FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Yuri Calderon, Executive Director, SSDA
Email: yuri@ssda.org
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.
Bonniksen brought the same integrity and dedication he has demonstrated as Superintendent of the Placerville Union School District (PUSD) to his role at SSDA. With a career in education beginning in 1994 and roots in El Dorado County since 2008, he has led with experience, vision, and a genuine commitment to students, families, and educators.
Under his leadership, PUSD’s three award-winning schools—Sierra Elementary, Schnell Elementary, and Markham Middle School—have flourished. Known for student-centered innovation, these schools reflect Bonniksen’s belief in setting high expectations while ensuring students have the supports they need to thrive, including robust social-emotional and mental health services.
As SSDA Board President, Bonniksen applied this same philosophy statewide. He championed the needs of small and rural school districts in both Sacramento and Washington, D.C., advocating for equitable funding, expanded professional development, and greater unity among district leaders. His service was marked by generosity, sharing his time and expertise generously, and actively participating in nearly every SSDA event, initiative, and program.
“Eric Bonniksen’s leadership was never about titles or recognition,” said SSDA Executive Director Yuri Calderon. “It was about service—to his district, to other superintendents, and to the students who depend on us to get it right.”
On behalf of the SSDA Board and staff, we thank Eric Bonniksen for his remarkable leadership, steadfast dedication, and enduring commitment to strengthening California’s small and rural school districts.
About SSDA:
The Small School Districts Association is dedicated to serving the needs and interests of small and rural school districts across California, providing support, resources, and advocacy to enhance the quality of education for students in small communities. Our mission is to unite and elevate small school districts through strategic legislative advocacy, collaborative networks, and targeted professional development, fostering an engaged community of empowered educational leaders for the success of every student.