SAN JOSE, CA – Local school communications professionals in Santa Clara County brought home more than 20 awards from the California School Public Relations Association (CalSPRA). The Santa Clara County Office of Education’s (SCCOE) Public Affairs Department received three awards, and one SCCOE employee received special recognition. CalSPRA’s Excellence in Communication Awards program recognizes superior achievement in meeting strategic goals through high-quality communications and public relations programs.
A Branded Sponsorship Outreach Kit Template received an Award of Excellence. This was created as part of a Sponsorship Pilot Program to standardize and strengthen outreach by providing staff with a professional, easy-to-use tool that communicates partnership value through consistent messaging and unified branding.
The department received Awards of Merit for its internship program and childcare provider appreciation video. The SCCOE Public Affairs Department relaunched its internship program in 2024-25 by creating a structured recruitment and development process that attracted strong interest, produced meaningful intern contributions, and positioned the program for continued growth. The Santa Clara County Resource & Referral Program hosted its annual Early Learning Professionals Symposium to recognize and connect childcare providers, featuring an appreciation video created by Public Affairs that highlighted gratitude from community partners and was shown at the May 3, 2025 celebration.
Payje Redmond, Communications and Public Relations Specialist, was named a Rising Star. The Rising Star Award celebrates up-and-coming communicators whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to connection strengthen how schools and educational agencies engage with students, families, and communities.
Below is a list of districts that were awarded at CalSPRA’s Annual Conference and Awards Banquet on March 13 in San Jose:
Superintendents to Watch
- Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District - Heath Rocha
Rising Stars
- Santa Clara County Office of Education - Payje Redmond
Awards of Excellence
- Union School District – Video (Produced In-House/Singular)
- Santa Clara Unified School District – Annual Report, Brand/Image Package, Newsletter, Marketing Material, Video (Produced In-House/Singular)
- Santa Clara County Office of Education - Marketing Material
- Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District - Comprehensive Program or Campaign - Community Outreach and Public Engagement Initiative, Excellence in Writing
- Los Gatos Union School District - Video (Produced In-House/Singular)
Awards of Merit
- Santa Clara County Office of Education - Community Outreach and Public Engagement Initiative, Video (Produced In-House/Singular)
- Metropolitan Education District - Video (Produced In-House/Singular)
- Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District - Comprehensive, Strategic, Year-Round Communication Program
- Los Gatos Union School District - Special Event
- Santa Clara Unified School District - Special Event, Photo
- Fremont Union High School District - Handbook
- Alum Rock Union Elementary School District - Marketing Material, Photo
The
California School Public Relations Association (CalSPRA) is a nationally recognized leader in school communications with a membership of more than 850. Members represent schools, school districts, and county offices of all sizes, ranging from the largest urban districts to those located in remote areas serving one or two schools, as well as other professionals in the field of education.
Image: Five members of the Santa Clara County Office of Education - Public Affairs Department, taken at the annual CalSPRA Awards Gala.
###
About the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency committed to serving, inspiring, and promoting student and public school success. The SCCOE is a premier service organization driven by the core principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and partnership. For more information about the Santa Clara County Office of Education, please visit www.sccoe.org and follow us @SCCOE on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
