Park View and Ripon Elementary were among the more than 350 elementary schools selected for the prestigious 2023 California Distinguished Schools Program.

Ripon Unified Superintendent Ziggy Robeson made that announcement at Monday’s school board meeting.

“Park View and Ripon El. are among four schools in San Joaquin County, with the other two (Distinguished Schools in the area) from the Lammersville school district,” she said.

The California Department of Education used multiple measures to identify eligible schools for the Distinguished Schools Program.

“Specifically, schools were selected by analyzing data reported through the 2022 (California School) Dashboard, including assessment results, chronic absenteeism, suspension rates, and socioeconomic data,” according to the Jan. 6 California Department of Education news release.

The awards program was back after being temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since its inception in 1985, the Distinguished Schools Program continues to be one of the important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students.