Children’s Dental Health Network at 661-546-8903 to schedule a dental screening.
📍 1675 Chester Ave., Suite 100, Bakersfield
🔗 Visit us online at www.kccdhn.org.

KCCDHN is a program of KCSOS, funded by First 5 Kern (Prop 10).

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Tiny teeth deserve big-time care! An early visit can help:
🪥 Prevent cavities
🦷 Monitor development
💡 Give parents helpful tips
😊 Make the dentist a familiar, positive place

📲 Call Kern County Children’s Dental Health Network at 661-546-8903 to schedule a dental screening.
📍 1675 Chester Ave., Suite 100, Bakersfield
🔗 Visit us online at www.kccdhn.org.

KCCDHN is a program of KCSOS, funded by First 5 Kern (Prop 10).

The Math Professional Learning Partnership (MPLP) Statewide Convening brings together education stakeholders from 11 curriculum and instruction regions to explore a shift in how mathematics is taught and how educators are prepared to teach it across California.

Read our latest EdConnect feature at the link in our bio to learn more about the conversations happening at the convening.

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The Math Professional Learning Partnership (MPLP) Statewide Convening brings together education stakeholders from 11 curriculum and instruction regions to explore a shift in how mathematics is taught and how educators are prepared to teach it across California.

Read our latest EdConnect feature at the link in our bio to learn more about the conversations happening at the convening.

Students gathered at the Future Readiness Center on Saturday for the official launch of Career Girls of Kern. The program focuses on developing compassionate young leaders by blending career advice with character development.

In our latest EdConnect feature, available at the link in our bio, learn how the KCSOS College and Career Programs team tailored the program model specifically for Kern County students.

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Students gathered at the Future Readiness Center on Saturday for the official launch of Career Girls of Kern. The program focuses on developing compassionate young leaders by blending career advice with character development.

In our latest EdConnect feature, available at the link in our bio, learn how the KCSOS College and Career Programs team tailored the program model specifically for Kern County students.

The countdown to the 2026-27 Leaders In Life conference starts now!🎉

Students from across Kern County gathered today at Bell Tower Plaza to kick off planning for the annual conference. Students learned about the history of Leaders In Life, met the executive board members and adult advisors who will help guide them throughout the year, and explored the roles of each subcommittee before joining the teams that will help bring this year’s conference to life.

We’re excited to see what this group accomplishes together. Thank you to everyone who joined us today, and we look forward to seeing everyone at next month’s meeting!

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The countdown to the 2026-27 Leaders In Life conference starts now!🎉

Students from across Kern County gathered today at Bell Tower Plaza to kick off planning for the annual conference. Students learned about the history of Leaders In Life, met the executive board members and adult advisors who will help guide them throughout the year, and explored the roles of each subcommittee before joining the teams that will help bring this year’s conference to life.

We’re excited to see what this group accomplishes together. Thank you to everyone who joined us today, and we look forward to seeing everyone at next month’s meeting!

Last night, CLC and CLC Tech staff welcomed students, families, and friends for Back to School Night!

Families had the chance to connect, learn more about their student’s academics, explore resources like the Wellness Center and discover program offerings. Attendees also received helpful resources, free books, and stickers to take home.

It was a great night of connection and community as for CLC and CLC Tech families as the school year continues!

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Last night, CLC and CLC Tech staff welcomed students, families, and friends for Back to School Night!

Families had the chance to connect, learn more about their student’s academics, explore resources like the Wellness Center and discover program offerings. Attendees also received helpful resources, free books, and stickers to take home.

It was a great night of connection and community as for CLC and CLC Tech families as the school year continues!

Happy Friday! KCSOS is hiring for many roles within our organization. Take a look at the open positions:

Behavior Intervention Specialist-SELPA
Child Development Associate - Part Time
Child Development Associate - Part Time (North Kern)
Content Coordinator- CALPADS and Accountability (KiDS)
Content Coordinator - Social Emotional & Academic Support
Database Specialist II
Indemnity Claims Examiner- Workers` Compensation
Indemnity Claims Examiner- Workers` Compensation (Fresno/Clovis, CA)
Indemnity Claims Examiner- Workers` Compensation (Sacramento, CA)
Instructional Aide V- Interpreter for the Deaf
Lead Graphic Artist
Program Supervisor-Community Connection for Child Care (CCCC)
Property and Liability Adjuster II (Fresno/Clovis, CA)
Property and Liability Adjuster II (Sacramento, CA)
School Bus Driver
School Clerk
Teacher - Special Day Class, Extensive Support Needs
Transporter

Read job descriptions and apply at the link in our bio or visit edjoin.org/kcsos.

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Happy Friday! KCSOS is hiring for many roles within our organization. Take a look at the open positions:

Behavior Intervention Specialist-SELPA
Child Development Associate - Part Time
Child Development Associate - Part Time (North Kern)
Content Coordinator- CALPADS and Accountability (KiDS)
Content Coordinator - Social Emotional & Academic Support
Database Specialist II
Indemnity Claims Examiner- Workers' Compensation
Indemnity Claims Examiner- Workers' Compensation (Fresno/Clovis, CA)
Indemnity Claims Examiner- Workers' Compensation (Sacramento, CA)
Instructional Aide V- Interpreter for the Deaf
Lead Graphic Artist
Program Supervisor-Community Connection for Child Care (CCCC)
Property and Liability Adjuster II (Fresno/Clovis, CA)
Property and Liability Adjuster II (Sacramento, CA)
School Bus Driver
School Clerk
Teacher - Special Day Class, Extensive Support Needs
Transporter

Read job descriptions and apply at the link in our bio or visit edjoin.org/kcsos.

Bacteria, frequent snacking, and poor oral hygiene can all contribute to tooth decay. Cavities in baby teeth can lead to infection and affect the development of permanent teeth.

Healthy baby teeth help your child:

🦷 Develop speech and language
🦷 Chew comfortably and eat well
🦷 Guide permanent teeth
🦷 Learn healthy brushing and oral care habits

Those little teeth are worth taking care of!

📲 Call Kern County Children’s Dental Health Network at 661-546-8903 to schedule a dental screening.
📍 1675 Chester Ave., Suite 100, Bakersfield
🔗 Visit us online at www.kccdhn.org.

KCCDHN is a program of KCSOS, funded by First 5 Kern (Prop 10).

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Bacteria, frequent snacking, and poor oral hygiene can all contribute to tooth decay. Cavities in baby teeth can lead to infection and affect the development of permanent teeth.

Healthy baby teeth help your child:

🦷 Develop speech and language
🦷 Chew comfortably and eat well
🦷 Guide permanent teeth
🦷 Learn healthy brushing and oral care habits

Those little teeth are worth taking care of!

📲 Call Kern County Children’s Dental Health Network at 661-546-8903 to schedule a dental screening.
📍 1675 Chester Ave., Suite 100, Bakersfield
🔗 Visit us online at www.kccdhn.org.

KCCDHN is a program of KCSOS, funded by First 5 Kern (Prop 10).

Setting the stage for Hispanic Heritage Month, meet the talented baile folklórico and mariachi students of Lamont Elementary School District!

Through music and traditional dance, students throughout the district are celebrating their culture, learning history, building confidence, and uniting generations.

Read the full story in EdConnect by visiting the link in our bio.

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Setting the stage for Hispanic Heritage Month, meet the talented baile folklórico and mariachi students of Lamont Elementary School District!

Through music and traditional dance, students throughout the district are celebrating their culture, learning history, building confidence, and uniting generations.

Read the full story in EdConnect by visiting the link in our bio.

Thousands of students and parents packed Kern County College Night! 🎓 Students explored colleges, connected with representatives and learned more about their options after high school. A big thank you to our partners — Kern High School District, CSU Bakersfield, Bakersfield College and Taft College — for making the night possible!
📸 Check out some highlights!

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Thousands of students and parents packed Kern County College Night! 🎓 Students explored colleges, connected with representatives and learned more about their options after high school. A big thank you to our partners — Kern High School District, CSU Bakersfield, Bakersfield College and Taft College — for making the night possible!
📸 Check out some highlights!

HAPPENING TONIGHT...Kern County College Night! Doors open at 5 p.m. at the Dignity Health Arena, Theater & Convention Center, and the event is free to attend. At KCSOS, we’re showing off our college spirit and getting ready to welcome students and families from across Kern County!

Check out our Student Information Hub, where you’ll find workshop information, the event guide and details on what to bring if you plan to work on your CSU application: https://bit.ly/2026CollegeNight.

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HAPPENING TONIGHT...Kern County College Night! Doors open at 5 p.m. at the Dignity Health Arena, Theater & Convention Center, and the event is free to attend. At KCSOS, we’re showing off our college spirit and getting ready to welcome students and families from across Kern County!

Check out our Student Information Hub, where you’ll find workshop information, the event guide and details on what to bring if you plan to work on your CSU application: https://bit.ly/2026CollegeNight.

Educators from across Kern County gathered today at Bell Tower Plaza for the annual Kern Educator Summit, to connect and learn from one another, while discovering new ways to support the students they serve.

From breakout sessions to keynote presentations from California Teacher of the Year April Raguindin and Kern County’s three Teacher of the Year finalists, attendees gained new ideas and inspiration to bring back to their classrooms.

Read more at the link in our bio or on EdConnect!

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Educators from across Kern County gathered today at Bell Tower Plaza for the annual Kern Educator Summit, to connect and learn from one another, while discovering new ways to support the students they serve.

From breakout sessions to keynote presentations from California Teacher of the Year April Raguindin and Kern County’s three Teacher of the Year finalists, attendees gained new ideas and inspiration to bring back to their classrooms.

Read more at the link in our bio or on EdConnect!

Students and their families gathered at Vineland Elementary School for today’s Family Literacy Lunch, where families spent their child’s lunch period enjoying books in English and Spanish from KCSOS’s Mobile Library.

Students laughed and enjoyed time with their families and siblings while earning prizes for reaching reading goals! Families also had the opportunity to apply for a Kern County Library card, giving them another way to keep the love of reading alive long after lunch was over.

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Students and their families gathered at Vineland Elementary School for today’s Family Literacy Lunch, where families spent their child’s lunch period enjoying books in English and Spanish from KCSOS’s Mobile Library.

Students laughed and enjoyed time with their families and siblings while earning prizes for reaching reading goals! Families also had the opportunity to apply for a Kern County Library card, giving them another way to keep the love of reading alive long after lunch was over.

Today, KCSOS joins our community and nation in remembering the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and honoring the courage and sacrifice of the first responders who answered the call. At City Centre, our downtown Bakersfield headquarters, the flags fly at half-staff in their memory. 🇺🇸

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Today, KCSOS joins our community and nation in remembering the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and honoring the courage and sacrifice of the first responders who answered the call. At City Centre, our downtown Bakersfield headquarters, the flags fly at half-staff in their memory. 🇺🇸

Looking for a job? We`re hiring! Take a look at our open positions:

Behavior Intervention Specialist-SELPA
Child Development Associate - Part Time
Child Development Associate - Part Time (North Kern)
Content Coordinator- CALPADS and Accountability (KiDS)
Content Coordinator - Social Emotional & Academic Support
Database Specialist II
Dispatcher
Indemnity Claims Examiner- Workers` Compensation
Indemnity Claims Examiner- Workers` Compensation (Fresno/Clovis, CA)
Indemnity Claims Examiner- Workers` Compensation (Sacramento, CA)
Instructional Aide V- Interpreter for the Deaf
Lead Graphic Artist
Program Supervisor-Community Connection for Child Care (CCCC)
Property and Liability Adjuster II (Fresno/Clovis, CA)
Property and Liability Adjuster II (Sacramento, CA)
School Bus Driver
School Clerk
Teacher - Special Day Class, Extensive Support Needs
Transporter

Read full job descriptions and apply at the link in our bio or visit edjoin.org/kcsos.

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Looking for a job? We're hiring! Take a look at our open positions:

Behavior Intervention Specialist-SELPA
Child Development Associate - Part Time
Child Development Associate - Part Time (North Kern)
Content Coordinator- CALPADS and Accountability (KiDS)
Content Coordinator - Social Emotional & Academic Support
Database Specialist II
Dispatcher
Indemnity Claims Examiner- Workers' Compensation
Indemnity Claims Examiner- Workers' Compensation (Fresno/Clovis, CA)
Indemnity Claims Examiner- Workers' Compensation (Sacramento, CA)
Instructional Aide V- Interpreter for the Deaf
Lead Graphic Artist
Program Supervisor-Community Connection for Child Care (CCCC)
Property and Liability Adjuster II (Fresno/Clovis, CA)
Property and Liability Adjuster II (Sacramento, CA)
School Bus Driver
School Clerk
Teacher - Special Day Class, Extensive Support Needs
Transporter

Read full job descriptions and apply at the link in our bio or visit edjoin.org/kcsos.

Three Kern County students are making their mark on the national STEM stage! 🔬🏆
Alekha Goldberg, Saanvi Narwal and Benson Kim have been named among the nation’s Top 300 Junior Innovators in the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge. All three advanced after earning top honors at the Kern County Regional Science Fair. Learn more about these talented young scientists and their projects in our latest EdConnect at: bit.ly/4cGysLf.

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Three Kern County students are making their mark on the national STEM stage! 🔬🏆
Alekha Goldberg, Saanvi Narwal and Benson Kim have been named among the nation’s Top 300 Junior Innovators in the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge. All three advanced after earning top honors at the Kern County Regional Science Fair. Learn more about these talented young scientists and their projects in our latest EdConnect at: bit.ly/4cGysLf.

Students from @kernhighschooldistrict ROC/CTEC Public Service Programs completed the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Independence High School, climbing 2,200 steps to honor the brave first responders who rushed into the World Trade Center towers.

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Students from @kernhighschooldistrict ROC/CTEC Public Service Programs completed the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Independence High School, climbing 2,200 steps to honor the brave first responders who rushed into the World Trade Center towers.

In honor of the lives lost and the first responders who served on 9/11, students from the Kern High School District’s ROC/CTEC Public Service Programs gathered at Independence High School to complete the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb—2,200 steps of remembrance and reflection.

Read about the challenge in EdConnect at the link in our bio.

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In honor of the lives lost and the first responders who served on 9/11, students from the Kern High School District’s ROC/CTEC Public Service Programs gathered at Independence High School to complete the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb—2,200 steps of remembrance and reflection.

Read about the challenge in EdConnect at the link in our bio.

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