Charting a Bold Path: SSDA Welcomes New Executive Committee Leadership 

Sacramento, CA, August 21, 2025— The Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA) proudly announces important leadership transitions on its Board of Directors. Nicole Newman, Ed.D., Superintendent of Wheatland Union High School District, has officially stepped into the role of SSDA Board President.  

Dr. Newman has served as Vice President of the Board for the past two years, bringing dedication, vision, and a deep commitment to the students and communities served by California’s small and rural school districts. As Superintendent of Wheatland Union High School District, Dr. Newman is widely recognized for her student-first leadership, development of strong career pathways, and for building partnerships that help rural schools overcome resource challenges and expand opportunities for students.  

“Nicole’s energy and commitment make her the ideal leader for SSDA at this time,” said Yuri Calderon, SSDA Executive Director. “She understands the day-to-day realities of small schools and brings people together to find practical solutions that help students and communities thrive.”  

SSDA is also pleased to announce that Amy Alzina, Ed.D., Superintendent of Cold Spring School District, has transitioned from Board Secretary to Vice President. Dr. Alzina is widely recognized for her innovative leadership, dedication to small district success, and strong community engagement. Dr. Alzina is also at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence in education and has been appointed chair of the ACSA AI Task Force for school leaders.

Additionally, Melanie Matta, Superintendent of the Hope Elementary School District, has been appointed Board Secretary. Melanie is an active voice for small district leaders, bringing a collaborative and solutions-focused approach to supporting SSDA’s mission.  

Mike Martin and Catherine Reimer, Ed.D., will continue to serve as valued members of the Executive Committee, providing steady leadership and expertise to support the mission of SSDA. Dr. Catherine Reimer, who has served with dedication as Treasurer, will remain in this role, ensuring strong financial stewardship and a continued focus on advancing the committee’s work. Mike Martin will continue to represent county offices, bringing an important perspective that reflects the needs and priorities of counties across the state.

Stepping down as President and moving into the role of Immediate Past President is Eric Bonniksen, Superintendent of Placerville Union School District. Under Eric Bonniksen’s leadership, SSDA strengthened its statewide impact, grew its membership, and expanded its support for small school leaders navigating complex challenges.  

SSDA extends its gratitude to Eric Bonniksen for his service and congratulates Dr. Nicole Newman, Dr. Amy Alzina, and Melanie Matta on their new leadership roles. Together, they will continue advancing SSDA’s work to serve California’s small and rural school districts through strong advocacy, professional learning, and a supportive statewide network. 

Message from the SSDA President

Welcome Back! 

As we step into the 2025–26 school year, I am filled with pride and optimism for the incredible work happening in small and rural districts across California. This past year has been transformative for SSDA. With the leadership of the SSDA Board of Directors, the dedication of Executive Director Yuri Calderon, and the hard work of the SSDA staff, we have built strong momentum that will move us forward in meaningful ways. 

Celebrating a Year of Growth and Connection 
From the record-breaking 2025 Annual State Conference in Sacramento to eight E3 Forums held from Eureka to San Diego, leaders came together to learn, share, and elevate student and community voices. Our events connected over 2,000 participants, addressing critical issues like campus safety, absenteeism, governance, and fiscal management. 

The launch of our Elevat-Ed Forum for New Superintendents at the July Superintendency Retreat in Newport Beach was a milestone moment. Partnering with FranklinCovey, we equipped our newest leaders with the Four Essential Roles of Leadership — inspiring trust, creating vision, executing strategy, and coaching potential — all while fostering authentic connection, collaboration, and joy. 

Strategic Priorities in Action 
Our Strategic Plan (2025–2028) continues to guide our work: 

• Legislative Leadership – We introduced and supported strategic bills, strengthened partnerships, and amplified your voices in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., securing wins like increased ELOP minimum grants and the $750M Proposition 2 facilities set-aside for small and rural schools. 

• Member Success – We expanded targeted workshops, academies, and resource-rich toolkits to help every member lead with confidence. 

• Collaborative Networks & Community – We organized regional forums, celebrated member and student successes, and elevated student-led panels at conferences. 

• Organizational Excellence & Innovation – We maintained strong governance, launched new pilot programs, and provided high-quality board training. 

New & Expanded Member Services 
I’m excited to continue to shout OUT two new tools designed with small districts in mind: 

1. Board Policy Program – More than just templates, this program provides customized policy development and ongoing maintenance tailored for small and rural districts. 

2. Proposition 2 Facility Master Plan Support – In partnership with Edapt, we’re offering a cost-effective, OPSC-compliant 5-year facilities master plan service to help districts maximize Proposition 2 funding opportunities. 

Gratitude for Leadership 
I would be remiss not to give a special thanks to our now past president, Eric Bonniksen, who led this organization into great places. His steady hand, vision, and unwavering dedication to small and rural schools have set us up for a strong future, and I’m grateful for his example.  

I’m proud to serve alongside the rest of our SSDA Board of Directors as SSDA President for the next two years. Together, we will continue advancing the mission of empowering educational leaders for the success of every student. 

Finally, I want to recognize our incredible staff, Yuri Calderon, Amy Roehl, Gwen Bell, Karen Mix and Laissa Caraveo.  We have a small but mighty team, through tireless efforts, creativity, and dedication have made these programs and initiatives possible, ensuring that our members continue to thrive. 

A Little Back-to-School Inspiration 
Every school year, I start off with a “theme song” — something that energizes me and keeps the spirit of education alive in my heart. This year, it’s Glorious by Macklemore featuring Skylar Grey. There’s a stanza that says: 

I feel glorious, glorious 
Got a chance to start again 
I was born for this, born for this 
It’s who I am, how could I forget? 

As leaders, we live these words daily. Each year, we get another chance to start fresh, to lead with passion and purpose, and to keep doing what’s best for kids — no matter the challenges. It’s who we are, and it’s why we do this work. 

Looking Ahead 
The year ahead is filled with opportunities — from our Governance Series and Regional Forums to the 2026 State Conference in Sacramento. Every connection we make, every policy we shape, and every voice we elevate moves us closer to our shared vision: empowering educational leaders for the success of every student. 

Thank you for your commitment, collaboration, and belief in the power of small and rural school leadership. Together, we will continue to Lead Smalls, Think Big, and create lasting impact for the students and communities we serve. 

Here’s to a successful and inspiring 2025–26 school year! 

Empowering Small & Rural School Districts in the Age of AI: A Model Policy for Thoughtful Implementation

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes our world, California’s small and rural school districts face a unique challenge—and an opportunity. The education community is grappling with how to respond thoughtfully to an innovation that is simultaneously thrilling, disorienting, and disruptive.

In this shifting landscape, the Small School Districts' Association (SSDA) has taken a proactive step forward. Recognizing both the potential of AI and the risks it carries when left unchecked, SSDA has developed a model Artificial Intelligence Acceptable Use Policy and Administrative Regulations specifically designed for California's small and rural school systems.

This article introduces that policy—not just as a document, but as a critical resource to help districts chart their own course through the ethical, legal, and educational questions AI raises. We created this model because small districts often lack the bandwidth to independently draft such comprehensive guidance, even as they are equally vulnerable to the challenges AI presents. SSDA believes that by leading on this issue, we can help districts adopt AI tools in a way that is responsible, transparent, and centered on student well-being.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE!

A Legacy of Leadership: Celebrating Eric Bonniksen’s Presidency of the Small School Districts’ Association 

The Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA) extends its deepest gratitude to Eric Bonniksen for his exceptional service and transformative leadership as President of the SSDA Board of Directors.  Bonniksen assumed the helm of the Association at a time of enormous change across California’s small and rural school districts. As districts emerged from the pandemic, they faced a new set of compounding challenges: continued declines in enrollment, excessive absenteeism, and rapidly shifting legislative priorities. 

Over his two-and-a-half-year tenure, Bonniksen provided a steady hand and unwavering focus. He not only led the charge in developing SSDA’s comprehensive strategic plan but guided its adoption and implementation with absolute fidelity. His leadership has not only defined SSDA’s direction but strengthened its position as a statewide voice for small and rural school districts. 

Bonniksen's calm, thoughtful leadership and deep passion for small and rural schools have left a lasting mark on both our organization and the communities we serve. He guided SSDA through a pivotal period of staffing transitions, including the tenure of Interim Executive Director Dr. George Sziraki, and ultimately the hiring of current Executive Director Yuri Calderon. 

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE!

Don’t forget to renew your SSDA membership!

Haven’t received your invoice?

Email us right away at staff@ssda.org

We’re excited to introduce our new Principal Member

The mission of the Cook Center for Human Connection is to bring together the best organizations, programs, and products to prevent suicide, provide mental health support, and enhance human connections essential for people to thrive.

Thank you to our Principal Members for their outstanding support!

Discover more about each member by clicking their logo.

Leading Smalls, Thinking Big: Highlights from the 2025 Small School Superintendency Retreat

Setting the Standard for Excellence

Building on the momentum from the 2025 Small School Superintendency Retreat, we hosted an inspiring webinar with renowned educator, author, and speaker Ron Berger: Setting the Standard for Excellence.

Ron shared powerful stories from his experience as a teacher in his rural hometown and highlighted the far-reaching influence of rural education—from Big Pine, California, to Timor-Leste in Southeast Asia. His insights showcased the profound impact small and rural school districts have on students, families, and communities. Themes of trust, shared vision, and purposeful leadership made this a must-watch for every educator.

🎥 Watch the webinar here!

We’re thrilled to announce that Ron Berger will also be a featured speaker at SSDA’s 2026 Annual State Conference, March 7–10 at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento. Register for the 2026 State Conference here!

SSDA Superintendent, Fiscal, and Executive Assistant Roundtables are back the first week of September!

Exclusively for SSDA members, these roundtables offer valuable resources and the chance to connect with fellow small and rural school district leaders. Don’t miss this opportunity to collaborate, learn, and share best practices!

If you’re a member and haven’t received a calendar invitation, please email staff@ssda.org!

Help Us Advocate for Your Small School District’s Facilities Needs

We are working to strengthen our case with state leaders, and your input is vital. Please take a moment to share details about your district’s water well and potable water challenges by completing this short form here.

Keepin’ It Rural: A Back-to-School Welcome from Maple Elementary School District

Maple School District kicked off the school year with the theme “Keepin’ it Rural.” Their uplifting back-to-school video highlights the heart of rural education—tight-knit communities, dedicated educators, and the joy of welcoming students back with pride and purpose. It’s a powerful reminder that in small schools, every student is seen, every voice matters, and the spirit of community shines brighter than ever. Watch the video below!

Lucerne Valley USD Kicks Off 2025 with Annual Welcome Back Breakfast

By Peter Day, LVUSD Social Media

The Lucerne Valley Unified School District hosted its annual Welcome Back Breakfast on Monday in the Sgt. Brian L. Walker gymnasium at the Middle/High School. The event gave staff members an opportunity to touch base with others and hear encouraging words from the superintendent as the 2025-26 school year gets underway.

Superintendent Peter Livingston greeted the district team, which continues expanding to meet the needs of increased enrollment. Mr. Livingston is starting his 10th year with the LVUSD and has 30 years in education.

The team watched a specially produced video by director Hugo Pallete that captures the heart of Lucerne Valley Unified School District and Lucerne Valley—honoring our past, celebrating our present, and envisioning the bright future ahead. The video features narration by longtime school board member Tom Courtney.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE!

Mendocino County Builds Bridges Between Schools and Families 

By Brooke Gamble, Director of Communications & Engagement, Mendocino County Office of Education

This summer, the Mendocino County Office of Education hosted Bridging the Gap: Community Schools Family Engagement Conference at the Ukiah Valley Conference Center. The two-part event began with an evening for families whose children attend community schools, featuring a resource fair, fun activities for kids, and dinner. 

Keynote speaker Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch, a nationally renowned educator, speaker, and retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, shared her inspiring message of leadership and cultural pride at both portions of the event. As the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in the Combat Support Field of the U.S. Army and founder of Educational Achievement Services, she has dedicated her life to empowering youth and families across the country. 

The second day of the conference focused on educators, counselors, family liaisons, and support staff. It offered practical strategies to strengthen school-family connections. Both Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch and trauma researcher and author MC McDonald, Ph.D., delivered powerful keynotes. 

Supported by Community School Grant funding, the event brought together local families, partners, and practitioners to deepen family and community engagement across the region. 

Lake County Office of Education Celebrates First Summer Youth CNA Graduation

By Zack Jordan, Coordinator of Communications, Lake County Office of Education 

The Lake County Office of Education completed its first Youth Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program, with fourteen students now prepared to take the certification exam. This program provides a pathway for students to enter the healthcare field, addressing both workforce needs and opportunities for youth in rural communities.

READ MORE HERE!

Summer Blast Sparks Learning and Fun at Aspen Public Schools

Over the summer break, Aspen Public Schools hosted Summer Blast for TK–6th-grade students at the Aspen Meadow and Aspen Valley campuses. Students enjoyed a wide variety of activities, including arts and crafts, computer-based learning, STEM and math, SEL mindfulness, fine arts and dance, as well as sports and physical fitness. The program engaged and inspired 165 students throughout the summer!

Keppel Union School District Strengthens Safety with ALICE Training

By Priya Darbari, Superintendent

This summer, our district took another important step in ensuring the safety and well-being of our school community by providing ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) active shooter response training for staff. The training, led by certified instructors, equipped our team with the knowledge and practical strategies to respond decisively and effectively in the unlikely event of a threat on campus.   

While we hope to never face such circumstances, preparedness is an essential part of our responsibility as educators and leaders. The ALICE model empowers staff to make quick, informed decisions that prioritize student safety and minimize harm. Through realistic scenarios, collaborative discussions, and hands-on practice, our staff strengthened their ability to remain calm under pressure and protect the students entrusted to our care.   

Our investment in this training is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to the safety of every student and staff member. By being prepared, we not only enhance our ability to respond to emergencies, but we also create a learning environment where students can focus on what matters most—growing, learning, and thriving.   

At the heart of our mission is the belief that every child and every staff member deserves to feel safe at school. This summer’s ALICE training was one more way we are turning that belief into action.

District Directed Day: Stronger Together

Keppel Union School District kicked off the school year with a District Directed Day, beginning with a welcome breakfast and professional learning sessions focused on teacher clarity, PBIS, and best instructional practices. Under the theme “Stronger Together – Leading from the Core,” the day brought teachers and staff together around a shared vision and unified message, setting the stage for a year of collaboration, consistency, and excellence for every student.

Registration is now open for all upcoming E3 (Engage-Empower-Elevate) Forums! These events are free for SSDA members and feature valuable professional development sessions on timely topics.

Don’t miss our next forum in Lake Tahoe, September 11–12, 2025, at the Beach Retreat & Lodge! This E3 Forum is designed for Superintendents, CBOs, and other small school district administrators, providing essential tools and the latest updates in business, finance, HR, and operations.

Just Ahead...

Santa Rosa | October 2, 2025 | Register Here!

Register now for SSDA’s regional E3 Forum in Santa Rosa, California on October 2, 2025! This Forum will focus on Governance & The Importance of Vision in Small and Rural School Districts. Discover practical strategies and explore how strong governance and a clear vision can guide your district’s success. Don’t miss this chance to learn, collaborate, and bring new ideas back to your district!

Redding | October 3, 2025 | Register Here!

Register today for SSDA’s E3 Forum in Redding, focused on Instruction and the unique reality of how staff in small and rural school districts wear many hats. Open to all staff, this Forum will provide practical strategies and tools to strengthen instruction while balancing multiple roles and responsibilities.

Bakersfield | November 13, 2025 | Register Here!

Join us in Bakersfield, where we’ll dive into Organizational Structure & Managing Human Resources—a topic vital for small and rural school districts where staff often wear many hats. This interactive forum will provide practical strategies, real-world examples, and collaborative discussions to help you strengthen your district’s HR practices, streamline your organizational structure, and better support your team.

San Diego | January 14, 2026 | Register Here!

Join us for the SSDA E3 Forum in San Diego on January 14th, where we’ll focus on The Superintendent as the Instructional Leader. This forum will highlight how superintendents can lead with an instructional lens, support effective teaching and learning, and build a culture of continuous improvement—even in small and rural districts with unique challenges. Connect with fellow leaders, exchange ideas, and take away practical strategies to elevate your role as an instructional leader and drive success for your students and staff.

Imperial | January 15, 2026 | Register Here!

Join us in Imperial, California, on January 15th, where we’ll focus on The Superintendent as the Instructional Leader. This session will explore how superintendents in small and rural districts can effectively shape instructional vision, support teachers and principals, and drive student achievement—often while balancing multiple roles. Gain practical insights, share challenges and successes with your peers, and leave with actionable strategies to strengthen your impact as an instructional leader in your district.

Sonora | May 7-8, 2026 | Register Here!

Join us for the SSDA E3 Forum in Sonora, CA, on May 7, 2026, as we tackle School Transformation in the Age of AI. This timely forum will explore how small and rural school districts can adapt, innovate, and thrive as artificial intelligence reshapes education. Learn how to leverage AI tools to support teaching and learning, streamline operations, and prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Connect with peers, hear success stories, and leave with actionable ideas to help your district embrace the opportunities—and navigate the challenges—of AI-driven transformation.

2026 Annual State Conference

March 7-10 | Sheraton Grand Hotel Sacramento | Register Here!

Register Now for the 2026 SSDA Annual State Conference!
Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and grow with small and rural school district leaders from across the state. Take advantage of the early bird rate through October 31st to save on registration—prices increase after that!

Learn more and secure your spot today: 2026 SSDA State Conference

2nd Annual Governance Series for Small and Rural School District Governing Board Members | Register Here!

Join us for the 2025-26 Governing Board Webinar Series, designed exclusively for small and rural school district board members. This six-session series offers practical guidance on governance, ethics, and board updates—helping you lead with confidence and stay informed on key district issues.

Highlights:

• Learn from experienced superintendents, board members, and education leaders.

• Attend all sessions to earn your official ethics compliance certificate.

• Topics include student-centered governance, creating synergy between board presidents and superintendents, financial and budget updates, and more!

Board Policy Program

If you’d like to join the SSDA Board Policy Program list, please email staff@ssda.org. Enrollment is handled one at a time, in the order in which requests are received. You can view an example of the board policies here.

Prop 2: Five-Year Facilities Master Plan

Get details and sign up here!

Sacramento Update: What Small Districts Need to Know 

Below is a round-up of recent important information out of Sacramento that we think SSDA members should be aware of. 

1. CDE releases allocation amounts for new discretionary block grant 

 On August 8, CDE posted the LEA allocation amounts for the $1.7 billion Student Support and Professional Development Discretionary Block Grant that was included as part of this year’s state budget. While early estimates had put the per-pupil amount under the grant at roughly $305, the allocation table reflects a slightly higher amount of $313 per pupil. As a reminder, funding under the SSPDDBG is fully discretionary and is available for expenditure through the 2028-29 fiscal year. 

 To see how much your LEA is expected to receive under the grant, the allocation table is available on the SSPDDBG Funding Results page. While CDE has posted the funding amounts, we are still waiting for CDE to announce when the funding will officially go out to LEAs.  

Read the Full Article Here!

As we approach the conclusion of the CS4NorCal project (this September ‘25), we wanted to reassure you that our resources will still be available on the ssda.org website. Visit the CS4NorCal tab, under the Programs menu, for quick links to all our curriculum resources –  which will also be shared through the SSDA monthly newsletters. 

We want to SINCERELY THANK all our dedicated teachers, administrators, trainers and partners for a successful CS4NorCal program! Since 2021, this federally-funded grant has brought more computer science to six Northern California counties: serving over 100 schools (and entities) to promote equitable access to computer science (CS) education for small and rural schools. From kindergarten through commencement, CS4NorCal built capacity, partnerships and pathways to provide more CS access to these rural communities.

“We’re proud of the work we’ve done so far… and this is only the beginning.” – Yuri Calderon, SSDA Executive Director

In the Face of Adversity, Plumas County Persists in Growing Computer Science in Rural Schools

Authored by Kathy Hamilton, Director, CS4NorCal

Plumas, named after the Spanish Rio de las Plumas (the Feather River) sits in the northeastern part of California where the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges meet. Approximately the size of the state of Delaware, Plumas County is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, heavily forested terrain with only eight people per square mile. 

Unfortunately, the Dixie and Beckwourth Complex wildfires during the summer of 2021 destroyed approximately one million acres mostly in Plumas County – including three small towns. However in spite of these great losses and fire devastation, the Plumas Office of Education (PCOE), and its team of dedicated teachers, continue to preserve… increasing computer science education for their students.

The Plumas County Office of Education serves a single county-wide public school district (Plumas Unified) that enrolls approximately 1,700 students across 11 schools; including eight traditional schools, two continuation high schools and one charter school (hosting three learning centers). The average school size is about 223 students.

The PCOE has seen marked growth in expanding its CS pathways in local schools since partnering with the Small School Districts’ Association’s federally funded CS4NorCal project. CS4NorCal, a professional learning and research project serving over 100 schools in Plumas, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta and Siskiyou counties, promotes equitable access to computer science education for small and rural schools in Northern California. The project, started in June 2021, brings resources and builds capacity and partnerships to create opportunities to establish CS pathways in similar districts throughout the state. It is sponsored by the Small School Districts’ Association and funded by a $4 million federal grant.

Did you know?

Rural school districts in California face challenges that urban and suburban areas cannot imagine. Limited tax bases, vast geographic areas, and higher costs of service delivery mean these districts operate on razor-thin budgets even in the best of times. One result is that these districts and their students lack access to computer science education.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE!

Rural Innovation: Growing Computer Science in Northern California

Check out these inspiring rural success stories of Glenn, Lassen, and Modoc County and how they are leading the way in bringing computer science to their students—thanks to the incredible support from CS4NorCal.

This video highlights how Glenn County started and grew their CS pathways. Showing how computer science can take root… even in the most rural corners of California.

This video highlights how Lassen County Educators are not just teaching CS—they’re helping students see a real career path.

COMPUTER SCIENCE RESOURCES FOR ALL SSDA MEMBERS

SSDA 2024-25 Annual Report

If you missed it, take a look at our 2024–2025 Annual Report here to see how our members helped shape our organization and make this year so impactful. We’re incredibly grateful for your support!

READ THE ANNUAL REPORT HERE!

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!

Explore job openings or post a position here: https://www.ssda.org/page/jobs

Assistant Superintendent of Business Services - Mountain Empire Unified School District

The Assistant Superintendent of Business Services reports directly to the District Superintendent. He/she serves as a member of the District Management Team and assists with development and coordination of programs for staff development. The Assistant Superintendent of Business Services shall assume responsibility for planning, organizing, directing accounting and participating in the district's accounting of income and expenditures in accordance with the public school accounting procedures.The Assistant Superintendent of Business Services may function as chief executive officer in the absence of the Superintendent. He/she may be delegated or assigned any duties or responsibilities of the Superintendent and/or other duties as may be required. $3000 Doctoral stipend, $3,000 longevity stipend at 20 years, 25 years, and 30 years. 20 days vacation and holidays.

Application deadline: August 26, 2025

Apply: https://www.edjoin.org/Home/JobPosting/2124945

Thank you, Signature Partners!

This message was sent to you by the Small School Districts' Association

925 L Street, Suite 1185, Sacramento, CA 95814

916-750-0722, ssda.org