HESD named one of only seven in California to receive 2026 LEAD award
Lynette Niebla
HEBER, Calif. (KYMA) – The Heber Elementary School District (HESD) is celebrating a major statewide honor after being selected as a recipient of the 2026 Latino/a Educational Advancement and Distinction (LEAD) Award.
The prestigious recognition, granted by the California Latino School Boards Association (CLSBA), names HESD as one of only seven school districts across the entire state of California to receive the honor this year.
The LEAD Award honors district leadership that exemplify exceptional governance, innovation, and professionalism.
Specifically, the award recognizes an unwavering commitment to advancing educational opportunities and leveling the playing field for Latino/a and at-promise youth.
Heber was selected based on demonstrated excellence in educational equity, visionary systems leadership, and creating a positive, lasting impact within the local community.
According to district leaders, the accolade serves as a powerful reflection of what can be accomplished when an entire community unites around student success.
For district leadership, the statewide spotlight validates the daily, often unseen efforts of local classroom teachers and support staff.
“It validates the work of our team,” said HESD Superintendent Juan Cruz. “Our teachers and our staff work extremely hard, and…I’m proud to say that the staff here is not a staff that just gives a minimum. They go far above and beyond every single day, and it’s a validation that the work that they’re doing is paying off.”
The 2026 LEAD Awards will be officially presented next month during the annual CLSBA Unity Conference in San Jose.