Small School Districts' Association

SACRAMENTO, CA, MARCH 17, 2026 - The Small School Districts' Association (SSDA) is pleased to announce Scott Borba, Superintendent/Principal of Le Grand Union Elementary School District, as its new Executive Director effective July 1, 2026. With more than 20 years of experience in small, rural, and high-needs school districts, Borba demonstrates a proven record of advocacy, collaboration, and student-centered leadership at the local, state, and national levels.

Borba currently leads the Le Grand Union Elementary School District, a single-school K–8 district serving a rural agricultural community. During his tenure, he has strengthened fiscal stability while increasing certificated and classified salaries by nearly 25 percent, implemented systems that significantly reduced discipline referrals, and expanded opportunities for students through innovative programs such as coding, robotics, esports, and computer science pathways.   

Borba shared his enthusiasm for leading the organization and continuing to advocate for small and rural school districts across California.  

“I’m honored to lead SSDA and excited to work alongside our members, our board, and our education partners to strengthen our collective voice, expand opportunities for connection and learning, and ensure small districts are heard loud and clear in Sacramento,” said Borba. “Small districts do big things for kids. Our leaders wear many hats, solve problems creatively, and show up every day for their communities. SSDA exists to champion that work, and I’m humbled and honored to serve the leaders who make California’s small schools extraordinary.”  

Borba has also held leadership positions in statewide and national organizations, including the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), where he has advocated for policies supporting students and educators in small and rural communities. 

In addition to his leadership roles, Borba is an author and frequent presenter on educational leadership. He wrote The Leader You’re Not…and Why It’s Just as Important as the Leader You Are, and is currently co-authoring a book exploring how leaders activate collective teacher efficacy.  

Borba was recognized as California Superintendent/Principal of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators in 2021 and as California’s National Distinguished Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals in 2017. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at California State University, Stanislaus, where he teaches graduate courses in educational leadership, school law, and school finance. 

“As President of the Small School Districts’ Association, I am proud to welcome Scott Borba as our next Executive Director. Over the years, as I have come to know Scott and witness his leadership, one thing has always stood out: his deep belief in doing what is best for kids, every day, whatever it takes! He has been a strong and respected voice for schools in both Sacramento and Washington, consistently advocating for the needs of the students they serve,” said Dr. Nicole Newman, President of SSDA and Superintendent of the Wheatland Union High School District. “Scott understands the challenges our districts face and the importance of ensuring their voices are heard at every level of policy and decision-making. I am confident that with his leadership, passion, and experience, SSDA will continue to grow in impact and influence as he helps take our organization to the next level.”   

About SSDA: The Small School Districts Association is dedicated to serving the needs and interests of small 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.