Message from the SSDA President
As the past few weeks have shown, the start of a school year is always filled with energy, challenges, and opportunities. I am grateful for the commitment of our members and the difference you are making in your communities. At the same time, we are reminded that when tragedies and divisions test our communities, life is fragile, leadership matters, and we must hold fast to what truly counts — our people, our students, and our values.
That is why Engage, Empower, Elevate has never been more meaningful.
To Engage means we don’t sit on the sidelines. We step forward in Sacramento, in Washington, and in our communities to ensure small schools are never overlooked — and we do this with dignity and civility.
To Empower means we give one another the tools, the confidence, and the courage to lead boldly — even when resources are thin.
To Elevate means we lift up small schools. We tell our stories, we spotlight our success, and we remind the state that excellence isn’t about size — it’s about heart.
Leadership Rooted in Kindness
At the end of the day, education is not just about academics — it’s about raising good humans. We must teach our students how to live with kindness, empathy, and respect. We must also show them that disagreement is natural, but it should never make us disagreeable. Meaningful debate, grounded in civility, is a skill our students need now more than ever. That’s why I’m so proud that my district participated in its second year of A Touch of Understanding (ATOU) training this September. ATOU’s mission — Building empathy and igniting respect — reminds us that diversity is strength, and that students must learn to accept and respect one another, especially those with disabilities. Watching our students engage in this program reminded me that kindness is not a soft skill; it’s a leadership skill. And if we are not helping to create kind little darlings, then we are missing our greatest calling.
Tools That Make a Lasting Difference
I also want to highlight two SSDA programs that are truly making a difference for members:
The Board Policy Program, which my own district will be moving forward with this program after a presentation with Yuri Calderon. I was struck by how simple, practical, and aligned it is with our mission and vision. This is more than compliance — it’s about freeing leaders to focus on kids. It even has an AI Bot for questions!!!
The Proposition 2 Facility Master Plan Support, in partnership with Edapt, which provides a cost-effective, OPSC-compliant 5-year plan to help districts maximize Prop 2 funding opportunities. This program is top-notch and designed specifically for small and rural districts. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for testimonials if you’re considering it.
Legislative Reflections & Priorities
As we close the 2025 legislative year, I want to take a moment to reflect on SSDA’s hard work during one of the most contentious sessions in recent memory. Despite the turbulence, we secured important wins while keeping our long-term priorities front and center.
Several of our supported bills made it to the Governor’s desk, and two have already been signed into law:
AB 503 – Restores Civic Center Act cost recovery for facilities
AB 927 – County Superintendent Williams inspection reforms (signed into law)
AB 642 – Expands catastrophic leave programs to recent fire emergencies (signed into law)
AB 1348 – Protects ADA in immigration enforcement emergencies
AB 1224 – Extends substitute teaching days from 30 to 60
AB 1306 – Authorizes district-run teacher prep programs for English learners
AB 1438 – Provides Paradise USD with admin/teacher ratio relief
SB 374 – Extends reporting streamlining measures for IDEA
SB 389 – Allows LVNs to provide basic respiratory services in schools
The Governor has through October 12 to sign or veto bills. Looking ahead, unfinished priorities remain:
Programs and flexibilities to address the growing staff and teacher shortage
Addressing inequities in funding for small and rural school districts, including inequities in Universal Transitional Kindergarten funding
Reducing the bureaucratic planning and reporting obligations required of small and rural school districts to free up administrators to focus on student achievement and student success
As we prepare for 2026, one of our organizational goals will be to establish a clearer process for collecting feedback from every region and every member — charter and non-charter alike. That feedback will strengthen our Government Relations work and ensure our advocacy reflects the voice of all members.
Growing Together
On September 11–12, I joined our Fiscal and Business Operations Leaders Forum in South Lake Tahoe. These forums are designed for small district teams, offering timely, impactful presentations and a chance to network with peers. Each forum is different, but each provides practical tools and meaningful connections. They’re free for SSDA members and only $100 for non-members. If one is coming to your area, I encourage you to attend. I want to thank all of our members for your commitment and participation, and all of our partners for making events like these possible. Your support ensures that SSDA continues to deliver direct, in-person services to small school leaders across California.
Looking Forward
As Peter Drucker once said: “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” In small schools, we are called to do both — often before lunch.
As leaders, our responsibility is not to let politics divide us, but to model how to lead with dignity, courage, and respect. The young people in our schools are watching. They are learning from us. If we lead with kindness and conviction, they will not only succeed — they will thrive. Just always remember… Every day, Every child, Whatever it takes!
Here’s to a year of learning, leadership, and kindness — and to raising a generation of students who are not only capable, but compassionate.
Nicole Newman, Ed.D.