Wittmann Elementary School Principal Named an Outstanding School Leader
by U.S. Secretary of Education
October 19, 2022 - U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel A. Cardona announced the recipients of the Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership 2022. Mr. Miguel Marco, Principal of Wittmann Elementary School, is one of nine awardees this year and the only award winner out of more than 10,000 California public school principals.
“The ABC Unified School District is fortunate to have dedicated and hard-working principals,” said Board President Soo Yoo. “This recognition is a testament to Mr. Marco’s service to his students, families, and staff that led to the school being named a National Blue Ribbon School. We are proud of him and the Wittmann Elementary community.”
Named for the second U.S. secretary of education, Terrel H. Bell, the Bell Award honors school leaders who are committed to education as a powerful and liberating force in people’s lives. The award is part of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. Principals are nominated by their school communities during the final stages of the National Blue Ribbon Schools application process.
“I’m grateful and humbled by this award,” said Mr. Marco. “I share this recognition with Wittmann’s amazing students, dedicated families, and hardworking staff.”
The U.S. Department of Education, together with the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the Association for Middle Level Education, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, present the Bell Awards to principals of National Blue Ribbon Schools for their outstanding work and the vital role they play in guiding their students and schools to excellence, frequently under challenging circumstances.
“As a former principal, I understand the vital role school leaders play in shaping school culture and welcoming learning environments, improving student achievement outcomes, and empowering teachers to meet the needs of their students,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The nine school leaders receiving this year’s Terrel Bell awards have raised the bar for building positive school climates, increasing achievement, and finding creative ways to nurture, engage, and support students, families, educators, and school staff. At a time when principals and other school leaders face many challenges, from addressing students’ unmet mental health needs to accelerating their academic recovery from the pandemic, the Department of Education is proud to recognize the essential work they do each day.”
More information about the Terrel H. Bell Award and the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program can be found at www.ed.gov.