Lynwood Unified Honored with 2025 Golden Bell Award for Transformative Family Engagement

Lynwood Unified School District has been recognized with a 2025 Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association (CSBA) for its innovative and sustained approach to family engagement through its acclaimed Parent University and Parent Affinity Groups. Together, these programs empower families as leaders, celebrate Lynwood’s culture of inclusivity, diversity and advocacy, and strengthen authentic partnerships between home and school.

The award will be presented to Lynwood Unified and its Equity, Access and Instructional Services team at the CSBA Annual Education Conference in December.

“At Lynwood Unified, we believe those closest to our students – their families – are essential partners in shaping their success,” Director of Equity, Access and Instructional Services Patricia Brent-Sanco, Ed.D. said. “This honor validates the work of our staff and families who have stepped forward as advocates, mentors and leaders.”

Launched in 2014, Parent University offers more than 40 bilingual workshops annually to equip families with tools and resources that support their children’s academic, social and emotional growth. Workshop topics range from digital literacy and artificial intelligence to college readiness and mental health. A cornerstone of the program is the Parent Leadership Team, composed of Parent University graduates who receive formal training to lead workshops, mentor families and collaborate with District leaders.

To deepen cultural connection and advocacy, Lynwood Unified also created Parent Affinity Groups – such as the African American Parent Advisory Council and the Asian American Pacific Islander Family Network – which provide identity-affirming spaces for families to connect, share experiences and celebrate their heritage. These groups organize events such as cultural festivals, family nights and college readiness activities, several of which have earned state and national recognition for leadership and impact.

“We’ve created a community where families lead alongside us,” Brent-Sanco said. “These programs ensure that every parent has the tools, confidence and space to thrive – where their culture is affirmed, their voice matters and their leadership helps shape the future of our schools.”

Lynwood Unified continually evaluates the impact of its family engagement programs. In its most recent annual survey, with over 2,000 responses, 98% of parents said they felt more connected to their child’s school, 95% said they felt confident supporting learning at home, and 97% reported feeling informed about their child’s progress.

“Our families are the heart of student success,” Superintendent Patrick Gittisriboongul, Ed.D. said. “By investing in authentic partnerships and building the capacity of our parents and guardians to be leaders, educators and advocates, we’re building a stronger, more equitable future for all students. When families are empowered, students thrive – and that is the future of education.”