FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Corrie Pelc
Email: corrie@ssda.org
Phone: 916-662-7213
Fresno County School Superintendent Appointed to SSDA Board of Directors
Alan Harris, Superintendent of Sierra USD, appointed to board of the Small School Districts’ Association
SACRAMENTO, CA, May 2021 – Alan Harris, Superintendent of Sierra Unified School District (USD) in Fresno County, has been selected to the California Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA) as an executive board member.
“I am pleased to have Alan Harris joining the Small School Districts’ Association’s Executive Board,” stated SSDA Board President Stuart Packard. “Alan will bring a tremendous background that will help not only students, families, and school districts in Fresno County, but will help strengthen the voice of small and rural districts throughout California. The Central Valley is an important part of our work and having Alan be the voice will bring great things to small school districts.”
SSDA represents 59% of school districts in California and the association started in 1982 to focus on advocacy, legislation, and professional development for teachers and administration. It is the largest association representing small rural schools in the country.
SSDA’s core focuses in 2021 are eliminating the digital divide, assisting districts who have been affected by the pandemic, providing support and resources for distance learning, and ensuring federal and state funding is equitably distributed to small school districts. “It is more important now than ever before that small school districts unite and ensure that our message is heard,” said Alan Harris.
“Our needs are unique! Generally, when we talk about equity for students it is focused on large, urban districts. Our students in rural and small school districts deserve the same education and opportunities as those in large districts. My focus will be on social-emotional learning and helping fight to increase funding for rural school districts. It is a privilege and an honor to be joining the Small School Districts’ Association’s Executive Board,” Harris added.
Alan brings a lot of experience to the SSDA board and is very committed as a leader to improving small school districts. He has worked in five districts in two states, California and Wisconsin, in both large and small and large school district settings.
“Adding Alan Harris to our team will help us reach our association goals,” said SSDA Executive Director Tim Taylor. “I worked with him during the Creek Fire the past year and watching his leadership skills in the recovery and rebuild process was an honor. He is driven, well-respected, and will speak up on behalf of our teachers and students.”
About Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA)
The California Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA) is California’s leading organization in terms of addressing, supporting, and lobbying on issues specific to the unique needs of small school districts. The mission of SSDA is to provide relevant information and proactive assistance to small school district governing boards and superintendents through legislative advocacy, collaboration, professional development, and support services. To learn more, visit www.ssda.org
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