Local and State Advocacy
The past two weeks have been filled with extensive local and state advocacy, collaboration, and shared knowledge around best practices. This year, I have the honor of serving on two state Boards of Directors.
Association of California School Administrators (ACSA):
I was recently appointed to the ACSA Board of Directors, where I represent the voices of children in large and small school districts across San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. Two weeks ago, we had our Board retreat in San Diego, where we discussed the association's priority goals, including supporting the mental health and wellness of district employees, children, and parents.
Small School Districts Association (SSDA):
I also serve on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for the SSDA, a position I have held for the past five years, representing San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Kern Counties. The mission of SSDA is to amplify the voice of small school districts in its advocacy efforts with the governor and legislature. California has 1,019 school districts, with over 60% considered small (less than 2,500 students). Notably, nearly half (46%) of all school districts nationally have fewer than 1,000 students.
SSDA Leadership Summit:
Last weekend and early this week, SSDA held its Board retreat in Newport Beach, followed by its Leadership Summit. I was honored to lead the Veteran Superintendents session, featuring an all-star lineup of presenters:
- Dr. Anne Brown, President of the Cook Center for Human Connection
- Desiree Cocroft from Franklin Covey
- Christian Jackson, CEO of Edapt Schools
- Kevin Gordon, President of Capitol Advisors and Legislative Advocate
- Senator Josh Newman, Chair of the Senate Education Committee
Senator Newman shared insights into recent education bills and listened to the unique needs of small school districts. I thanked him for supporting the Expanded Learning Opportunity Grant (ELOP), which funded our robust afterschool programs last year, a 4th-grade trip to Sacramento, and our summer school program. I also thanked him for creating a base grant of $50,000 for school districts with fewer than 1,500 students, as the allocation per student model doesn’t work for small districts. I encouraged him to increase the base grant, explaining that it cost us $50,000 to run just three weeks of summer school. Therefore, our allocation is exhausted for the rest of the school year, making it impossible to offer both summer school and afterschool programs with only $50,000.
Another highlight was interviewing Adam Brotman, CEO of Forum3.com, creator of the Starbucks mobile app and rewards program, U.S. Chief Digital Officer of the Year, and Cold Spring Parent, about the future of AI. I’ve included a short video highlight of my interview for your review.
Leadership and Happiness Symposium for Superintendents and Community Leaders
I am excited to announce that I have partnered with the Cook Center for Human Connection and the Small School Districts Association (SSDA) to co-host a free Leadership and Happiness Symposium on Monday, August 5th, at Cold Spring School. This event is organized in collaboration with Amy Callahan, Director of School and Community Advocacy for the Cook Center.
During the symposium, we will welcome some of our strongest and most influential state leaders to our new Innovation Lab. Participants will explore the neuroscience behind effective leadership skills, learn strategies to build a culture of happiness in districts, and gain immediate, impactful applications, resources, and best practices.
I would like to extend my gratitude to the Montecito Inn and Cold Spring parent, Jason Copus, as well as the Rosewood Miramar, for providing room accommodations for our out-of-town leaders.
I am proud to share that our registration is now closed due to reaching full capacity.
Creativity and Innovation Lab Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The community is invited to join the grand opening of our new Creativity and Innovation Lab on Wednesday, July 31st at 10 AM.
Recording Project/Music Video CD Release Party
All of our incoming third grade students, chorus students, and fifth and sixth grade Theater Arts students are invited to view the release of their recording project on August 9th at 10:30 AM. We are proud of their accomplishment and grateful for Miss. Di Salvo's leadership.
All School Beautification Day
Our all school Beautification Day is scheduled for Saturday, August 10th from 10AM - 12PM. I love this day because we accomplish so much as a school community. Thank you in advance for saving the date!
Campus Closed for Construction
Our playground is undergoing resurfacing, making the area temporarily unsafe for students. Additionally, we are diligently preparing both the exterior and interior areas of our campus. For safety reasons, the campus will remain closed until our Beautification Day on August 10th. Thank you for your understanding as we prepare to be at our best for your child!
Calendar of Events
July and August
July 31 – Creativity and Innovation Lab Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, 10 AM
August 1 – Registration Packets due date
August 2 – Fiesta Holiday - Office is Closed at 12 PM
August 10 - Beautification Day, 9AM-12PM
August 13 – New Families/TK/Kindergarten Round-Up, 1:00-2:00 PM
August 19 – 21 Staff Development Days
August 12 – Board Meeting, 6 PM
August 21 – Popsicles on the Playground, Meet and Greet 2:30-3:30 PM
August 22 – First Day of School
August 22 – Principal’s Coffee in the Gazebo, 8:30 AM (Thursday)