Strength in Unity: Legislative Advocacy for Small School Districts
As the new legislative session in California begins, and as significant changes unfold in Washington, D.C., it’s more important than ever for small school districts to have a unified voice. Small districts are the backbone of many communities, offering personalized education, fostering close-knit environments, and bringing communities together for the common good—our children. Yet, small districts often face unique challenges that require collective action and strong representation. This is where the Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA) steps in, advocating for the needs of small school districts and ensuring that their voices are heard.
A key factor behind SSDA’s success in legislative advocacy has been our long-standing partnership with Capitol Advisors, our trusted legislative advocates. Through this collaboration, we’ve been able to secure real, meaningful wins for our communities. The presence of Capitol Advisors at our Annual Conference, E3 Forums, roundtables, and webinars is a testament to the strength and depth of our relationship—and to the impact we’re making together.
Save the Date!
Meet SSDA's New Board of Director Members!
Dr. Benjamin Howell
Summerville Elementary School District (Region 6)
"It is an honor and a privilege to partner with SSDA and member districts to provide a network of support for small schools across California. Learning in small districts across our state is making a tremendous impact on the lives and opportunities of students, and it is happening from the tireless efforts of school leaders and educators who have a passion for making a difference for students, no matter what."
Dr. Ramiro Rubalcaba
Los Nietos School District (Region 11)
"I am honored to join the SSDA Board of Directors representing Region 11 and excited to work alongside my fellow Board Members, Executive Director Yuri Calderon, and other members of the leadership team. I look forward to advocating for small school districts across the state, learning, serving, and representing our communities to ensure their needs are heard and supported."
Elizabeth Brenner
Compass Charter Schools (Charter Representative)
"I look forward to working with the members of the Association to seek solutions for the challenges that specifically impact Small School Districts, especially as they apply to Charter Schools. Each school and district is unique, and by working together and learning from each other, I hope to find ways to thrive in a changing educational landscape."
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!
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, including:
🎮 E-Gaming – Discover how video games can enhance student learning.
🥋 Martial Arts & Wellness – Explore movement and mindfulness activities for students.
Stay Connected with the Cvent App!
Once you’re registered, be sure to download the Cvent app! By the end of the week, this premier conference platform will provide full access to the agenda, session details, speaker information, and networking opportunities. You can download the app here!
Don’t Miss Out – Register Today!
Join us for an unforgettable SSDA State Conference! Register Here! We are in the process of securing additional hotel rooms—please check back for updates! An extra room block is being added at the Citizen Hotel (926 J St, Sacramento, CA 95814), and a link for reservations will be available soon.
The Story of Three Rivers Union School District’s Eagle’s Roost Hub
In his first year as Superintendent of Three Rivers Union School District, Jason Porter arrived with a fresh perspective and a passion for innovation. One of his first observations was that the school’s library was not being utilized to its full potential. Given that a public library was already conveniently located just above the school’s upper playground, Porter saw an opportunity to transform the space into something more impactful—a dynamic, student-centered hub known as the Eagle’s Roost.
Transforming School Meals in Modoc Joint Unified: A Passion for Fresh, Local, and Nutritious Food
Jessica Boal, Food Service Director at Modoc Joint Unified School District, has dedicated over a decade to ensuring students receive nutritious meals. While she started in food service outside the school system, she has since embraced the mission of providing quality meals for students—one that has become a true passion.
📢 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Measure What We Value Summit 2026! 📢
We know it’s early… way too early. But when you have news this exciting, why wait?
We are beyond thrilled to announce that Brandon Leake—the 2020 America’s Got Talent Champion, acclaimed spoken word poet, educator, and change-maker—will be the Host & Keynote Speaker for the Measure What We Value Summit 2026!
Brandon’s powerful storytelling and inspiring voice have captivated audiences worldwide. Now, he’s bringing his passion and talent to Fresno, CA to lead a transformative conversation about reimagining education and measuring what truly matters.
This is your chance to hear from an extraordinary speaker, connect with visionary educators, and engage in meaningful discussions that will reshape the way we define success in education.
🎟️ Way-Too-Early Bird Sale – Get your tickets now before prices go up!
📅 February 4-5, 2026
📍 DoubleTree Hotel, Fresno, CA
🎟️ Register now: click here
Join us as we challenge the status quo and build a future where all students are seen, valued, and celebrated for their strengths.
Who’s in? 🙌
2025 Title IX & Harassment/Discrimination Legal Landscape:
Volatility Continues into New Year with Policy Whiplash & Resource Deficit – How Small School Districts Can Weather the Storm
By: Ashley N. Emerzian, Esq. Emerzian Shankar Legal Inc. and Pamela Schock, Assistant Dean of Student Development and Title IX Coordinator, Fresno Pacific University
The past several years have seen tumultuous changes in regulations implementing Title IX. 2025 continues this trend. This article reviews the recent changes to the Title IX legal landscape, discusses the current status of the law, and shares some ideas for how small school districts can maintain compliance with limited resources in this potentially high-risk area.
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!
Igniting CS Enthusiasm by Building on Students’ Interests
Shalyn Dunnington is a junior-high school teacher at the Indian Valley Academy
Indian Valley Academy
Plumas County is located near the northeast corner of California, up where the Sierra and the Cascade mountains meet. The county boasts more than 100 lakes and 1,000 miles of rivers and streams with over a million acres of national forest. With only nine people per square mile, this county is rural, beautiful and serene.
Shalyn Dunnington is a junior-high school teacher at the Indian Valley Academy (IVA) in Greenville, Ca. in Plumas County. Indian Valley Academy is one of three learning centers that form Plumas Charter School, which opened in 1998 and serves students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Each center offers a personalized learning approach that includes: independent study, concurrent college enrollment, enrichment activities, online curricula, electives, and center-based courses. The other two Plumas Charter School sites are Quincy Learning Center and Chester Learning Center.
Computer Science Resources for All SSDA Members
CA Mathmatics, 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
March 5 (3:45 PM-5:15 PM): Computational Thinking Across the Curriculum: Integrate, Don’t Isolate
April 15 (3:45 PM-5:15 PM): Engaging Students in Computer Science through CS First
May 15 (3:45 PM-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
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.Budget trailer bill language provides more details on Governor’s January Budget proposals
On February 1, the Department of Finance (DOF) released their budget trailer bills (TBLs), providing more details on various budget and policy changes contained in Governor Newsom’s January State Budget proposal.
The trailer bills provide lawmakers and advocates with a starting point for budget development and negotiations.
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 past three sessions of the Governing Board Webinar Series were a huge success, with over 230 attendees! It's not too late to participate in the upcoming sessions.
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.
February 27, 2025, 5:30 PM - 6:45 PM: Keith Wolaridge, Author & Veteran Board Member, generously sponsored by SitelogIQ!
March 20, 2025, 5:30 PM - 6:45 PM: Namita S. Brown, Partner, Fagen, Friedman & Folfrost, LLP
SSDA E3 Forum Bishop and Lake Arrowhead: Inspiring Change - Region 10 (Mono/Inyo/Riverside/San Bernardino Counties)
Join us for the SSDA E3 Forum: Inspiring Change—a free event for district and county offices—on March 11th at Bishop Union High School or March 13th at Lake Arrowhead Resort. This dynamic forum features expert-led sessions tailored for small school districts, offering insights on student success and school culture transformation. Connect with experts, witness student innovation, and gain strategies to drive meaningful change in your district.
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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