FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Eric Bonniksen
Email: ebonniksen@pusdk8.us
Phone: (916) 750-0722
Small School Districts' Association (SSDA) Welcomes Dr. George Sziraki as Interim Executive Director
Sacramento, CA, September 19, 2023 – The California Small School Districts' Association (SSDA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. George Sziraki as the interim Executive Director. A highly experienced and accomplished educational leader, Sziraki brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to further strengthen SSDA's commitment to supporting small districts across California.
George retired in June of this year as the Superintendent of the Placer Union High School District, where he successfully led the district for ten years through the era of COVID and the current time period of political division. He has been widely recognized for his transformative leadership style, systems approach to change, dedication to student success, and commitment to fostering collaborative relationships within the education community.
Throughout his career, George has consistently demonstrated a strong understanding of the unique challenges faced by superintendents in California. His experience and insights will be invaluable in guiding SSDA as it continues to advocate for small districts, provide professional development opportunities, and address critical issues impacting small school districts across the state.
"We are excited to welcome George Sziraki as our interim Executive Director," said Eric Bonniksen, SSDA President. "His extensive background in education and his proven ability to lead will undoubtedly enhance SSDA's efforts to support our Districts throughout California. We look forward to working with him to advance our mission and elevate the voices of small school district leaders as we continue to provide the best possible education to the students we all serve."
As the interim Executive Director, George will oversee SSDA's day-to-day operations and work closely with the Board of Directors to shape the association's priorities. His experience in building strong relationships with various stakeholders, including educators, school board members, policymakers, and community leaders, will be instrumental in promoting SSDA's vision of providing high-quality education for all students across California.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the interim Executive Director of SSDA," Sziraki stated. "Having dedicated my entire career to education, I am excited to contribute to an organization that is committed to supporting superintendents and fostering excellence in our schools. Together, we can make a significant positive impact on the lives of students and shape the future of education in California."
George will be joining us at our weekly roundtable tomorrow, Wednesday, September 20th, at 9:30 AM.
The SSDA Board will be working with ELS to begin the search process for the permanent Executive Director. More information on that search will be available in the coming weeks.