Region 2 Candidates & Voting Form

Joshua Blackburn, Superintendent/Principal, Shaffer Union Elementary School District

Joshua Blackburn, PhD, is the Superintendent and Principal of Shaffer Union Elementary School District, a rural single site district in Northern California. With experience spanning district leadership, school administration, athletics, special education leadership, curriculum development, coaching, and higher education, Dr. Blackburn has dedicated his career to supporting students, staff, and rural school communities.

Prior to serving at Shaffer, Dr. Blackburn worked for multiple years with Lassen Union High School District as an Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, and Community Day School Principal. His experiences across multiple educational settings helped shape his practical, relationship driven leadership style and strengthened his understanding of the unique challenges schools face in both instructional and operational leadership.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Blackburn worked overseas for three years at an International Baccalaureate school in Indonesia, where he served as an Athletic Director and curriculum lead for a department while also supporting international educational programming and student development. In addition to his administrative experience, he has spent multiple years coaching athletics and mentoring student athletes, experiences that helped shape his belief in relationship centered leadership and student growth beyond the classroom.

In addition to leading Shaffer Union Elementary School District, Dr. Blackburn currently serves as the head of the Lassen County SELPA and serves on the board for Northern California Schools Insurance Group. Through these roles, he collaborates with educational leaders across the region in areas including special education, governance, risk management, school operations, and organizational leadership.

Dr. Blackburn has also served as an adjunct professor for the past eight years, teaching masters level courses in educational leadership, educational law, curriculum, and research. He recently completed his PhD in education and is currently co authoring a book through Solution Tree alongside Tom Hierck and other educational leaders, with a focus on leadership in small school districts.

Dr. Blackburn is passionate about advocating for small and rural schools, building strong relationships with students and communities, and helping educational leaders find practical solutions that keep students at the center of every decision.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW JOSHUA BLACKBURN'S RESUME

Scott Otis, Superintendent/Principal, Bangor Union Elementary School District

Scott Otis currently serves as the Superintendent and Principal of Bangor Union Elementary School District. Scott has been a school administrator for several years as well as serving on SELPA Governing Board in Butte County. Scott is an ethical, fair, and collaborative educator with proven leadership skills in promoting diversity,
equity, and inclusion. Scott possesses strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication skills, and the ability to foster positive relationships among students, staff, and community. Scott is skilled in strategic planning, financial management, and evaluating staff to ensure optimal performance. Scott is committed to creating a positive and safe learning environment for all students. Scott is knowledgeable in state and district policies and procedures and experienced in implementing them to ensure academic proficiency. Scott utilizes skills, systems thinking, and
common sense to promote academic excellence, improve student culture, and build positive community
relations.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW SCOTT OTIS'S RESUME

Jeremy Powell, Ed.D., Superintendent, Hamilton Unified School District

Dr. Jeremy Powell is the current Superintendent of Hamilton Unified School District and active Board Member for the Small School Districts Association (SSDA), currently serving as SSDA Federal Legislation Representative and statewide mentor/support leader for educational administrators across California. Dr. Powell is the National Board-Certified Teacher and Recipient of the 2017 Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) State Superintendent/Principal of the Year Award.

Dr. Powell is also an award-winning California educational leader with extensive experience leading rural and small school districts through transformational improvement in instructional systems, fiscal stewardship, strategic planning, organizational leadership, and community engagement. Dr. Powell has been recognized statewide for advancing student-centered innovation, supporting new and veteran superintendents, and advocating for the unique needs of small and rural districts. 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW JEREMY POWELL, ED.D. RESUME

CAST YOUR VOTE USING THE FORM BELOW! 

Voting closes on Thursday, May 28th, at 5 PM PST.