Thank You for a Year of Dedication

As the 2024–25 school year draws to a close, we want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for the incredible work you’ve done over the past year. Your dedication, passion, and relentless commitment to your students and communities never go unnoticed—and certainly never unappreciated.

Every day, you show up for kids. You lead with heart, adapt to ever-changing circumstances, and wear more hats than most can imagine. From bus duty to board meetings, from budget planning to classroom support, you do it all. You are the backbone of small school districts and the reason why students across California continue to thrive in environments where they feel seen, supported, and valued.

Now it’s time to take care of yourselves.

We hope that this summer gives you a chance to truly rest and recharge. Whether that means traveling to new places, hiking in the mountains, relaxing by the pool or the beach, catching up with family and friends, or simply binge-watching your favorite show—please give yourself permission to enjoy it. You’ve earned every second of it.

Here at SSDA, we’ll continue our work through the summer months—advocating for small school districts, amplifying your voices, and ensuring that what is right for student’s remains at the center of every policy conversation across the state and the nation.

And for those of you attending our 2025 Small School Superintendency Retreat in Newport Beach this July, we can’t wait to see you. It’s always a highlight of our year to connect, collaborate, and refocus alongside so many inspiring leaders.

Thank you again for all you do. Enjoy your summer—you absolutely deserve it.

One year ago, the Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA), in partnership with Thrive and the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), released a landmark report titled Rural (In)Equities: Building Understanding and Offering Solutions. This research—developed from more than 75 interviews with rural superintendents—shed light on the often-overlooked realities of leading a small and rural school district in California. As we approach the one-year anniversary of this important publication, we bring it back to your attention to honor the incredible dedication, resilience, and sacrifice of rural education leaders. These leaders wear multiple hats every day—not because they want to, but because limited staffing and systemic constraints leave them no choice. Throughout the article below, we’ll highlight key findings from the Rural (In)Equities report that detail the staffing crisis facing small and rural districts, and remind readers why recognizing and supporting these leaders is essential to ensuring equitable education for all students.

Wearing Every Hat: The People Who Keep California’s Smallest Schools Running

Every time I steer my car off a California highway and onto a two-lane road that finally ends at a one-school district, I think of the dismissive refrain I often hear:

“They only have 120 kids—so their leader is basically just a principal.”

Nothing could be further from the truth.

In reality, I’ve watched women and men who greet buses at 7 a.m. as site principals, host a parents’ coffee, pop into classrooms to model a lesson, spend lunchtime plunging a clogged toilet, spend the afternoon revising a facilities contract as superintendent, and still upload a new state report before midnight. They do in one day what takes two or three administrators in a large district—and they do it with grace, humor, and an unbroken focus on kids.

A Job Description Twice as Long

Nearly 60 percent of California’s 940 school districts—551 in all—qualify as “small” (under 2,500 ADA). Four hundred enroll fewer than 1,000 students, and 113 educate fewer than 100. Because budgets are tight, boards commonly merge the superintendent and principal roles, saving roughly $50k–$100k a year.

Read the Full Article Here!

CTE E3 Forum Recap at Da Vinci Schools

Our final E3 Forum of the school year concluded on a high note with an inspiring focus on Career Technical Education (CTE), hosted by the outstanding Da Vinci Schools.

This powerful event offered small and rural school district leaders the opportunity to explore innovative strategies for integrating CTE into their unique educational settings. Attendees gained valuable insights from Da Vinci Schools’ cutting-edge approach to hands-on, student-centered learning, all while touring a campus that truly embodies forward-thinking education and a deep commitment to student success.

Thank you to Da Vinci Schools for hosting and sharing your remarkable model with us. We look forward to continued collaboration and more opportunities to bring bold, practical solutions to the schools and students who need them most.

2025 Small School Superintendency Retreat

REGISTER TODAY!

Calling All Small and Rural School District Superintendents!

Join us for the 2025 SSDA Small School Superintendency Retreat, happening July 26–28, 2025, at the stunning Hyatt Regency Newport Beach.

This retreat is a unique and purposeful gathering for new and veteran superintendents to:

✔️ Connect with peers across California
✔️ Collaborate on the unique challenges of small and rural districts
✔️ Co-develop a leadership curriculum to support current and future leaders
✔️ Recharge in a relaxed, coastal environment

⏳ Early Bird Pricing Ends June 1st!
Be sure to register before prices go up.

Register Now!
Secure your spot before the price increase!

View the Agenda at a Glance
Take a peek at what’s in store - scroll down & click on agenda at a glance. 

Venue Info - Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
Explore the location and amenities.

This is your chance to build, lead, and shape the future of small and rural education in California—all while enjoying a productive and refreshing retreat.

We can't wait to see you there!

Maple School District's Level Up Challenge

For the 2024 - 2025 school year, Maple School District's goals were to boost attendance, reduce chronic absenteeism, and elevate campus culture! As a highly competitive student body, their staff was drafted into two teams at the beginning of the year for their Level Up Black vs. Blue competition. Teams earned points through Monday attendance challenges, spirit dress-up Fridays, community donation challenges, and the highly entertaining Friday morning competitions. Staff and students were engaged all year in the competition because the grand prize was a field trip to a local skate venue. TK-8th-grade students battled it out all year, and the results were outstanding. Attendance grew by nearly 1% to 96% schoolwide, chronic absenteeism dipped below 6%, and campus survey outcomes on student culture have improved in many areas! Student engagement and attendance are critical to student performance, and we believe this year's competition created results!

New Playground Coming Soon to Cayucos Elementary Thanks to Community Partnerships

Children at Cayucos Elementary School will soon enjoy a brand-new playground designed for imaginative play, climbing, and inclusive fun — and even better, the majority of funding for the project has come from generous community donations.

The Cayucos Elementary School Board of Education recently approved a combined $90,000 in donations from the Rotary Club of Cayucos and the Cayucos Education Foundation (CEF) to fund construction of a state-of-the-art play structure on the school’s lower field. It will replace aging equipment that has been in use for more than 30 years and shows signs of rust and instability. (The Rotary Club of Cayucos contributed $50,000 to the project, and CEF added another $40,000.)

In addition, the Cayucos PTA raised just over $30,000 for lower field renovations through its recent Gala fundraiser. Construction will begin soon and be completed by the end of June.

“We have a motto—‘Better Together,’” said Cayucos Elementary School District Superintendent Jen Gaviola. “This project, born out of love and community support for a new play structure, truly exemplifies our motto.”

Gaviola also expressed heartfelt appreciation for the community’s support:
“The Cayucos community is a special place that comes together with open arms to support our school and students. It is quite amazing. In my 25 years in public education, I don’t think I’ve ever felt such strong dedication and love for a school district by its surrounding community.”

The $127,000 playground design features ADA-accessible swings and inclusive play elements, ensuring all students can engage in physical activity, creative play, and social interaction. The BeachComber design by Landscape Structures includes features such as the Tidal Wave Climber, curvy slides, and the Pod Climber — all wrapped in a cool color palette inspired by ocean waves. The company describes the design as “wondrously wavy,” encouraging children to “ride the wild surf” and explore oceans of activity with their imaginations.

“The Rotary Club of Cayucos is dedicated to making a positive impact both locally and globally,” said Jessica Peterson, founding Cayucos Rotary Club member and teacher at Cayucos School. “These donations reflect our commitment to supporting vital humanitarian efforts, fostering community well-being, and investing in our children’s future.”

The Cayucos PTA also previously contributed $7,000 from the McGee/Gaeta Annual Cayucos Turkey Trot fundraiser and continues to seek partnerships with local companies to assist with pre-construction support. Local contractors Charlie Hartzell and Shaun O'Shea have generously volunteered their time and resources to remove the old equipment and provide grading services.

Altogether, this small-town community with a big heart will contribute over $127,000 to the project — a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and commitment to student well-being.

With construction now underway and a scheduled completion date at the end of June, students at Cayucos Elementary are just weeks away from enjoying their exciting new playground.

Discover innovative strategies for measuring success and preparing for CAASPP in unique learning environments. Parsec Education is excited to present two insightful webinars this May:

Wednesday, May 21 @10 AM | Measuring What We Value with the Graduate Profile
Learn how Madera Unified leveraged the Graduate Profile to transform what they measure and why. Hear directly from educators who used student and staff feedback to reshape their definition of success.Speakers:

• Dr. Michele Darchuck, Learning Integration Specialist, Parsec Education

• Kristin McKenna, Director of College and Career Readiness, Madera Unified School District

Register Here: click here  Wednesday, May 28 @10 AM | Getting CAASPP-Ready in Alternative Learning Environments

Join us to explore how CALPAC utilized Parsec Analytics to drive CAASPP readiness. Discover data-driven strategies that non-traditional schools are using to boost student preparedness.Speakers:

• Dr. Michele Darchuck, Learning Integration Specialist, Parsec Education

• Christine Feher, CEO and Superintendent, California Pacific Charter Schools

Register Here: click here

Don’t miss these opportunities to learn from real-world examples and actionable insights. Secure your spot today! 

Sunol Glen School Centennial Draws Hundreds for a Day of History, Fun, and Community Spirit

The 100-year celebration of Sunol Glen School was a joyful and nostalgic gathering that brought together nearly 600 community members, alumni, current families, and staff.  The day began with a festive parade down Main Street, featuring students, alumni, and appearances by local and state dignitaries, setting the tone for a celebration steeped in both pride and tradition.

The school campus was alive with activity. The Sunol Glen Community Club, and the school’s parent and community group, organized games and family-friendly activities on the field, while students led walking tours of the campus. The tour guides shared historical facts about the original 1925 construction, recent upgrades, and exciting plans for future renovations of the main building and cafeteria—made possible by a bond measure passed in 2023.

Inside the school auditorium, guests were treated to a beautiful display of Sunol’s charm, with large portraits showcasing iconic sites around town. Tables were lined with old yearbooks and photo albums, offering visitors the chance to take a walk down memory lane and alumni to reunite with former classmates and teachers as they reminisced over shared memories and class photos from decades past.

Entertainment included performances by both the current Advanced Band and a special Alumni Band ensemble. The Sunol Depot Garden hosted live music and food, offering a lively and relaxed atmosphere for visitors. One of the highlights for many was the Sunol Railbus rides, provided by the Niles Canyon Railway, offering a unique way to take in the town’s scenic beauty during the celebration.

Reflecting on the day, Superintendent Shay Galletti summed it up perfectly:
“It was truly an honor to come together as a school and community to celebrate a century of learning, connection, and tradition.”

Rescue Union School District Ends the Year with Heart and Community

Cold Spring School Sprints to Success at Annual Track & Field Meet

Sierra Unified’s Celebration of Success: Uplifting Native American Heritage and Achievement

As we wrap up the 2024-25 school year, Sierra Unified School District proudly continues its longstanding tradition with the annual Celebration of Success, an event honoring our Native American Program students who promote from Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten, 6th, 8th, and 12th grades. This beloved tradition, initiated in 1998, also warmly welcomes students from tribal Head Start programs entering our district and those graduating from our Co-op Preschool.

This meaningful evening features a vibrant dinner, powerful cultural presentations including a Native American Color Guard, drumming performances, and special appearances such as Aztec dancers this year. At the heart of the celebration are the recognition awards, symbolizing the students’ educational milestones and their invaluable cultural contributions.

Through ongoing collaboration with tribes and tribal agencies serving our Native American students, the Celebration of Success has significantly expanded, regularly attracting over 150 attendees. Families, friends, educators, and community leaders gather annually to recognize student achievements and strengthen cultural bonds.

Sierra Unified is committed to honoring and uplifting our Native American students, ensuring they feel celebrated, valued, and connected to their rich heritage and supportive community. The Celebration of Success exemplifies our dedication to cultural inclusivity, educational growth, and community partnership, and has become a time-honored tradition as we celebrate the end of another successful school year.

San Pasqual Union School District Hosts First Annual Multicultural Night

On May 2, 2025, San Pasqual Union School District proudly hosted its first annual Multicultural Night - a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and connection. As a small, close-knit school, we came together to honor the rich diversity of our students, families, and staff through music, art, food, and tradition. 

The event highlighted cultures represented in our school community, including Mexico, Spain, Hawaii, Peru, China, Ukraine, El Salvador, Puerto Rico, and Colombia. Family vendors shared cherished dishes like Arepas, Empanadas, Pernil, and Aguas Frescas, as well as Mole, Carne Asada, Ceviche, Carnitas, and Birria - each plate made with pride and joy to be shared with our school community. 

Our students, TK-Bth grade, stole the show with performances of Folklorico dances, Hula, and Irish dance, thanks to weeks of practice and collaboration with parents and staff. Their performances beautifully reflected both talent and cultural pride. 

Throughout the night, guests visited interactive booths where students created mini world flags, played Loteria, and crafted wooden llamas while learning about Peru. The event also featured live music, traditional costumes, artisan crafts, and student artwork from our schoolwide 

"gARTen" Art Day, where global cultures were honored. 

Multicultural Night was made possible through the collective efforts of our DELAC, PTO, Red Barn Arts Program, Spanish Exploratory Program, EL Program, administration, dedicated staff, volunteers, and generous donors like Home Depot and the House of Pacific Relations at Balboa Park. 

Multicultural Night was more than a celebration - it was a reflection of who we are as a school: inclusive, diverse, and community-based. Seeing students and families so proudly share their cultures through food, art, dance, and music was truly moving. 

As the evening came to a close, it was clear that Multicultural Night wasn't just a one-time event - it marked the beginning of a cherished new tradition here at San Pasqual Union School. It brought together families, educators, and community members in a shared celebration of the diverse voices and cultures that make the San Pasqual Union School District such a special place to learn and grow.

Analysis of the Governor's May Budget Revision

By Abe Hajela, Partner, Capitol Advisors Group

On Wednesday, May 14th, Governor Gavin Newsom released his 2025-26 May Budget Revision, in which he presents a revised budget proposal based on updated revenue data. Although the Governor announced declines in revenues and increases in costs that result in a substantial state budget deficit in 2025-26 and future years, the TK-12 budget remains largely unchanged from the proposal we saw in January. Some of the school funding highlights include: 

• A 2.3% COLA for LCFF and other programs that receive a COLA

• Continued support for the expansion and implementation of key programs such as Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK), universal school meals, and the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP)

• $1.7 billion for a one-time discretionary block grant

However, while the Governor avoids cuts, funds existing programs and limits new commitments, we do note some issues that raise concerns or create future risks:

• The Administration proposes to appropriate $1.3 billion less than the currently calculated 2024-25 Proposition 98 Guarantee, which is inconsistent with past practice and potentially subject to legal challenge

• The funding level for 2025-26 relies on a $1.8 billion LCFF principal apportionment deferral from June 2026 to July 2026

• The current deposit and withdrawal triggers for the Prop. 98 reserve result in a zero balance in this reserve by the end of 2025-26  

Read the Full Article Here!

Calling All New Superintendents - Join the Elevat-Ed Forum!

Registration Deadline for 360° Review: June 15

Are you a new or aspiring superintendent in a small school district? The Elevat-Ed Forum for New Superintendents is designed just for you! This comprehensive leadership development program offers a unique blend of personalized mentorship, expert-led training, and peer support to help you thrive in your role.

If you're not a new superintendent, we encourage you to pass this opportunity along to rising leaders in your district who are preparing to take that next step.

To participate in the program's full 360° Leadership Review process, registration must be completed by June 15. This ensures enough time for review completion ahead of our summer kick-off.

Program At-A-Glance:

• Program Fee: $2,950 per participant
  (Includes registration for the 2025 Small School Superintendency Retreat, the 2026 Annual State Conference, and FranklinCovey-led training)

• Cohort Size: Limited to 30 participants

• Eligibility:

  • Current superintendents with less than 3 years of experience

  • Individuals actively pursuing a superintendent role

• Format: Hybrid (in-person & webinar-based)

Program Highlights:

• Two-Day Kick-Off Event at the 2025 SSDA Small School Superintendency Retreat

• Nine Expert-Led Sessions throughout the year

• Full 360° Leadership Review to identify growth areas

• Two Full SSDA Conference Registrations (Retreat + Annual Conference)

• Personalized Mentoring and Ongoing Support

Don't miss out on this opportunity to invest in your leadership journey or support the next generation of small district leaders.

Register by June 15 to secure your spot and complete your 360° Review in time!

REGISTER HERE!

Glenn County’s Computer Science Pied Pipers

Growing Computer Science in Modoc County: A Rural Success Story

Check out this inspiring rural success story! Modoc County is leading the way in bringing computer science to its students—thanks to the incredible support from CS4NorCal. Watch how Modoc County is making a big impact:

CS4NorCal would appreciate you taking a few minutes to complete this final survey. You’ll receive a $25 incentive for your participation.

Your feedback—no matter your implementation status—is vital in helping us refine our model to better serve small and rural districts.

Thank you for your time and insights!

COMPUTER SCIENCE INFORMATION & RESOURCES FOR ALL SSDA MEMBERS

Code.org at ISTE

Code.org Coaches Network in-person pre-conference workshop at ISTE25 in June in Texas

• Educators who provide professional learning in their district or region are invited, as long as your district is enrolled in the District Program. If you can't attend, you can indicate interest in participating in a future event. 

Code.org is accepting 80 applicants, and the first 10 to apply will receive a $250 gift code that can be used towards funding classroom projects on DonorsChoose.

You can find more information and apply here: https://districts.code.org/network-coach/

Upcoming Online Info Sessions, Professional Learning, and Professional Learning

Online, Facilitated, FREE Professional Development

districts.code.org/learn (main page)

• Educator Series: districts.code.org/edu-series

  • Teaching Generative AI

  • From Shelves to Apps: Collaborating to Bring CS to the Library

  • Bring Byte-Sized AI Lessons to Your Students!

  • Interactive Animations & Games

  • Sneak Peek: CS and AI Foundations

• Information Sessions: events.code.org/sessions

  • Code.org in 2025-26: New Tools, Resources, and Strategies for Schools

AB 887 - Why is this Bill Important?

This bill would require school districts & charter schools to offer at LEAST ONE COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSE to students in grades 9-12 by the 2029-30 school year.

The plan would provide FLEXIBILITY:

> a phased in approach for implementation,

> include a virtual or distance course option

It would require the CA Dept. of Ed.  to develop a COMPUTER SCIENCE IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE by 7/1/26

AB 877 would also include efforts to INCREASE ENROLLMENT of:

  >  female students, students with disabilities,

>  students eligible for free or reduced-priced meals,

>  and, students from racial and ethnic groups 

    *  Marginalized groups that are underrepresented in CS

This bill would also require ANNUAL DATA REPORTING (starting in 6/30/28)

How districts can increase student access to computer science | Quick Guide by EdSource

Looking to expand computer science (CS) opportunities in your small or rural district but unsure where to begin? This quick guide from EdSource breaks down how districts can boost CS access with real-world strategies and success stories from across California.

The article features insights from CS4NorCal Director Kathy Hamilton and Co-Director Karen Mix M.Ed., and offers practical steps and real-world examples from California schools.

Read the Full Article Here!

California lawmaker again attempts to make computer science class mandatory by EdSource

"Despite decades long efforts through legislation, funding and advocacy, California’s schools have still not caught up with — and are falling further behind — three dozen other states in the percentage of high schools offering at least one computer science course. 

According to the national 2024 State of Computer Science report, 52% of high schools across California offered computer science in the 2023-24 school year.

In other states, statewide policy has been pivotal in expanding access to computing skills for all students."

Read the Full Article Here!

Turnkey Lessons

Join the Seasons of CS group on CA Educators together!!

Discover Lesson and Workshop Resources as well as Professional Learning Opportunities

Computer Science Integration Lesson Plans

High Tech / Low Tech - Emergency Supply Delivery

Noise Awareness (IoT) - Earthquake Safety

Water Quality - Smart Clothing (Machine Learning)

Infectious Diseases - Monitoring Barometric Pressure (IoT)

Brian and Claire from Enterprise High School re: Earthquake Lesson

Are you interested in bring AI learning to your classroom or school district? Click here to learn more about how you can bring Professional Development to your school. The resources are from the creators of Family Code Night.

 Coaching Collaborative - Butte County

Who is Participating?
The Coaching Collaborative extends an invitation to TOSAs, Instructional Coaches, EdTech Coaches, Lead Teachers, Computer Science Leads, as well as all other educators passionate about computer science and artificial intelligence in education.

Register 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

Modoc Joint Unified School District is seeking a highly qualified and visionary Superintendent to lead its dedicated team of educators and support staff in beautiful rural Northern California.

Application deadline: June 6, 2025, by 12 PM PST

Apply: https://www.edjoin.org/Home/JobPosting/2090174

2025 Small School Superintendency Retreat

Register now for the Small School Superintendency Retreat, July 26-28, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach, California. Learn more here!

Thank you, Signature Partners!

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