California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) recognizes the work and achievements of exceptional charter public schools, leaders, and advocates with the prestigious Hart Vision Equity and Innovation Awards at the 2023 California Charter Schools Conference. This new award is presented to schools and education leaders with a demonstrated record of outstanding achievements in serving all students and furthering California's charter public school movement.
Schools honored with the Hart Vision Equity and Innovation Award have programs or practices that ensure all kids are represented, supported, and included. They are closing opportunity gaps or supporting students in innovative ways that serve as a model for the larger education community.
The Hart Vision Equity and Innovation Leader of the Year award is reserved for leaders who further charter equity and innovation by uniting others, ensuring charters are represented/included in local and state opportunities, advocating for equity at systemic levels, or through leadership, mentorship and the sharing of best practices to positively shape the larger public charter school community.
The Hart Vision Awards, established in 1995, are named in honor of former California State Senator and Secretary of Education Gary K. Hart. While serving as state senator, Hart sponsored the legislation that established California charter schools, known as the Charter Schools Act of 1992.