Region 9 Candidates & Voting Form
Please see the information for the two candidates listed below.
You must be an SSDA member within Region 9 to participate in the vote.
You must be an SSDA member within Region 9 to participate in the vote.
Patrick Keeley, Ed.D., Superintendent, Mountain Empire Unified School District
Dr. Patrick Keeley is a purpose-driven educational leader with over 25 years of experience shaping school culture, amplifying student voice, and building systems that support the whole child. As Superintendent of Mountain Empire Unified School District—and former principal of his alma mater, Mountain Empire High School—he has led significant improvements in climate, culture, and student leadership. His career also includes roles as principal, alternative education administrator, assistant principal, ASB advisor, and department chair.
Named the 2025 State Superintendent of the Year by the Small School Districts’ Association, Dr. Keeley has presented at CSBA, CASC, and SSDA conferences and served as a keynote speaker for San Mateo County Office of Education’s “Respect 24/7” initiative. He has also contributed on WASC teams, mentored future leaders at SDSU, and serves as President of the East County Leadership Charter for ACSA Region 18 as well as represents the region on the Legislative Policy Committee. He holds degrees from CSU San Marcos and San Diego State University.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW DR. PATRICK KEELEY'S RESUME
Keila Rodriguez, Superintendent, Meadows Union School District
Keila Rodriguez has served as the Superintendent of Meadows Union School District since 2018, where she leads district-wide systems focused on student achievement, fiscal responsibility, operations, board governance, and community partnerships. In her role, she works closely with the Board of Trustees to develop and implement strategic goals, represent the district with local, state, and federal agencies, and support programs that meet the individual needs of students.
Mrs. Rodriguez has over 29 years of experience in education, including service as a teacher, county office coordinator, principal, superintendent, and faculty instructor at San Diego State University, Imperial Valley Campus. Her background includes extensive work in English Learner programs, Title III accountability, special education, alternative education, literacy instruction, school climate, and district leadership. She has also contributed to statewide work as part of the panel of experts for the California English Language Development Standards and as a stakeholder work group member for the California Practitioners’ Guide for Educating English Learners with
Disabilities.
She currently serves on the Small School Districts’ Association Board of Directors as the Region 9 representative and as Vice President of Membership for ACSA Region 18 Imperial County Charter. She also served two terms as a Commissioner on the California Department of Education’s Advisory Commission on Special Education. Mrs. Rodriguez is passionate about advocating for small and rural school districts, strengthening leadership networks, and ensuring that all students—especially English Learners, students with disabilities, and students in underserved communities—have access to the support they need to succeed.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW KEILA RODRIGUEZ'S RESUME
CAST YOUR VOTE USING THE FORM BELOW!
Voting closes on Thursday, May 28th, at 5 PM PST.