The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) has received the prestigious Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association (CSBA) for its innovative approaches to alternative education that are helping students overcome significant barriers to graduation and success after high school.

VCOE’s Alternative Education program received the award for its submission “From Incarceration & Expulsion to Graduation, College & Workforce: Sustaining an Impactful Whole Child Ecosystem in Court & Community Schools.” The program serves students in grades 6–12, including expelled students, justice-involved youth, and students facing significant academic, behavioral, and social-emotional challenges. It operates Gateway Community School in Camarillo and Providence School at the Ventura County Juvenile Facility in Oxnard.

Highlights of the program include:

• Graduation Rates: Gateway Community School’s graduation rate increased from 20% in 2019–2020 to more than 93% in 2024–2025. Providence School’s graduation rate increased from 38% to 100% during the same period.
• Reduced Suspensions: Suspension rates declined from 13.7% to 4.3% through restorative practices, relationship-centered interventions, and integrated wellness supports.
• Postsecondary Success: Students transition to college, career pathways, military service, and employment, with opportunities to participate in dual enrollment and Career Technical Education programs.
• Whole-Child Support: Students receive individualized academic instruction alongside counseling, mental health services, social-emotional support, rehabilitation planning, and transition services.
• Community Partnerships: VCOE’s Alternative Education program collaborates with agencies including the Ventura County Probation Agency, Ventura County Behavioral Health, the Ventura County Community College District, CSU Channel Islands, California Lutheran University, Ventura County SELPA, local school districts, and community-based organizations to provide coordinated support.

“This award is a celebration of what happens when we stop focusing on a student’s past mistakes and start believing in their future,” said Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “Our team meets these kids where they are, gives them the tools and care they need, and proves that every young person has the potential to earn their diploma and build a successful and meaningful life.”

The VCOE Alternative Education program is grounded in a whole-child approach that combines high academic expectations with meaningful relationships, restorative practices, wellness supports, and individualized pathways. Students who may enter the program disconnected from school or affected by trauma and instability have opportunities to recover credits, build confidence, explore careers, and prepare for life after high school.

“VCOE’s Court and Community Schools are built on the dedication of staff and educational partners who lead with heart and high expectations, proving that when systems integrate care and accountability, students thrive and outcomes shift at scale,” said Dr. Consuelo Hernandez Williams, VCOE’s Associate Superintendent of Student Services.

“This accomplishment is a reflection of the passion and unwavering commitment our staff and partners bring to serving students every day,” said VCOE Director of Alternative Education Stefanie Rodriguez. “They have built a supportive ecosystem that helps students overcome challenges, reconnect with their education, and create pathways toward graduation, college, career, and lifelong success.”

The CSBA Golden Bell Awards promote excellence in education and school board governance by recognizing outstanding programs and governance practices of school boards in school districts and county offices of education throughout California. VCOE will receive its award at a ceremony at the CSBA Annual Education Conference in San Diego on December 3. You can learn more about VCOE’s Alternative Education programs at www.vcoe.org/alt-ed and in this episode of the VCOE Focus on Education podcast.