Sacramento, CA – The California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) today announced the 2026 recipients of the Don Shalvey Legacy Award, honoring one exceptional organization and two extraordinary leaders whose vision and commitment have shaped and strengthened California’s charter public school movement: The Walton Family Foundation, Johnathan Williams, and Eva Pacheco.
Honoring a Legacy of Innovation and Visionary Leadership
Established in 2022, the Don Shalvey Legacy Award recognizes visionary education leaders and organizations whose work is measured not only by the policies they shaped or the schools they built, but also by the lives they have transformed—the students they have empowered, the innovative practices they have championed, and the educators they have inspired across generations. Named for the late Don Shalvey, a trailblazer behind California's first charter public school, the award celebrates those who—like Shalvey—combine bold vision with an unwavering commitment to students and communities.
"This award honors individuals and organizations whose leadership has fundamentally improved educational opportunities for California students,”said Myrna Castrejón, CCSA President and CEO. “The Walton Family Foundation, Jonathan Williams, and Eva Pacheco have not only supported the growth and development of outstanding charter public schools but have also fueled innovation and expanded what’s possible in public education. Their impact will be felt for decades to come.”
CCSA will recognize and celebrate the contributions of these award recipients on Tuesday February 24, 2026 during the Opening General Session of the 2026 California Charter Schools Conference in Long Beach. Learn more about the conference and register here.
2026 Don Shalvey Legacy Award Recipients
Walton Family Foundation
The Walton Family Foundation received the Don Shalvey Legacy Award for its groundbreaking role in shaping California’s charter school sector. By providing early and sustained funding for start-up schools, and supporting research, capacity-building initiatives and policies that enabled growth and innovation, the Walton Family Foundation helped establish a thriving ecosystem of high-quality charter public schools across the state. With more than 700,000 students now enrolled in California charter schools, the Foundation’s philanthropic and strategic support has helped build the largest charter school movement in the nation, positively transforming California’s educational opportunities for hundreds of thousands of students and families. Since charter schools were enacted in California in 1992, the Walton Family Foundation has invested approximately $200 million and impacted an estimated 3.5 million students in California charter schools. The Walton Family Foundation’s investments have empowered educators, expanded student opportunities, and inspired a generation of leaders to reimagine public education.
Johnathan Williams
Founder, The Accelerated Schools
Founding Board Member, California Charter Schools Association
Johnathan Williams, co-founder of The Accelerated Schools and a founding board member of the California Charter Schools Association, received the Don Shalvey Legacy Award for his pioneering leadership in shaping California’s charter movement from its earliest days. His vision for rigorous, joyful, community-centered learning helped establish one of the state’s most successful early charter school models and expanded opportunities for students across South Los Angeles. Williams is also a founding board member and past President of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools and he testified to expand charter schools in New York, Minnesota, Virginia, Ohio, Nevada and Texas. As both a school founder and statewide leader, Williams championed innovation, equity, and educator empowerment. His impact endures in the thousands of students whose lives have been transformed and in the thriving charter sector he helped build.
Eva Pacheco
Founder, Excellence and Justice in Education (EJE) Academies
Eva Pacheco, founder of EJE Academies in San Diego, received the Don Shalvey Legacy Award for her unwavering commitment to bilingual, biliterate, and multicultural education that has transformed opportunities for students. As a visionary school founder and advocate, she built a model demonstrating what is possible when families, educators, and community partners unite around a shared belief in student potential. Her work has not only shaped district and charter collaboration in her region, but has also inspired countless educators to center equity, dual-language excellence, and cultural pride in their programs—leaving a legacy that continues to elevate students and strengthen communities across California.
Celebrate With Us in Long Beach
Join thousands of educators, school leaders, policymakers, and advocates at the 2026 California Charter Schools Conference, taking place February 23-26 in Long Beach. Register now to celebrate these incredible award recipients and engage in the nation’s largest statewide gathering of charter school professionals.
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact: Ana Tintocalis, CCSA Vice President of Public Relations & Creative Services, [email protected] 916.666.2274
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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. Learn more.