FSD Leader Honored with County Award for Elevating Multilingual Voices

Fullerton School District Chief Academic Officer Erlinda Soltero-Ruiz, Ed.D., has received the Orange County Department of Education’s 2026 Language Access Administrator Award of Distinction for her work strengthening opportunities for multilingual students, families and staff.

Soltero-Ruiz was recognized during OCDE’s 10th Annual Interpreters and Translators Conference on September 25. Her approach to language access helps families ask questions, understand school programs and take part in decisions impacting their children.

“I’m truly honored to receive this award, and I share it with the bilingual educators, interpreters, translators, and staff who work every day to make sure our families feel heard, welcomed, and connected,” Soltero-Ruiz said. “The relationships they build with our families strengthen our school communities and help us better support every student.”

At FSD, she supports the Spanish and Korean Dual Language Academies, English Language Development and the District English Learner Advisory Committee. In collaboration with Community Schools, she has helped multilingual families connect with staff, access resources and build relationships with their schools.

Soltero-Ruiz also advocates for the bilingual staff who connect families with their schools, ensuring their experiences and expertise help inform District decisions.

Her recognition reflects Fullerton School District’s commitment to valuing students’ home languages and cultures and ensuring every family has a voice in their child’s education.