Newport Beach, CA - This past weekend, SSDA proudly brought together 150 passionate leaders for its brand-new summer event — the 2025 Small School Superintendency Retreat, held July 26–28, 2025, at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. This retreat was more than just a gathering — it was a vibrant celebration of the incredible work happening every day in California's small and rural school districts.
SSDA's retreat united seasoned superintendents with those stepping into the role for the very first time. Our new superintendents joined the launch of SSDA's Elevat-Ed Forum for New Superintendents, an inspiring program created in partnership with FranklinCovey to equip fresh superintendents with the four essential roles of leadership: inspiring trust, creating vision, executing strategy, and coaching potential. Dr. Candace Singh, a trailblazing former small district superintendent, set the tone for the weekend with an energizing keynote that reminded everyone why they lead—and why small and rural schools make such a significant difference.
Throughout the retreat, the energy stayed sky-high thanks to an incredible lineup of keynote speakers Malik Ray and Anisa Sullivan Jimenez of Leading Now energized the room with their call to lead with a clear vision and strong governance. Dr. Paul Gothold, former San Diego County Superintendent, offered a powerful look at the superintendent's role in the business side of education — proving that financial decisions and student success go hand in hand.
Annie Griffin, a small-town Wyoming superintendent and Solution Tree leader, reminded everyone that the superintendent is, first and foremost, an instructional leader whose focus should always be on student learning. And Dr. Ramiro Rubalcaba, superintendent of the Los Neitos School District and a dedicated SSDA Board member, brought it home by showing how deeply understanding one's community and building authentic relationships can transform entire communities.
The true magic happened in the breakout sessions that followed each keynote. In these lively rooms, seasoned superintendents were the center of the retreat — stepping up to share exactly how they turn vision into reality for their schools. These sessions weren't lectures; they were living proof of the innovation and dedication that define small and rural leadership. Experienced superintendents spoke candidly about governing effectively, balancing budgets, driving instruction, and putting people first — all while lifting every student. The breakout rooms buzzed with real stories, practical tips, big ideas, and laughter — moments that reminded everyone that no one is in this work alone. Every word shared was captured and will soon become part of SSDA's new publication, Leading Smalls, Thinking Big, ensuring the lessons learned here inspire leaders for years to come.
In the true spirit of small schools, the retreat was also about connection and joy. Our Field Day was a hit — volleyball matches, giant Jenga, Connect Four, cornhole, and even axe throwing brought out everyone's competitive side, thanks to the generous support of AllSet Education, Alma, VPCS, and School Leaders. The fun times continued Sunday afternoon with kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in the bay, a golf tournament, coastal biking, and a relaxing sip-and-paint session sponsored by Renaissance Learning. Early risers even kicked off their days with a refreshing 6 AM run and yoga by the water.
The celebration didn't stop when the sun went down. The VPCS Reception and a beautiful dinner at the Rusty Pelican brought everyone together to share good food, laughter, and stories. More than 120 superintendents and partners gathered that night, strengthening friendships and partnerships that will carry forward into the new school year.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our partners — Veregy, Solution Tree, Association of California School Administrators, California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators, CalSPRA Administration, FranklinCovey, Thrive, Leading Now, and so many more — who showed up ready to champion the mission of SSDA and its member districts. Their commitment helped make this retreat an unforgettable success.
In the end, the 2025 Small School Superintendency Retreat was exactly what our leaders needed: a reminder that when small and rural districts come together, they dream big, share generously, and lift each other higher. The conversations sparked here will soon become a valuable resource for every superintendent across the state — and proof that when small schools come together, they can accomplish truly extraordinary things. Here's to Leading Smalls, Thinking Big — a publication shaped and curated by the voices and experiences of small and rural school superintendents at this very retreat. Coming soon!