BRADLEY — Bradley Union School District (BUSD), a historic educational cornerstone established in 1886, has been recognized as one of the “10 Most Admired School Districts” by The Education Magazine.
According to Superintendent and Principal Josh Van Norman, this distinction highlights the district’s “extraordinary transformation into a hub of modern educational innovation, marked by a surge in enrollment, cutting-edge industry partnerships and a culture deeply rooted in community service.”
Van Norman said the recognition comes at a “pivotal moment” for the district.
While many rural districts face declining numbers, BUSD has defied trends, experiencing a nearly 50% enrollment increase over the past two years, including a notable 38% jump in the last year alone.
“Serving a diverse population of primarily Hispanic and Caucasian students, the district has successfully blended its rich agricultural heritage with a forward-looking curriculum that prepares students for the global stage,” Van Norman said.
The “Most Admired” accolade acknowledges BUSD’s ability to maintain its small-town values while implementing world-class educational strategies. The district’s vision, “Pathway to the Future,” is more than a slogan; it is operationalized through unique initiatives that were key factors in this selection:
- Global and National Recognition: BUSD was recently selected to attend an international education summit in Helsinki, Finland, and is a member of the League of Innovative Schools, a prestigious national network recognized by Congress;
- Immersive Learning: The district employs “Room Transformations,” turning classrooms into immersive themed environments to boost engagement, alongside the “Houses” system, which fosters belonging and healthy competition among students and staff; and
- Career-Aligned Curriculum: Through the Beable Career Development Platform, students in grades 2-8 align reading skills with career exploration, resulting in measurable academic growth.
Van Norman attributed this recognition to a philosophy that prioritizes people over policy.
“At Bradley, we are committed to seeing our students develop their ‘Pathway to the Future,’” he said. “My focus is always on people — supporting students, staff and families. This recognition belongs to our entire community, from the teachers crafting differentiated instruction to the students running the AIDS LifeCycle lunch service. We have built a culture of trust where history and innovation meet.”
Partnerships Powering the Future
The district was also lauded for its aggressive strategy in connecting students with the real world. BUSD has fostered relationships with industry giants and educational leaders, including California Resources Corporation, Chevron, Joby Aviation, Union Pacific, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cal State Monterey Bay.
These collaborations provide students with potential internships, job shadowing and a “tangible view of their potential futures,” added Van Norman.
Beyond academics, the district ensures the well-being of the “whole child” through a partnership with Care Solace, providing 24/7 access to mental health and essential services for families, and robust arts and athletics programs in collaboration with Sol Treasures and First Tee.
