Updated 7/15/2020 NEW! Latest Resources from SSDA Associate Member AALLR Senate Bill 98 Reworks Parameters for School ReopeningCOVID-19 and Its Impact on Educational Institutions Resources SSDA continues to work with the other Education Associations, CDE and Governor’s office to provide you with information, resources and support during this difficult time. ... READ MORE >
Due to the pandemic, the SSDA Executive Committee has decided to hold its annual New Superintendents’ Symposium in a virtual format, featuring a variety of virtual sessions from mid-July through mid-August that will provide an effective orientation for new superintendents and a solid refresher for seasoned superintendents, with a specific focus on current issues... READ MORE >
Good afternoon, On behalf of the SSDA Executive Committee I wanted to commend all of our members for the hard work you are doing during this pandemic. This survey is the results of over 180 small districts. Many thanks to our long-time associate member, PCG, for coordinating and paying for the survey. The survey shows that your dedication to the students,... READ MORE >
During these uncertain times, we know that teachers are looking for flexible ways to engage students both virtually and in their classrooms. As former math teachers, we understand the need for new supports to integrate math standards with computational thinking and to support students’ career awareness. As researchers with experience working with rural communities... READ MORE >
SSDA is pleased to partner with long-time Associate Member PCG, via their EDPlan Accelerator, to highlight the innovative nature of small school districts in California through the California Small School COVID-19 Innovation Survey – a collaborative effort to assess performance and define best practices of small school districts in California. Click here to... READ MORE >
Due to the recent pandemic, the SSDA Executive Committee has decided to make this year’s Pismo Superintendent Summit a virtual event. This year’s Pismo Summit will take place on Friday, June 26th from 9am to 12 noon. This three-hour event will feature three speakers covering a variety of timely topics, as well as an opportunity to hear from some of SSDA’s... READ MORE >
Keys to Success in Hybrid & Personalized Learning A 4-week webinar series featuring exemplar hybrid and blended learning schools to help YOU respond to a changing classroom-based landscape with a focus on instructional practice, social-emotional learning, and parent and family engagement. Presented by: All webinars are free to attend and will be held on... READ MORE >
Keep checking back as there will be more added soon! Tuesday, May 5th @ 3pm-4pmDistance Learning STEAM Projects With PiperTodd Ullah, EdD (former Director of Science with LAUSD)Chris Bouman, Piper, COODistance learning is challenging, especially for hands-on projects! We will showcase a lending library type program where students do STEAM projects at home with... READ MORE >
Registration Now Open for SSDA's Virtual Spring Superintendent Summit! Wednesday, April 22, 2020 9 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Presentation Line-Up 9-9:45am -- Coping with Coronavirus Matthew Reddam, School & Community Wellness Advisor, Butte COE Tips for managing student and staff mental health. 10-10:45 am -- Legal Issues & Coronavirus Eric... READ MORE >
Register Now for SSDA's April Webinars! Thursday, April 16th @ 3pm-4pm Using Google Sites to Create a Distance Learning One Stop Shop Sarah Templeton, Technology Department Supervisor, California Montessori Project Kim Zawilski, Principal, California Montessori Project Join us as we give an overview of how we used Google Sites to make a Distance... READ MORE >
CCAP Hosting COVID-19 Webinar California Charter Authorizing Professionals (CCAP) is hosting a webinar, "COVID-19 Webinar Series #2: Federal/National and California Fiscal Updates," on Monday, April 13, 2020 from 1-2pm. Get the latest information about applying for funding and waivers that are critical to your district as well as to the charter schools... READ MORE >
Webinar Explains How Small Districts Can Join California’s Longitudinal Data Movement Be part of the growing movement to use actionable data to help California’s students! Join the state’s longitudinal data system to monitor student preparedness and success across the educational pipeline. On March 18th, the SSDA co-hosted a webinar with Educational... READ MORE >
Last updated 4/8/20 @ 1:58pmDistance learning instruction is something we all are adjusting to. Below you can find tips and ideas that you can use to perhaps make this transition easier. Have an idea you'd like to share? Send it to alyssa@ssda.org We are in this together! NEW - 85 learning games and technologies developed wtih fundingfrom the U.S. Department of... READ MORE >
State Superintendent Thurmond Announces COVID-19 Response Funding Available to School Districts SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today that $100,000,000 in funding will be distributed to local educational agencies (LEAs) throughout the state. The funding was included in Senate Bill 117, one of two COVID-19... READ MORE >
APRIL 6, 2020 WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced today a new streamlined process for providing states funding flexibilities to best meet the needs of students and educators during the COVID-19 national emergency. The new flexibilities, authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, allow schools... READ MORE >
Originally Published Apr 1, 2020 on www.gov.ca.gov Labor and management organizations will work to provide students access to distance learning Governor Newsom also announces partnership with Google, which will be donating Chromebooks and 100,000 hotspots to help bridge the digital divide Governor Newsom: “While schools might be physically closed, class is still... READ MORE >
COVID-19 Toolkit and Online Professional Learning Community In partnership with Public Consulting Group and at the request of a large number of Superintendents, SSDA has launched our COVID-19 Toolkit in our Members’ Only Portal. The COVID-19 Toolkit has tips on how to transition from a... READ MORE >
Global Teletherapy, ZIA Learning, and HyperFocus have come togetherin this time of uncertainty to bring you an informational webinar to getyour school up and running as quickly as possible. READ MORE >
Newsroom News Releases Year 2020 Release: #20-14March 19, 2020Contact: CommunicationsE-mail: communications@cde.ca.govPhone: 916-319-0818 State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces "CA Meals for Kids" App Update to find Meals for COVID-19 School Closures SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today that the... READ MORE >
Due to the most recent recommendations regarding COVID-19, the SSDA physical office is currently closed and staff is working virtually from their homes until a date is deemed safe for staff to return.Staff is available during regular business hours via email (preferred method of communication at this time). You can also call our main office line 916-662-7213 and... READ MORE >
SSDA and PCG are pleased to announce the immediate launch of the 2020 Paraprofessional Academy. The Academy includes online, self-paced workshops combined with a series of webinars for your Paras on the following topics: Strategies to Support Instruction in the Classroom Strategies to Provide Classroom Behavior Support Fundamentals of Classroom... READ MORE >
Release: #20-13March 18, 2020Contact: CommunicationsE-mail: communications@cde.ca.govPhone: 916-319-0818 State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Hosts COVID-19 Webinar to Support Schools and Clarify New State Guidelines SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent Tony Thurmond today hosted a webinar for district, school and county office education leaders to walk through... READ MORE >
The full executive order can be found here. | Weblink to article can be found here. Governor Newsom directs Californians to follow public health directives including canceling large gatherings more than 250 people Order removes waiting period for unemployment and disability insurance for Californians who lose work as a result of the COVID-19... READ MORE >
Register For The FREE Event HereRural education leaders from across the state are set to meet at the FREE @CARuralEd summit on May 6 in McClellan, CA (Near Sacramento). Enjoy a student panel and discussion topics selected by members. #CARural #RuralEducation #EdSummit READ MORE >
California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA) is holding a Rural Arts Convening on April 1st in Sacramento to discuss and provide updates with the progress for arts education in our state. Speakers will include SSDA very own Tim Taylor!Register and learn more here: https://ccsesaarts.org/event/rural-arts-convening/ READ MORE >
Join the Cal-PASS Plus webinar on March 18 to learn about how California's only free actionable system of data connects students from pre-k, college and the workplace. Click here to register for the webinar. READ MORE >
SSDA's 2020 Annual Conference "Setting the Vision for Excellence" March 1-3, 2020 Hilton Sacramento -- Arden West Registration Now Open! Click here to register by PO Click here to register by credit card And make sure to bookmark SSDACon.org for more information and future updates! Hotel Reservation Information SSDA has made special... READ MORE >
News Release provided by the California Department of Education.Can be found on CDE website here.State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces Applications for Summer Meal Programs SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today announced that applications are available for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer... READ MORE >
This week is National School Counseling Week. Make sure to follow us on Twitter @SmallSchoolDA and check out the Association of California Administrators website to learn more and stay up to date with the activities for the week. READ MORE >
PROVIDED BY THE CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION LEADERSHIP OFFICE - The CTE Leadership Office be holding two webinars on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, from 10:00–11:00 a.m. and 1:00–2:00 pm to provide an update of the 2019–20 CTEIG Allocations and to answer any questions from the field. The information for both of the webinars has been listed below: Topic: 2019–20... READ MORE >
The U.S. Department of Education has just announced the what will determine eligibilty for 2020 Rural Education Achievement Program #REAP | Small Rural School Achievement #SRSA and Rural and Low Income Schools awards #RILS awards. U.S. Department of EducationFY 2020 REAP Master Eligibility Spreadsheet Now Available for Review U.S. Department of Education sent... READ MORE >
Resilience Workshops - Don't miss these two-day professional development workshops in Aptos (near Santa Cruz) in February for school administrators, counselors, teachers, and staff. SSDA members receive an exclusive discounted rate of $199 when you use the Discount Code SSDA by January 31st. Choose a workshop that best meets your needs: Creating... READ MORE >
SSDA is excited to announce a professional learning program for Teachers and Paraprofessionals who work in Multi-Grade Classrooms. Working through Pepper – your SSDA Membership Portal – we are going to offer a program that includes a blend of online and face-to-face webinars, with a focus on the following: Building a Common Vision and Approach ... READ MORE >
Small school district charter authorizers are invited to attend this workshop presented jointly by both the Small School Districts Association (SSDA) and California Charter Authorizing Professionals (CCAP), to learn about upcoming changes and fiscal impact of new laws, as well as the creation of new authorizing tools. Presentation topics will include: The... READ MORE >
Please join us for an in-depth fiscal and political analysis of Governor Gavin Newsom’s January 2020 budget proposal. Our Budget Perspectives Workshops will be hosted at county offices of education throughout the state. Click here to register for the workshops. Governor Newsom approached his first budget with the possibility of an economic downturn clearly... READ MORE >
ICYMI: The @CADeptEd and @SBECalifornia launched the 2019 California School Dashboard last week. The Dashboard is a fundamental piece of the state's school accountability program. The Dashboard includes the latest data on 2018-19 on your local district and school like graduation rates, suspension rates, test scores, English learner progres, colleege/career... READ MORE >
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is looking for youth emplyment programs that would like to join the Bureau's 2020 Youth Employment Sucess cohort. The cohort focuses on financial capablity products and services. Between January and August 2020, the Bureau will provide support in the for of techical assistance to ten youth workforce programs to... READ MORE >
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond annonces that the California Department of Education (CDE) was awarded a Literacy State Development Grant for $37.5 million. The Comprehensive Grant will administer the necessary funds for the expansion of literacy efforts statewide over the next five years. “Many of the students who are struggling with reading comprehension or... READ MORE >
Mark your calendars for SSDA's Local Legislative Day on Wednesday, December 11th! You don’t have to travel to Sacramento or Washington, DC to be an advocate for SSDA; you can lobby your legislator in your own neighborhood by meeting with your legislator and/or staff in their district office. To participate, email Alyssa Galloway at assistant@ssda.org SSDA will work... READ MORE >
TonyThurmond and Gavin Newsom visit Blue Oak Elementary School in #ShingleSprings to meet with those impacted by the PSPS. http://ow.ly/6A2O50wYRGR -- READ MORE >
Registration Open for SSDA's 2020 Workplace Investigation Workshops Workplace investigations are necessary to fulfill legal obligations, ensure consistent enforcement of policies, and maintain operational integrity and excellence. This workshop will provide you with practical guidance on: Identifying the scope of the investigation ... READ MORE >
Sign Up Now for SSDA's 2020 Board Training! SSDA will be holding a full-day Board Training on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at National University in Rancho Cordova, CA. Listen to what attendees of last year's Board Training had to say! Good information and good pace. Much needed training for all board members! Love the small district... READ MORE >
An important messaged released earlier today by California Department of Education - The California Department of Education (CDE) again is closely monitoring the wildfire incidents and scheduled power outages that are occurring throughout the state. While the CDE cannot provide an approval in advance, to the extent LEAs have to close due to effects from a wildfire... READ MORE >
No matter how big or small it is important that EVERYONE is counted. Statistics in Schools has provided classroom materials and activities for students of all ages. The goal is to bring awareness on completing the census. An accurate count for the census means that schools are well planned and prepared for the resources they will need when the new generation of... READ MORE >
The following is a round-up from Capitol Advisors Group of what bills the Governor signed and vetoed earlier this week. Signed in to Law AB 5 (Gonzalez) - Worker Status: Employees and Independent Contractors. This bill codifies, the California Supreme Court’s decision in Dynamex Operations West, Inc. v. Superior Court of Los Angeles, which held that a worker is... READ MORE >
NEW! SSDA Executive Assistant Academy October 24-25, 2019 Santa Cruz County Office of Education • 400 Encinal Street • Santa Cruz • CA • 95060 Behind every great Superintendent is an even better Executive Assistant! This is especially true in our unique world of small school districts. Learn how to take your position to the next level by building on... READ MORE >
Register Now for SSDA's SoCal Regional! Friday, October 11, 2019 -- Southern California Regional @ San Diego State University Click here to register by PO Click here to register by credit card READ MORE >
Network with other small school district superintendents while hearing about hot topics, legislative update, and more! Sacramento -- Friday, September 20, 2019 Click here to register by credit card Click here to register by PO Visalia -- Tuesday, November 5, 2019 Click here to register by credit card Click here to register by PO READ MORE >
State Tony Thurmond encourages districts to continue the fight against chronic absenteeism. In a news release, he mentions that there are grants and recognition funds available to support Local Control Agencies. “Students of color, foster youth, homeless youth, students with disabilities and students who are in rural areas have some of the highest chronic... READ MORE >
Below is a list with the appropriate links to taking advantage of the free resources provided by the California School-Based Health Alliance. Below will also be a link to their website to learn more. https://www.schoolhealthcenter... New Resource: Funding Mental Health Care A new guide from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration... READ MORE >
Click here to register by PO Click here to register by credit card The price for the four day, year-long series is $1,000 per person or $2,500 for 3 members from one district. Breakfast and lunch included. Have you ever wanted to be a better, more effective member of your negotiating team-to make a real difference in the lives of your employees and... READ MORE >
State Board of Education (SBE) Seeks Applications to Fill Vacancies on the Advisory Commission on Charter Schools (ACCS), California Practitioners Advisory Group (CPAG), Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE), and Instructional Quality Commission (IQC). Advisory Commission on Charter SchoolsThe State Board of Education (SBE) is currently seeking... READ MORE >
New Member Benefit! Let SSDA Help You Sell Your Surplus Classroom Products! SSDA is teaming up with Public Surplus to offer SSDA members a FREE way to sell their surplus equipment and supplies, from computers to desks to even vehicles! Public Surplus is the premier online auction service specifically created for public agencies selling surplus property.... READ MORE >
September 20-21, 2019 Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown Back by popular demand! SSDA’s 2019 Eye On Education Collaborative provides a venue for small school districts to meet with educational companies to learn about their newest products and services. Participants will also have the opportunity to help shape and offer suggestions in fine tuning their... READ MORE >
SSDA will be holding a one-day Facilities Bootcamp, "Tips for Navigating the Minefield -- Where Small Districts Stumble,” on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at National University in Rancho Cordova – please scroll to see agenda below. Registration Rates: $200 SSDA members; $300 non-members (includes breakfast and lunch) Click here to register by PO Click here to... READ MORE >
Click here to register by credit card.Click here to register by P.O.Prefer to register by fax or email? Click here to download a registration form Registration is now open for the 2019 New Superintendents' Symposium, from Sunday, July 14 through Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at the Lions Gate Hotel in Sacramento. Whether you are an aspiring Superintendent, a new... READ MORE >
Registration is now open for the 2019 Pismo Regional, Friday, June 28, 2019, at the SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel, 2241 Price St., in Pismo Beach. Click here to register by credit card. Click here to register by P.O. Hotel Accommodations SSDA has made special arrangements with the SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel with reduced rates of $199-$239 per night for... READ MORE >
The SSDA Executive board has announced that after a statewide search and interviews with several qualified candidates, that effective July 1, 2019, Tim Taylor, will take the helm as the SSDA Executive Director to replace Debra Pearson who will be retiring after a 37-year career in education. Taylor previously served Butte County as Superintendent of Schools from... READ MORE >
SSDA and Public Consulting Group (PCG) have partnered to bring authentic professional learning to California’s paraprofessionals via a two-part, 15-hour series that leverages high-quality online professional development for paraprofessionals. Learning materials will be delivered through the SSDA Portal and Pepper, PCG’s online professional learning... READ MORE >
Last week, about 180 small school district superintendents, board members and certificated staff from up and down California attended SSDA's 36th Annual Conference, "Rising to the Challenge," March 31-April 2, 2019, at the Sacramento Hilton - Arden West. Over the three days, attendees participated in three Pre-Conference Sessions and 32 workshops, and had the... READ MORE >
"Individual commitment to a group effort -- that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work." ~ Vince Lombardi SSDA is asking our District and Associate members to assist us as we support the schools that were affected by California’s most deadly fire to date, the Camp Fire. We are asking you to help these schools continue... READ MORE >
SSDA is pleased to present a new, easy-to-use, web-based portal for all SSDA District and COE members. Quickly access a variety of valuable digital resources, courses, and workshops in a single place – and at no additional cost. Looking for sample contracts and job descriptions? How about resources on marketing or facilities? Or maybe you just need a place to... READ MORE >
My School Squared is a dynamic web-based resource that helps empower your students and engages your students. By participating in the My School Squared Pilot Program your district can have access to the National K-12 Virtual Library™ and their other resources at no charge to your district, your teachers, parents or students. The cost will be borne by... READ MORE >
SSDA is very sad to announce the passing of Dr. David Evans, one of the Founding Fathers of our organization. Dr. Evans helped form SSDA in 1983, and since then he worked tirelessly to make SSDA the viable organization it is today. Not only was he a true champion for small school districts, he was also a beloved mentor and friend. He will truly be missed. ... READ MORE >
Click here to read about the newest developments in the lease-leaseback battle. READ MORE >
The State Allocation Board met this week to discuss and decide several important issues. The Board adopted regulations that authorize OPSC staff to determine whether a historical building may qualify for replacement funding, even though the funds will go towards rehabilitating the historical building.The Department of Finance audited OPSC’s administration of... READ MORE >
Because of a series recent school district appeals to the State Allocation Board regarding funding for historical buildings, last week OPSC convened a meeting of stakeholders to obtain information for the development of regulations on this issue. Click link below for a summary of the meeting. Historical Buildings 7-14-16 Susan Stuart, Partner Capitol Advisors... READ MORE >
Evaluations Rubrics Top Level Display July SBE Hearing - Major Changes in Accountability, Assessment, and Curriculum ACCOUNTABILITY Evaluation Rubrics Day 1 of the SBE hearing focused largely on furthering the development of the evaluation rubrics. Presentation and Board discussion of the item alone lasted nearly four hours. In addition, there was public... READ MORE >
Senate and Assembly Appropriations Committee Actions Today, the Senate and Assembly Appropriations Committees acted on a number of major K-12 education bills. Of particular interest are the actions taken on key education legislation in the areas of accountability and assessment, early education, human resources, and teacher shortage and support. In total, the... READ MORE >
On Wednesday afternoon, a joint legislative committee had a robust conversation about the school facilities bond slated for the November 2016 ballot. After an overview on current law, legislators raised critical issues regarding the state’s School Facilities Program and whether the benefits of the $9 billion bond will outweigh its potential costs. Scroll down to... READ MORE >
Draft LCFF Evaluation Rubrics Data Graphic Annual Interaction Graphic FINAL Flow Chart One Pager Legislative Hearing We want to make you aware of an important opportunity to provide input on the development of the state’s school accountability system. As you know, the State Board of Education is currently in the process of attempting to develop a single,... READ MORE >
The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) released their recent survey which queried adults and eligible voters on their willingness to support two initiatives on the November, 2016 ballot. Both the K-14 facilities bond and the extension of the Prop 30 temporary taxes polled better than the previous initiatives on the same topics. And both initiatives... READ MORE >
The September State Board of Education (SBE) hearing continued the focus on accountability and assessment and included extensive discussion but few official actions. Below is a summary of the key items, including the Evaluation Rubrics, AYP, the Smarter Balanced Summative and Interim Assessments, Technology, the California Alternate Assessment Field Test, and the... READ MORE >
Jun 22 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm CLICK HERE to register This valuable webinar will help LEAs understand their legal obligations under SEC Rule 15c2-12. Learning Objectives: • What is Continuing Disclosure? • History of Rule 15c2‐12 • Types of Disclosures • How to Implement Policies and Procedures • Designating a Compliance Officer • Monitoring for Events •... READ MORE >