News Summary
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union celebrated innovative educational leaders at the Classroom of the Future Foundation’s Innovation in Education Awards. The event recognized four school district leaders from San Diego County for their contributions to enhancing student experiences. SchoolsFirst FCU also received the CFF Business Team Award for its commitment to supporting educational initiatives. Both organizations aim to inspire innovative practices in education and provide equal opportunities for all K-12 students in the region.
San Diego
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union honored innovative educational leaders during the 22nd Annual Classroom of the Future Foundation Innovation in Education Awards held on May 15, 2025, at SeaWorld San Diego. The event recognized outstanding contributions in the field of education and awarded the Innovative Superintendent and Team Award to four school district leaders from San Diego County.
Josh Smith, the vice president of school and community relations for SchoolsFirst FCU, acknowledged the achievements of pioneering leaders who are making significant impacts within their districts. The awards program aims to showcase the importance of innovation in education and highlight exceptional efforts to enhance student learning experiences.
SchoolsFirst FCU, established in 1934 by a group of 126 school employees, is currently the largest credit union in California, serving nearly 1.5 million members with a full range of financial products and services. With over $34 billion in assets, it is also the third largest credit union in the United States. For six consecutive years, it has been recognized by Forbes as the top credit union in the state. The credit union also earned the number one ranking for overall member satisfaction in the J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Credit Union Satisfaction Study.
During the event, SchoolsFirst FCU received the CFF Business Team Award in recognition of its long-standing commitment to supporting educational programs that provide enhanced learning opportunities for students in the region. This dedication aligns closely with the goals of the Classroom of the Future Foundation, which has been working since 1997 to create innovative learning environments within San Diego County public schools.
The Classroom of the Future Foundation collaborates with the San Diego County Office of Education to focus on advancing educational innovation. Dr. Leighangela Brady, vice chair of the foundation, emphasized the importance of equity in education and the need for equal opportunities for all K-12 students. Such statements reflect a growing emphasis on ensuring that every student can benefit from quality education and innovative approaches to learning.
The Innovation in Education Awards program is not just about recognition but serves to inspire educators and administrators to continue seeking out inventive methods to engage students and improve educational outcomes. Both SchoolsFirst FCU and CFF are committed to fostering an environment where educational innovation can flourish, ensuring that the students of San Diego County have access to meaningful and effective learning experiences.
As the educational landscape continues to evolve, the partnership between SchoolsFirst FCU and the Classroom of the Future Foundation showcases the essential role that community engagement and support play in the advancement of local educational initiatives. Such efforts are crucial in shaping the future of education, providing students with the tools and resources they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive and complex world.
In summary, the Innovation in Education Awards serves as a vital platform for honoring significant contributions to education while promoting progress, creativity, and collaboration within the educational community in San Diego. With SchoolsFirst FCU’s support, the future of education in the region looks promising.
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Additional Resources
- CU Insight: SchoolsFirst FCU Recognizes Four San Diego School Superintendents
- NBC San Diego: Cal Coast & San Diego County Credit Union Merger
- PR Newswire: California Coast Credit Union and San Diego County Credit Union Merger
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Major San Diego Credit Unions Plan Merger
- Wikipedia: San Diego County
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SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
