SOLEDAD — Three elementary schools in the Soledad Unified School District (SUSD) have been named 2025 California Distinguished Schools, an honor awarded to just 336 schools across the state this year.
Gabilan, Jack Franscioni and Rose Ferrero elementary schools earned the distinction for their strong academic performance, positive school climate and efforts to close achievement gaps.
California Department of Education selects honorees based on multiple performance indicators from the California School Dashboard, including student outcomes in English/language arts and mathematics, as well as engagement and attendance metrics.
“We are incredibly proud to see three of our schools recognized with this prestigious honor,” said Superintendent Randy Bangs. “This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our students, staff and families, who strive to create schools where all students can succeed. Congratulations to Gabilan, Jack Franscioni and Rose Ferrero elementary schools for their outstanding commitment to excellence.”
The 2024 California School Dashboard highlighted significant progress for SUSD, with English/language arts scores rising by 9.9 points and mathematics scores increasing by 4 points. In addition, over 58% of the Class of 2024 were classified as “approaching prepared” or “prepared” for college and career readiness.
Other positive outcomes for Soledad included a decline in chronic absenteeism by 8.1%, an increase in graduation rates to 95.4%, and a slight decrease in suspension rates.
“We are proud of the progress reflected in these results, particularly in reducing chronic absenteeism and increasing graduation rates,” Bangs stated previously. “These outcomes are a result of the dedication and hard work of our students, staff and families.”
Established in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Program alternates annually between recognizing elementary and secondary schools, celebrating institutions that demonstrate exceptional performance and growth.
“It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 336 elementary schools for their efforts to provide exemplary public education to all students. Excellent elementary schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people,” said Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “This year’s California Distinguished Schools celebration provides us with an opportunity to recognize the hard work of our elementary educators and school staff who help our students discover passions and experiences that will propel them.”
The recognized schools will be honored at a ceremony at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on May 30.
