FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gwen Bell
Email: gwen@ssda.org
Phone: (916) 750-0722
Press Release: Three Superintendents Appointed to SSDA's Executive Committee
CA Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA) announces the appointment of Keila Rodriguez, Katie Kohler, and Heidi Torix to SSDA's Executive Committee
Sacramento, CA, August 2022 – SSDA is pleased to announce the selection of three new executive committee members: Keila Rodriguez, Katie Kohler, and Heidi Torix.
Keila Rodriguez is the Superintendent of Meadows Union Elementary School District, located in El Centro, California. Rodriguez has served in leadership roles throughout her career, as a faculty instructor for San Diego State, a principal for Alternative Education ICOE, and a district and school support coordinator. Rodriguez is affiliated with the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, Commissioner of Advisory Commission on Special Education, and from 2008 to 2014, part of the Bilingual Coordinators Network, CDE. She is a team leader who is focused and motivated on the individual needs of students.
“SSDA means FAMILY! SSDA helped my school district endure times of uncertainty and big challenges. It’s truly an honor being part of an energetic, passionate, caring group of professionals. I’m certain joining this Executive Committee will be a real learning experience for me,” said Rodriguez.
“We are honored to have Ms. Rodriquez join our team, and the Meadows and Imperial County should be proud of her selection,” said Tim Taylor, Executive Director of SSDA. “Keila Rodriguez is well respected throughout the state; she has connections at the local, state, and national level. Her knowledge of Special Education and English Language Learners will benefit districts throughout California. She is driven and will be a strong voice for our teachers and students that reside in small rural towns.”
Katie Kohler grew up in Grass Valley, California, the same location as her job today as the Superintendent of Chicago Park Elementary School District. She understands the rural perspective and grew up in 4H programs that provided her with leadership opportunities. Ultimately, this led to Kohler becoming a kindergarten teacher at San Juan Unified School District and a teacher at Alta Dutch Flat school.
"Katie brings a powerful, experienced, and unique voice to our team. She is noted as a reputable leader with a laser focus commitment to her students and staff,” said Tim Taylor.
Jeffrey Paré, Board President, and “The Chicago Park School District Board of Trustees are very proud of Katie Kohler, our Superintendent/Principal. Her hard work and forward-thinking got her recognition and an appointment to the SSDA Board. SSDA brings voice to the needs of small schools in California who would otherwise be an afterthought in Sacramento. We are looking forward to monthly updates from her interaction with SSDA as we work to improve learning opportunities in our District and community.”
Heidi Torix received her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration at the California State University San Bernadino and continued her education at Brandman University to receive her Masters. Torix is currently the Superintendent of Eastern Sierra Unified School District in Bridgeport, California, and has had previous experience as an elementary school principal and teacher.
Torix states, “coming from Southern California and moving to the rural Eastern Sierras, I am well-versed in the differences between the varying districts in California. My heart is certainly with the small districts after spending more than eight years in administration in the Eastern Sierras. Our small districts are small but mighty! That being said, there is much work to be done to balance the equity in state laws, expectations, and funding of California school districts. I am honored to be part of SSDA and the wonderful team of people I am joining. I look forward to the windy road ahead of us and the work we may accomplish!”
When asked about why she would be a great member of SSDA’s executive committee, Tim Taylor said, “Ms. Torix has a tremendous work ethic, is a well-respected leader, and has a student-centered leadership style.”
For any additional questions, please contact Tim Taylor at (916) 949-1601 or tim@ssda.org
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 the Small School Districts’ Association 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 https://www.ssda.org/.