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Aspire Benjamin Holt College Preparatory Academy Named a 2026 California Distinguished School

We are incredibly proud to share that Aspire Benjamin Holt College Preparatory Academy has been recognized as a 2026 California Distinguished School by the California Department of Education — one of the state’s highest honors for public schools.

This recognition is a testament to the hard work, heart, and commitment poured into Ben Holt every single day. It belongs to the educators who go above and beyond in the classroom, the staff who support students in countless ways, the families who partner with us on their children’s journeys, and most of all, the students who show up ready to learn and grow.

The California Distinguished Schools program recognizes schools that demonstrate exemplary academic achievement and improvement. To be counted among them reflects what we’ve always believed: that when a community comes together around a shared purpose, extraordinary things happen for students. Congratulations to the entire Aspire Ben Holt community!

Aspire Benjamin Holt College Preparatory Academy is part of the Aspire Public Schools network, dedicated to preparing students for success in college, career, and life.

Leading with Impact: Aspire CFO Michael Wimbish Named CFO of the Year

We’re thrilled to celebrate Michael Wimbish, Aspire Public Schools’ Chief Financial Officer, who has been named CFO of the Year by the San Francisco Business Times! This award recognizes outstanding financial leadership, innovation, and a commitment to mission-driven impact.

At Aspire, Michael’s work exemplifies how thoughtful financial stewardship can directly support scholars, communities, and the resources they need to thrive. Under his leadership, Aspire continues to be able to strengthen programs, expand opportunities, and ensure sustainable growth across our schools. As he says,

I try to start from a place of “yes,” and then work backwards to see what’s possible.

This recognition carries even greater significance because the CFO of the Year awards celebration benefitted  Larkin Street Youth Services, which provides housing, education, and critical support for young people experiencing homelessness. A great reminder that strong leadership in finance—and in community—can create meaningful opportunities for young people who need it most.

Read the full story in the San Francisco Business Times here.

Marking a Leadership Transition: Thank You, Mala

Today, we celebrate Aspire’s incredible leader, Mala Batra, who has dedicated the last 14 years to Aspire Public Schools, with the past six as CEO. This week, Mala announced that she will be transitioning out of her role as CEO at the end of this school year. While this marks the end of an extraordinary chapter, we are thrilled that she will remain part of our community in an advisory capacity as we move forward.

During her tenure, Mala has led with heart, courage, and a deep commitment to educational equity. She has guided Aspire through pivotal moments with clarity, care, and an unwavering dedication to our scholars. Mala’s leadership not only broadened opportunities for our scholars, but also helped shape the very fabric of Aspire’s work and purpose.

On behalf of the Aspire community, we extend our deepest gratitude to Mala for her extraordinary service. Her impact will be felt for years to come.

Thank you, Mala!

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