The Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA) is committed to advocating for policies that support California’s small and rural school districts at both the state and national levels. Our legislative efforts focus on ensuring equitable funding, addressing staffing shortages, and local control. At the state level, we work to protect small school districts in Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) allocations, eliminate wasteful bureaucratic plan writing and reporting requirements, eliminate unfunded mandates, and push for flexible staffing policies. Nationally, we advocate for full funding of IDEA, reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools Act, and increased federal support for rural schools. By engaging with policymakers, testifying before legislative bodies, and mobilizing our members, SSDA ensures that small schools have a strong voice in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.

Following the 2025 SSDA State Conference, superintendents from various small and rural school districts gathered on April 8th for a special Legislative Advocacy Day, led by our valued partners at Capitol Advisors Group LLC. This impactful session included direct engagement with representatives from OPSC, the Department of Finance, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, and key members of the Senate and Assembly—marking an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to advocate for the needs of our educational community.