A Year of Impact: Paving the Way to the SSDA Annual State Conference
As we stand on the threshold of the SSDA Annual State Conference, there is a palpable sense of excitement in the air. This isn’t just another gathering—it’s the culmination of a year’s worth of learning, collaboration, and commitment to small school districts across California. From the very start of this year, the Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA) has been dedicated to creating impactful opportunities for superintendents, board members, and district leaders to come together, share insights, and strengthen their schools.
One of the standout features of our journey to this conference has been the E3 Forum series, a statewide initiative that has brought education leaders together in meaningful ways. Over the past year, we’ve hosted seven E3 Forums across California, reaching regions that span the diverse landscapes of our state—Mt. Shasta, Orland, Fresno, Eureka, San Diego, Bishop, and Lake Arrowhead. Each of these forums provided a unique opportunity for district leaders to engage, empower, and elevate their work, reinforcing the notion that small school districts are at the forefront of creative and student-centered education.
At each stop, we witnessed the extraordinary resilience and ingenuity of small school districts. Whether discussing the impact of new legislation, sharing best practices in student engagement, or diving deep into innovative strategies for academic success, these forums have been a testament to the power of collaboration. By hosting these forums throughout the year, we have built a foundation that will make this year’s annual state conference an even richer and more meaningful experience.
SSDA on the Move: A Look Back at Last Week!
E3 (Engage-Empower-Elevate) Forums Bishop & Lake Arrowhead – Inspiring Change
Superintendent, Eastern Sierra Unified School District Heidi Torix
Eastern Sierra Unified School District Culinary Students
Snowy Lake Arrowhead with Jessicca Rodgers, Executive Director, Solution Tree
Last week, the SSDA team embarked on an exciting road trip, visiting Bishop and Lake Arrowhead to host our regional E3 Forums focused on Inspiring Change. Packed into a minivan, the team—comprised of Gwen Bell, Senior Communications Specialist; Amy Roehl, Director of Programs; Karen Mix, Co-Director of CS4NorCal and SSDA's Director of Membership; Mateo Elvira, CEO of Elvira Media and SSDA Executive Director Yuri Calderon—embarked on a journey to support small school districts.
The road trip kicked off with a press conference at Owens Valley Unified School District in Independence, California, marking the successful completion of the CPUC grant. This initiative, which provided students with WiFi on school buses and new technology, has significantly reduced the academic burden on rural students who endure long commutes. As Owens Valley High School senior Tyson shared, having internet access on the bus has transformed their academic experience, allowing them to complete their homework and work collaboratively.
SSDA and Owens Valley Celebrate Successful Completion of CPUC Grant, Bringing Digital Equity to Rural Schools
The Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA), in partnership with Owens Valley Unified School District and surrounding communities, proudly announces the successful completion of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Digital Divide Grant. This one-year initiative has significantly improved digital access for small and rural schools, marking a major step in closing the technology gap for students in some of California’s most remote communities.
2025 SSDA State Conference – What’s in Store
The 2025 SSDA State Conference is set for April 5-8, 2025, at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Downtown Sacramento, and it promises to be our most engaging and impactful event yet! From inspiring speakers to hands-on workshops and exciting networking events, this is the must-attend conference for small and rural school leaders. Register Here!
Click Here to View the Program Overview!
Kick Things Off with TopGolf!
Start the conference in style at our TopGolf Tournament on April 5 in Roseville! This is more than just a fun outing—it’s a unique networking experience where you can connect with fellow educators in a casual, relaxed setting. Plus, attendees will rotate through golf bays, allowing you to engage with different district leaders and SSDA associate members throughout the event. Register for TopGolf Here!
Keynote Speakers!
Get Ready for Hands-On Workgroup Sessions
One of the most valuable additions to this year’s conference is our 2-hour workgroup sessions, designed to provide tangible, take-home results for your district. These sessions are not just discussions—they are action-oriented and hands-on.
For example, in one session, you’ll be writing part of your LCAP using AI, ensuring you leave the conference with a concrete piece of work ready to return to your district. This is an opportunity to collaborate, problem-solve, and make real progress on key initiatives with expert guidance.
Casino Night: A Conference Favorite!
After a day of learning and collaboration, unwind at Casino Night on Monday, April 8th! Whether you’re in it for the competition or just looking to network in a fun, lively atmosphere, this evening is guaranteed to be a highlight of the conference.
New This Year: Engage & Explore Sessions
We’re excited to introduce Engage & Explore, a series of interactive experiences designed to combine learning with fun. These sessions will showcase creative activities you can incorporate into your own school programs!
Don’t Miss Out – Register Today!
Join us for an unforgettable SSDA State Conference! Register Here! Reserve your stay by exploring nearby hotels in Sacramento here!
The Opportunity Hub: Elevating Education in Columbia Union School District
By Dr. Nicolas Wade, Superintendent, Columbia Union School District
As a geographically disadvantaged K-8 district nestled in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, Columbia faces unique challenges that require special solutions. Rural districts like Columbia often grapple with limited access to highly qualified teachers, fluctuating enrollment, and scarce resources. Historically, these challenges have hindered student achievement and stretched staff thin in such districts.
“I feel it’s safe to say that everyone is very much aware of the host of challenges schools, in general, are facing,” said Dr. Nicolas Wade, Superintendent. “The teacher crisis, or, really, the staffing crisis, hits us at all levels. We are having fewer people entering the profession with even fewer available to help temporarily fill short- or long-term leaves or absences.”
Deputy State Superintendent Mary Nicely Visits Mark Twain Unified
In a one-of-a-kind opportunity, Mary Nicely, Deputy State Superintendent, and her staff members Geoff Belleau, Education Administrator, and Elizabeth Wisnia, Education Program Consultant, made the trek to Calaveras County to hear the concerns and learn the vision of Mark Twain Union Elementary School District.
Maple School District Brings Hope and Support to Pasadena
Rosebud Charter Academy
After weeks of planning and gathering donations, Bryan Easter, Superintendent of Maple School District, made the journey to Pasadena to deliver a heartfelt collection of items and messages of encouragement to the students of Pasadena Rosebud Charter Academy.
The academy, once nestled at the base of the Altadena Mountains, was devastated by a wildfire that completely destroyed their school. In the aftermath, nearly 50% of their families lost their homes or were displaced. Since then, the school community has been forced to relocate four times, but they are now settling into a more stable space—though still operating out of seven portables.
SAVE THE DATE!
K-12 leaders can start using Parsec Education services now and pay later!
Sign up by March 31 for free access through June 30, 2025, with no payments until July 1, when you commit for a year or more. Parsec Education provides K-12 leaders with powerful data tools to track student outcomes, streamline reporting, and make informed decisions. More than just a dashboard, Parsec combines actionable insights with expert support to help schools optimize funding, align with compliance requirements, and turn complex analytics into clear, strategic plans. Claim here for a limited time bit.ly/parsec3free.
Get Ready for SSDA's Elevate-Ed Superintendent Leadership Academy
The Elevat-Ed New Superintendent Leadership Academy is designed for first- and second-year superintendents, as well as those aspiring to or applying for superintendent positions. This program offers essential leadership skills, expert insights, and dedicated mentorship to support their success. This transformative program empowers leaders to navigate challenges, build confidence, and drive success in their small school districts. The academy kicks off at the 2025 SSDA Superintendent Summer Retreat & Symposium, July 27-29, at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. Stay tuned—registration opens soon!
Computer Science and Drone Competitions Elevate Student Excitement to New Heights in Redding
Teacher Brett Hodge
Brett Hodge Flying
Brett in the Peace Corps
By Amy Woodman, CS4NorCal Communications Specialist
Brett Hodge has always been interested in airplanes – a passion he pursued in his bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. With his background in aviation and looking to the skies for his next adventure, Brett has traveled the world (from Tanzania to Istanbul, from the United Kingdom to Panama City); collecting passport stamps all along the way.
As a young child, Brett and his parents moved to Redding, CA… where he attended local public schools – graduating from Foothill High School. After college, Brett returned to Redding to work at the summer kids’ camp where he had been a counselor during high school. While working at the camp, Brett decided to join the Peace Corps (2017) and worked for two years as a Math Teacher in Zanzibar, an island off the coast of East Africa.
During Brett’s Tanzania tenure, he helped organize a “found object” Flight Competition – where students had to design and build an airplane with only “used materials” (essentially trash). Over 100 kids participated, with some taking a ferry from the nearby island of Pemba.
First-of-its-Kind Drone Competition Takes Students’ Excitement to New Heights in Redding
By Amy Woodman, CS4NorCal Communications Specialist
Brett Hodge, a local Redding computer science teacher and aeronautics enthusiast, organized the first-ever aerial drone competition in Northern California. Approximately 50 Middle and High School students, including participants from as far as Yreka, competed in teams at the Aerial Drone Competition at Foothill High School this February.
Hodge, a CTE engineering teacher and head of the robotics club at Foothill High School, said the idea emerged after the Robotics Education & Competition (R.E.C.) Foundation launched a drone competition league. The goal of the drone program and the competition is for students to hone their computer science skills, learn more about autonomous aerial vehicles, flight principles, programming, and communication skills while building interest for drone-related workforce and career opportunities.
Judging the drone competition
Chatting with Students
Drone Team 1
Drone Team 3
Foothill High School Earns Prestigious AP Computer Science Principles Female Diversity Award
Girls on Computers
By Amy Woodman, CS4NorCal Communications Specialist
Foothill High School (in Redding, CA) has earned the prestigious College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science Principles (CSP). Schools honored with an AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have expanded access to AP computer science courses for female students in their communities.
Brett Hodge leads the Computer Science (CS) program at Foothill High School and has been working to increase exposure to computer science in Redding and beyond. Foothill HS was one of only 847 recognized for improving female representation in AP CSP during the 2023 - 24 school year.
Computer Science Resources for All SSDA Members
CA Mathematics, Science & Computer Science - Professional Learning Partnership
Free Professional Learning twice a month in these three content areas:
PD: Seasons of CS
Region 1 Orientation Workshops
April 15 (3:45 - 5:15 PM): Engaging Students in Computer Science through CS First
May 15 (3:45 - 5:15 PM): Empowering Educators:
An Introduction to AI in Education
Register here! Seats are limited!
Region 2 will have some integration offerings soon…
$125 stipend for attending and doing asynchronous work
Turnkey Lessons
Join the Seasons of CS group on CA Educators together!!
Discover Lesson and Workshop Resources as well as Professional Learning Opportunities
Summer Seasons of CS
EWIG Update: Seasons of CS
Save the Date: June 23-27, 2025 | Anaheim, CA
Submit this Interest Form to receive information about this summer's in-person workshop offerings for California-based middle/intermediate and high school educators of all subject matters to learn how to bring accessible, equitable computer science education to their students.
Visit Seasons of CS for updates as the event draws near!
Don’t Wait! Secure Your Spot in the Code.org District Program Today!
Empower your schools with high-quality, equitable computer science education through the FREE Code.org District Program. Our comprehensive support includes curriculum, professional learning, and strategic guidance to help districts build sustainable K-12 CS pathways. Join a nationwide network of leaders committed to expanding access to future-ready skills—apply today!
More info at https://code.org/districts
Direct enrollment link: https://bit.ly/43CI5EW
Girls Who Code Events
Who: High school girls 9-12
What: Amazing Summer Learning
When: (2) Two-week options
July or July/August
See additional screenshots for details
Webinar with more info
Initial Major Bills Affecting Schools
By Nick Romley, Legislative Advocate, Capitol Advisors Group
We are now over two months into the 2025-26 Legislative Session, and the deadline for members of the Legislature to introduce bills has come and gone. As of this writing, many of the bills that have been introduced are still in what we call “spot” form; which is to say they do not yet contain substantive language, but signal a member’s intent to do something in that area of the law. Given the time of year, we wanted to give you a brief glimpse at some of the major pieces of legislation we have identified as relevant to school leaders. Sorted into broad subject matter area, below, we summarize those bills.
Keep in mind, this list will almost certainly look different when we get to the end of the 2025 legislative year. Bills will be amended out of their “spot” forms and could suddenly become key education bills down the line. Further, some bills will have their contents removed and replaced entirely in a maneuver we affectionately call “gutting and amending” a bill, and further yet, many bills will also simply fail to advance this year and will be held over into the next legislative year, 2026.
Schools and school districts across California have an unprecedented opportunity to help students claim their share of $1.9 billion in CalKIDS scholarships. Launched in 2022 and administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, CalKIDS provides eligible California public school students with scholarships up to $1,500. Over 60% of California’s public school students are eligible for a CalKIDS scholarship worth $500 to $1,500. Students can check eligibility in seconds using their 10-digit Statewide Student Identifier (SSID) and then quickly claim their account. The CalKIDS Program offers a digital toolkit for schools to share information with families. School districts interested in partnering more closely with the ScholarShare Investment Board can complete the form found here to get in touch with program staff. For more information visit www.CalKIDS.org.
SSDA Upcoming Events
Governing Board Webinar Series
Our final session of the Governing Board Webinar Series is this Thursday! It's not too late to sign up. It's free for SSDA district members!
Register here for the Governing Board Webinar Series! While our first session has already taken place, you can still join us for the remaining three sessions.
March 20, 2025, 5:30 PM - 6:45 PM: Jordan Bilbeisi, Partner, Fagen, Friedman & Folfrost, LLP
Annual SSDA State Conference
Register now for our annual state conference! The event will take place at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in downtown Sacramento from April 5-8, 2025, with our annual golf tournament at TopGolf on April 5, 2025. This year's conference will feature an exciting new layout, and it's one you definitely won’t want to miss!
Save the Date! Superintendent Summer Retreat & Symposium
Save the date for our Superintendent Summer Retreat and symposium, which will take place July 27-29, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. This is a premier gathering for superintendent leadership, collaboration, and professional excellence.
Thank you, Signature Partners!
Get Social with SSDA!
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