Dwight Bonds, Dwight Bonds, an educator for over 50 years, is the Executive Director of the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA).  CAAASA, which is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, is comprised of educational leaders committed to identifying and addressing the critical issues in education that impact all students, but especially issues relative to the status and performance of African-American students in California.  Under the outstanding leadership of Dwight Bonds, CAAASA has grown its membership exponentially; strengthened key partnerships to support improving experiences and outcomes for African American students; and is recognized as a critical voice in addressing the underrepresentation of African American teachers and administrators.  Dwight Bonds has worked tirelessly during his 16 year tenure as Executive Director to identify and expand opportunities to provide high quality, student-driven professional development and establish professional learning networks with state and local entities focused on eliminating disparities and improving educational systems for students of color.  Most recently, CAAASA's mission has broadened to include supporting health and wellness for students and families of color through partnerships and grants that provide health and dental screenings and information, immunizations, school supplies, food, clothing, and other essential resources.

Award presented by Katherine Castleberry and Dr. Michele Bowers, CASCD Board of Director members on March 15, 2023.

2022 Winner

Dr. Gina Potter, San Ysidro School District Superintendent has been named CASCD Outstanding Instructional Leader (OIL) Award.  The OIL Award is given annually to recognize an individual educator who has significantly contributed to education in California.  Dr. Gina Potter has served in the field of education for over 30 years within 7 culturally diverse school districts throughout California.  Dr. Potter is a third-generation educator in south San Diego County, having followed in the footsteps of both her parents and grandfather who are all retired South Bay educators.  Dr. Potter is currently the Vice President Legislative Action for Association of California Schools Administrators (ACSA). 

Former State Superintendent of Public Instruction summarized Dr. Potter's many contributions to education as follows, "I have had the opportunity to personally work with and observe Dr. Potter addressing the needs of our students learning the English language.  She has extensive experience in leading curriculum adoptions and ensuring that students receive the proper tools to help them succeed.  She is a strong advocate for holding our schools and school systems accountable to maximize student learning at all levels." 

In addition, Dr. Potter has established exemplary instructional programs such as International Baccalaureate, Dual Language and STEM Academies in schools and districts throughout the state with the highest percentages of English Language Learners, poverty and unhoused youth.  Most recently, during the recent pandemic crisis, Dr. Potter has provided exemplary leadership for the students and staff of San Ysidro School District. 

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021 Winner

Cynthia "Cindy" Marten was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the Deputy Secretary on May 11, 2021.  Before joining ED, Marten served as the superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District since 2013.  She has spent 32 years as an educator, holding various roles of increasing responsibility as a teacher, literacy specialist, vice principal, and principal.  She is the author of "Word Crafting: Teaching Spelling, Grades K-6," which places an emphasis on literacy as a key to students' success. 

As superintendent, she directed implementation of the district's Vision 2020 commitment to a meaningful graduation for all students, with the district achieving the highest graduation rate among big-city districts in California and the fastest reading growth of large urban districts nationwide, in 2019.

In addition to her emphasis on academics, Marten has been a champion for health and wellness, putting in place an award-winning wellness policy for staff and students. Under her leadership, San Diego Unified received Gold Recognition in the American Heart Association's Workplace Health Achievement Index for efforts to support employee wellness, and multiple San Diego Unified schools received "America's Healthiest Schools" award from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

Prior to being appointed superintendent, for ten years Marten worked in one of San Diego's most ethnically diverse and economically challenged school communities, at Central Elementary School in City Heights. As a teacher, instructional leader, and later as principal, she established a commitment to educating the whole child through an emphasis on social and emotional learning and the arts, combined with academic rigor.

2020 Winner