Newark Public Schools Honored with Khan Academy Award for Excellence and Innovation

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA. – Newark Public Schools has been awarded the prestigious Khan Academy Award for Excellence and Innovation in recognition of its effective implementation of Khan Academy’s AI-powered learning technologies across 14 district schools.

The award was presented by Khan Academy Founder Sal Khan and Chief External Relations Officer Vicki Zubovic. Accepting the award on behalf of the district were Assistant Superintendent Rosa Branco and Alan Usherenko, District Director of Enrollment. Branco and Usherenko have been instrumental in the implementation of Khan Academy technologies for several years in their former titles as principal of First Avenue School and special assistant of the North Ward Schools, respectively.

The Khan Academy Award for Excellence and Innovation honors a school district that demonstrates an unwavering commitment to student success by thoughtfully integrating high-quality instruction with Khan Academy’s mastery-based learning platform. The District is the first recipient of this national recognition.

“We are deeply honored by this recognition from Khan Academy,” said Superintendent León. “By integrating innovative technologies with strong instruction, our teachers are not only accelerating learning, but also empowering students to build confidence in their abilities and take ownership of their academic growth.”

“Newark Public Schools is showing what’s possible when innovative technology is paired with great teaching,” said Khan. “What stands out here is not just the use of AI, but the thoughtful way educators are using it to meet students where they are, help them build mastery, and grow their confidence as learners. This is exactly the kind of impact we envisioned, where every student has the support they need to succeed and thrive.”

The award highlights districts that go beyond implementation fidelity to fundamentally transform teaching and learning. Through the use of Khan Academy’s platform, schools have expanded opportunities for personalized instruction, enabling students to progress at their own pace while strengthening foundational skills.

“This honor belongs to the dedicated teachers and school leaders in our schools who are embracing innovation to better serve our students,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “Their work demonstrates how technology, when used thoughtfully, can open doors, close achievement gaps, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

Khan and his team visited the Newark Public Schools in October 2024 and in November 2025.

The recognition underscores Newark Public Schools’ ongoing commitment to advancing its strategic plan, The Next Decade: 2020–30, by leveraging innovative practices that support student achievement and long-term success.