Charter Stars Awards Ceremony

SAN DIEGO – Charter public school leaders, supporters, and community members gathered at the University of San Diego on Thursday night to honor the 2023 Charter Star Award winners. Presented by the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) and the North County Education Foundation, the Charter Star Awards recognize, highlight, and celebrate local leaders making the most significant impact in charter public education in the San Diego region. 

“This year’s awardees embody the great spirit, resilience, and tenacity of San Diego’s charter public school community. Education is one of the most challenging yet rewarding professions, and everyone honored has made a true and lasting impact on public education,” said CCSA President and CEO Myrna Castrejón. “I especially want to thank and recognize all the charter public school teachers making real changes in the lives of the students and families you teach.”

Winners were nominated and a panel of judges from the California Charter Schools Advocacy Council selected the awardees. School leaders, teachers, coaches, and volunteers gathered to attend the live ceremony and learn of the 2023 winners.

“All students learn different, and every student deserves a chance to attend a public school that best meets their unique needs,” said Cameron Curry, Chief Executive Officer of The Classical Academies and founder of The North County Education Foundation. “The Charter Star winners are leading the way to help ensure families have access to these educational options.”

2023 Charter Star Winners

Outstanding Volunteer
Michelle Anderson
Kavod Charter School

Emerging Leader
Michelle Fox-Lucas

2023 Charter Star Winners
Empower Language Academy

Outstanding Coach
Linn Dunton
Liberty First Charter School

Outstanding Innovator
Ronit Ron-Yerushalmi
Kavod Charter School

Community Impact
Tami Foster
Springs Charter School
Otay Ranch Academy for the Arts

Outstanding Special Education Professional
Ashley Montferrit
Julian Charter Schools

Outstanding Teacher
Samuel Roberson
Classical Academy High School

Legacy Award
Alfredo Rubalcava
Magnolia Public Schools

Legacy Award
Lynne Alipio
Altus Charter Schools

About charter public schools in San Diego
There are 131 diverse charter public schools in San Diego County educating 78,000 students. Charter schools are tuition-free public schools run by non-profit organizations
open to all students regardless of zip code, race/ethnicity or ability level. Charter public schools operate with more flexibility than traditional district schools in exchange for increased accountability and high financial, academic and managerial standards by an authorizer.

About North County Education Foundation:
The North County Education Foundation (NCEF) is dedicated to promoting and supporting public charter school students through passionately seeking grants and funding from private individuals, businesses, foundations, and philanthropic organizations with the goal of providing an excellent education for every student.

About the California Charter Schools Association
The vision of the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) is to build great public schools of joy and rigor that prepare all California students for success in college, career, community, and life. The mission of CCSA is to meet parent, educator, and community need for great public school options by supporting and advocating for high quality non-profit charter schools and sharing their success throughout California’s public schools.