​SAN JOSE, CA – The ÀϰÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û (ÀϰÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û) is proud to announce the winners of the 2019 Artspiration Principal Arts Leadership Award.
This award is given each year to school leaders who go above and beyond to support Arts Education in Santa Clara County. This year, two dedicated principals will be honored at the Young Artists showcase celebration on Tuesday, May 21 at 4:30 p.m. at the ÀϰÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û.
Guillermo Ramos is a principal at John J. Montgomery Elementary School in the Evergreen Elementary School District. Since arriving in 2015, Principal Ramos has created opportunities for students to deepen their engagement with music through during and after school programs. Partnering with Music for Minors, Ramos implemented a comprehensive program focused on honing student discipline and engagement for kindergarten through fourth-grade.
Beyond student programs, Principal Ramos spearheaded music events that include students' extended family in musical learning and provide parents with tips on how to integrate music with other activities.
"Guillermo's leadership at John J. Montgomery is taking the school community to new heights," his nominator Sonja Wohlgemuth stated. "He is committed to securing the place of music in his students' well-rounded education."
Dr. Jamal Splane, principal at Bernal Intermediate School, plays a significant role in supporting various arts initiatives. Principal Splane facilitated the fundraising and implementation of Bernal's new kiln, despite fiscal and operational challenges. Additionally, he ensures his teachers are supported in representing the school at various arts conferences.
In discussing Dr. Splane's efforts to acquire the new kiln, Bernal art teacher Allison Juhasz states, "It would not have happened without the patience and financial support from my principal."
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About the ÀϰÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the ÀϰÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û (ÀϰÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. The County Office of Education directly serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The ÀϰÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 21 Santa Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.