|
I hope your year opened with full buses, working air conditioning, and at least one morning where everything went the way the plan said it would. If it didn't, you're in good company. That's why we have each other!
I want to start this year by talking about relationships because, in August, my district got a hard reminder of what they're actually for. Over eight days, Wheatland Union HSD and our neighboring elementary district received anonymous, AI-generated threats. Early-morning calls made with a voice changer, repeated day after day. We closed, we cleared campuses, we reopened, and we did it again. Nothing happened, thank God. Our kids and staff were safe the whole time. But I learned more about my own systems in those eight days than in any tabletop exercise I've ever sat through.
Here is what got us through: people I already knew. A police chief whose cell number I didn't have to look up. A church that opened its gym at seven in the morning. And one of my feeder district superintendents, who was on the phone with me at 5 a.m. every morning that week. On day two, the threat named one of her schools too. That was the only day her district was targeted, but from then on she was on guard right alongside us, making the same hard calls I was making. We didn't manage two crises. We managed one, together. Every message went out jointly, same words, same time, so no parent with kids in both districts ever got two stories. Our county office was in the loop from the first call, so nobody learned about it on Facebook. None of that was in a binder. All of it was built long before we needed it. Since then we've widened the circle: every feeder administrator, neighboring superintendent, and the county office is now in our emergency notification system, with a group text that reaches all of them in one send.
That's the point I want to make about SSDA. Small districts don't have deep benches. When something goes sideways, there isn't a department to hand it to. There's you, and whoever you can call. This association is that call list. It's the superintendent from two counties over who has already been through what you're facing. It's the business manager who knows how to fill out the J13A waiver.
And it isn't only for emergencies. Most of the value of this room is ordinary. A problem you've been chewing on alone for three weeks that someone solves in a ten-minute call. A policy you've drafted four times that a colleague already got adopted. A question you were embarrassed to ask that six other people were wondering too. A CTE pathway you can't fund that a district your size built with a grant you'd never heard of. A personnel situation where you just need someone who's been there to tell you you're not crazy. A hard board meeting, and a colleague who says, "Call me after."
Remember, the smartest person in the room is the room. I believe that more now than ever before. If you want a place to practice that, it's the Superintendent Roundtable. One hour, twice a month. It isn't a training, and it isn't a webinar. It's the hour where small and rural district leaders get in the same room, hear what's coming from the state before it lands on your desk, and find out that the thing you're wrestling with is the same thing three other people on the call are wrestling with.
If you haven't been to a Roundtable, come. If you have, bring someone. And it isn't only superintendents. Our CBO, charter, executive assistant, and super small district roundtables (districts under 100 students) each meet monthly. If someone on your team belongs in one of those rooms, get them connected.
My ask for this year is simple. Pick up the phone. Answer it when it rings. Come to the meetings, talk to someone you don't know yet, and trade cell numbers.
Our vision: empowering educational leaders for the success of every student. Our mission says how: uniting and elevating small school districts through legislative advocacy, collaborative networks, and professional development. I'd put it more plainly. We are small on purpose, and we are strongest together.
Welcome back. I'm glad you're here.
| | Meet SSDA's Newest Signature Partner, Attendly! | | Learn more about Attendly by clicking on the image below! | | SSDA Student Leadership Fellows Program | | |
The Small School Districts' Association (SSDA) Student Leadership Fellows Program is a virtual leadership experience designed to equip high school students with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to become influential leaders in their schools and communities.
Through interactive virtual sessions, mentorship from educational leaders, and collaboration with student leaders from across California, Fellows will learn how to transform ideas into action and make a meaningful difference in their schools. The first virtual session begins Monday, September 21st at 5 PM. Learn more at https://www.ssda.org/2026-2027-student-leadership-fellows-program
IMPORTANT: To participate, the student’s parent or guardian must complete the form linked here.
Once the student is selected, we will send an invoice directly to the student’s school district.
| | From Connection to Impact, and Onward to Influence | | |
Dear SSDA Members,
A new school year always carries a special kind of energy. Campuses are filled again, classrooms are coming to life, and leaders across California are stepping forward with renewed purpose. There will undoubtedly be challenges ahead, but there is also tremendous reason for optimism.
This summer, we gathered in Newport Beach around the theme From Connection to Impact. We were reminded that connection is more than networking. It is the foundation of meaningful change.
When small and rural school leaders come together, we exchange ideas, solve problems, encourage one another, and return home better prepared to serve our students and communities. The conversations that began at the Summer Leadership Conference are already becoming actions, partnerships, and new possibilities across our member districts.
That is the power of SSDA.
As we move into this school year, we are building on that momentum. We are strengthening our advocacy efforts, expanding professional learning opportunities, developing new resources for district leaders, and creating more ways for members to connect with colleagues who understand the unique realities of leading small and rural schools.
Most importantly, we will continue making sure the voices of our districts are heard. Small schools may serve fewer students individually, but together, we represent a powerful statewide community. Our experiences matter. Our expertise matters. Our students matter.
And we are just getting started.
This March, we will gather in Napa for the SSDA Annual Conference, where our theme will be From Impact to Influence. It is the natural next step in our journey.
Impact is what happens when we improve the lives of the people we serve. Influence is what happens when we share those successes, shape the conversation, and help create better opportunities for students far beyond our own district boundaries.
The Annual Conference will challenge us to think bigger about the role small and rural schools can play in shaping the future of public education. Expect meaningful learning, inspiring voices, strong relationships, and plenty of that special SSDA energy that happens whenever our members come together.
Thank you for the leadership you provide every day. Thank you for believing in your students, supporting your staff, and serving your communities with courage and heart.
Here’s to a school year filled with connection, impact, and a growing collective influence that cannot be ignored.
It's a Great Day for Small Schools,
| | SSDA's E3 Forums are Back for the 2026-2026 School Year, in collaboration with FranklinCovey! | | |
SSDA’s E3 Forums: Engage, Empower, Elevate are one-day regional events bringing small and rural education leaders together for professional development, collaboration, and networking.
This year, SSDA and new Signature Partner FranklinCovey Education are helping teams use The 4 Disciplines of Execution® (4DX®) to turn your County Office, School District, or Charter School's most important priorities into measurable progress.
In one day, your team will gain knowledge to lead with focus, improve results, and create better outcomes for students.
| | Join us in the North State, Central Coast, and SoCal! | | |
An important facilities funding opportunity is approaching for small and rural school districts. The Small School District Program opens for modernization applications on November 2, 2026, and applications will be processed in the order received.
A key step in getting facilities-ready is completing Form SAB 50-MP, the Five-Year Facilities Master Plan Checklist. The Five-Year Facilities Master Plan includes critical information such as facilities inventory, classroom capacity, projected enrollment, capital planning, funding sources, deferred maintenance, and governing board approval.
-
Click here to access an important presentation from OPSC and download Form SAB 50-MP!
SSDA can help. We have two experienced facilities professionals available to help districts develop their Five-Year Facilities Master Plan, complete the checklist, organize required documentation, and prepare for facilities funding opportunities.
Don’t wait until the deadline to get your facilities documents in order. Contact Julie Boesch, Ed.D., at juboesch@kern.org or Christian Jackson at christian@christianjackson.me for assistance.
If you are in Central California, don't miss some amazing school facilities workshops! Learn more in the flyer here!
| | |
Introducing the SSDA Deadline Compass!
We’re excited to introduce the SSDA Deadline Compass, a new resource designed to help you stay up to date on important deadlines all in one convenient place!
The Deadline Compass is still a work in progress, but we want to make sure you have easy access to the deadlines and information you need. Be sure to also check out the Compliance Corner below for additional updates and helpful resources.
Click the button below to access the SSDA Deadline Compass and start exploring!
Have an important deadline, resource, or other information you’d like the SSDA team to add? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at staff@ssda.org with your suggestions.
| | Somis Union School District Brings Agricultural Technology to the Classroom | | |
At the Somis Union School District (USD), agriculture is more than a local feature; it is becoming a practical classroom where students can explore science, technology, and career opportunities tied to one of Ventura County's most significant industries.
Serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade, Somis USD has developed a Career Technical Education (CTE) Agricultural Automation Program for students in grades 6 through 8. Around 98 students participate in the program, gaining foundational knowledge and hands-on experience with modern agricultural systems. The curriculum brings together robotics, sensors, data collection, electrical systems, hydroponics, and sustainable growing practices.
| | Lucerne Valley School District on Verge of Paying off Massive Loan | | |
Article By
Rene Ray De La Cruz
The Lucerne Valley Unified School District is on the verge of paying off a 30-year, multi-million-dollar loan used to finance classroom construction, more than a decade early.
The School Board recently voted unanimously to make a nearly $2.1 million payment on Aug. 1, to clear the nearly $6.9 million loan in the form of Certificates of Participation, which was taken out in 2008.
Director of Government Financial Services Keith Weaver led the district through the journey to pay off the loan nearly 13 years ahead of schedule, according to school officials.
Founded in 2022, Government Financial Services is a joint power authority that assists member agencies with financial planning projects and supports specialized and debt-reduction projects.
| | Stony Creek Begins Its First Four-Day School Weeks of the Year | |
Stony Creek is a TK-12 district serving around 60 students in rural Glenn County. When the district began examining its chronic absenteeism challenges, conversations with families revealed that the traditional five-day schedule did not always align with the realities of the community.
“When speaking with our families and students, what I found was that it's hard to travel to town for doctor's appointments, for dentist appointments, for grocery shopping, and more,” said Stony Creek Superintendent/Principal Emily Pendell. “We also serve a population of Native American students from a local rancheria, with about 70% of our students identifying as Native American. Many of these students participate in cultural ceremonies and events on the weekends, as well as during the school week.”
Those conversations with families and students led Superintendent/Principal Emily Pendell to consider whether a different school schedule could address attendance challenges while respecting families' needs and traditions.
“We wanted to be culturally responsive, and try to make a schedule that worked for our families,” shared Pendell. “That led to the idea of a 4-day school week, where we could have four days of school, which then gives an extra day on the weekend for ceremonies, traditions, for doctor's appointments, etc. From there, that morphed into the idea of offering an enrichment day on that fifth day.”
Making the change required much more than adjusting Stony Creek's calendar. California Education Code requires public schools to provide 180 days of instruction. To implement its model without moving to a year-round calendar, the district needed a legislative solution.
| | Humboldt County Office of Education Shows How Art Is Social-Emotional Learning | | |
Educators across the Humboldt County Office of Education (COE) explored a powerful idea: art does not just support social-emotional learning. Art is social-emotional learning.
That is why they have Arts Integrated with Social-Emotional Learning (ArtSEL), a federally funded, five-year grant program supporting eight selected Humboldt County schools. The participating schools are Lost Coast, Honeydew, Mattole Elementary, Triple Junction High, Maple Creek Elementary, Peninsula Union School District, Morris Elementary, and Laurel Tree Charter. As ArtSEL enters its dissemination year, the program is sharing what educators learned and expanding access to lessons and practices developed through four years of work with students and its school communities.
“The arts give students authentic pathways to explore and express themselves through creativity, choice, reflection, and connection,” said Lizzy Dostal, Arts specialist at Humboldt County Office of Education.
ArtSEL provided professional development to entire school communities, including teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, and other educators. The seven participating schools included frontier and rural communities and served students from TK through 12th grade. Educators received arts and SEL lessons along with fully funded art supplies to bring those experiences into their classrooms.
| | 2027 SSDA Annual State Conference | | |
March 7–9, 2026 | The Meritage, 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, CA 94558
Early-bird registration is for school district, charter school, and county office members only. It closes on Friday, October 30th at 5 PM PST!
Join California's leaders from small and rural school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools for the premier SSDA event of the year. Connect with colleagues, hear from inspiring speakers, gain timely legislative and educational updates, and discover innovative strategies to strengthen your schools and communities.
| |
2026-2027 E3 Forums
(Engage-Empower-Elevate)
| | |
SSDA is excited to partner with FranklinCovey to bring The 4 Disciplines of Execution® (4DX®) to the E3 Forums across California. This year, we'll host two North State E3 Forums, two Central Coast E3 Forums, and two Southern California E3 Forums. At the first forum in each region, FranklinCovey will introduce the first two disciplines of 4DX. The second forum will build on that foundation by covering the final two disciplines, giving participants a complete understanding of the framework and practical strategies to put it into action.
In addition to the professional learning, the E3 Forums provide a valuable opportunity for educators to connect, collaborate, and share ideas with colleagues from their region. Whether you're looking to strengthen your leadership, improve execution, or expand your professional network, these forums offer meaningful learning and lasting connections.
North State (Redding) - Wednesday, September 30, 2026 & Wednesday, February 10, 2027
REGISTER FOR THE NORTH STATE E3 FORUMS HERE!
Central Coast (Monterey) - Tuesday, October 6, 2026 & Wednesday, January 13, 2027
REGISTER FOR THE CENTRAL COAST E3 FORUMS HERE!
SoCal (Riverside) - Monday, December 7, 2026 & Wednesday, March 31, 2027
REGISTER FOR THE SOCAL E3 FORUMS HERE!
| | Elevat-ED Forum for New Superintendents | | |
The SSDA Elevat-ED Forum for New Superintendents is a year-long, high-impact leadership system designed specifically for new superintendents in small and rural school districts.
Small district leaders often face unique challenges: professional isolation, limited internal capacity, complex governance dynamics, and high-stakes decision-making with minimal margin for error. Elevat-ED addresses these realities by providing structured support, expert guidance, and a trusted leadership network.
This program is not a one-time workshop. It is a comprehensive leadership experience that strengthens superintendent effectiveness, improves district stability, and accelerates positive outcomes for students and communities.
| | |
SSDA is excited to launch GovernED, a six-part virtual learning experience for new and experienced school board members serving small and rural California school districts. Beginning in December 2026, GovernED will cover essential topics including governance, ethics, community engagement, board-superintendent relationships, school finance, and advocacy.
Participants will gain practical knowledge to strengthen governance, support effective decision-making, meet important legal training requirements, and build strong board leadership.
Registration opens in November 2026. Stay tuned for program details, session dates, and registration information!
| | Student Leadership Fellows Program | | |
The Small School Districts' Association (SSDA) Student Leadership Fellows Program is a virtual leadership experience designed to equip high school students with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to become influential leaders in their schools and communities.
Through interactive virtual sessions, mentorship from educational leaders, and collaboration with student leaders from across California, Fellows will learn how to transform ideas into action and make a meaningful difference in their schools. The first virtual session begins Monday, September 21st at 5 PM. Learn more at https://www.ssda.org/2026-2027-student-leadership-fellows-program
| | SSDA Board Policy Program | | |
SSDA continues to offer an upgraded, member-centered Board Policy Program in partnership with SSDA’s Signature Partner, Kingsley Bogard LLP. Designed specifically for small and rural California school districts, this program provides clear, compliant, and regularly updated board policies aligned with current state and federal laws.
Learn more on our website here.
| | |
PRICING:
-
$800 one-time set-up fee
-
$2,500 annual fee
| | |
YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- Essential board policies aligned with California law
- Compliance monitoring
- Policy updates issued four (4) times annually
- Organized, easy-to-navigate policy structure
- Secure digital hosting
| | Significant Education Bills Pending with Governor Newsom | | |
By Nick Romley, Legislative Advocate, Capitol Advisors
The Legislature adjourned the 2025-26 Legislative Session on Tuesday, September 1, sending a number of high-profile bills to the Governor during their final days that could affect schools – some of which would have particularly outsized impacts on small schools. All eyes are now on Governor Newsom, who has until the end of September to act on bills in what will be some of his final actions as Governor.
The final days of this year’s session saw last minute deals impacting schools that had varying success, including compromises to address the fiscal impact of childhood sexual assault claims on public entities, and liability in the aftermath of wildfires (a deal that stalled in the waning hours of session). Below we highlight these as well as other major bills that are pending on the Governor’s desk.
| | |
Are you looking for your next opportunity in education or trying to find the perfect candidate for your small school district?
The SSDA Job Board is your go-to hub for job postings across California’s small and rural school districts! Interested in posting on SSDA's job board? Please email gwen@ssda.org.
Explore job openings below or post a position here: https://www.ssda.org/page/jobs
| |
Thank you, Signature Partners!
Click each logo to learn more about our Signature Partners.
| | | | |
