FONTANA – The Association of California School Administrators’ (ACSA) Region 12 has honored four Fontana Unified administrators for individual excellence and the Fontana Leadership Intervention Program (FLIP) with its Partners in Educational Excellence Award.

Sequoia Middle School Principal Gorge Santiago, Associate Superintendent of Human Resources David Creswell, Director of Teaching and Learning Dr. Tonia Causey-Bush and Deputy Chief of Schools Dr. Shelley Holt were recognized for their outstanding leadership and service to the community. FLIP, which started in 2009, coordinates with the Fontana Police Department to intervene with students exhibiting academic and behavioral issues.
Fontana Unified Board President Lorena Corona was ecstatic about the prestige FUSD has received from ACSA Region 12, which serves educational administrators of San Bernardino County.

“To have both our program and individual efforts recognized validates the impact that FUSD’s educators have on the academic and personal well-being of our students,” Corona said. “By providing a positive school climate for students, our administrators are inspiring young minds and advocating for their success on a daily basis.”

Santiago was named Secondary Principal of the Year. He was commended for his dedication to building relationships with students and creating a positive school environment that fosters academic success.

Creswell was awarded Personnel/Human Resources Administrator of the Year. He has represented the District’s management in negotiations with classified and certificated bargaining units for more than 11 years.

Dr. Causey-Bush was named Curriculum and Instruction Administrator of the Year. She is guided by a philosophy that all students are born with genius, and this is at the core of every decision made and each program implemented under her watch.

Dr. Holt received the Valuing Diversity in Education Award. She has dedicated herself to providing boys and men of color with opportunities that expose them to college and career choices. Thanks to her leadership, the District coordinates activities that introduce students to college in elementary school. Dr. Holt will also be honored in the fall at the state level for her dedication and hard work in this area.

Now entering its sixth year of service to at-risk students in Fontana and neighboring cities, FLIP exposes students to an educational environment during a 16-week intervention program. The Fontana Police Department, school district and corporate partners team up to provide an education-rich environment dedicated to building the next generation of community leaders.
Parents of students in the FLIP program also get involved through classes in which they learn effective discipline and communication. FLIP boasts an 80 percent success rate with its graduates.

“To have our administrators honored as well as our FLIP program is great confirmation that we’re providing an ideal environment for our students to achieve their goals,” Unified Superintendent Dr. Leslie Boozer said. “It is special to receive recognition for the outstanding work being done in Fontana.”

For more information on the award recipients, visit: www.fusd.net/announcements2/2015-16/acsa.stm.