When vulnerable students need stability, support and opportunity, few leaders have made a broader impact than Christine McCormick, ACSA’s 2026 ACSA Curriculum & Instruction Administrator of the Year.

With a career in educational leadership spanning nearly 20 years, McCormick has acted as Nevada County Superintendent of Schools’ associate superintendent of Educational Services since 2023. In this role, she transformed Nevada County Foster Youth Services into a highly effective, multidisciplinary program that coordinates support across education, child welfare and community agencies to improve outcomes for students in out-of-home placements.

Her leadership extended across numerous student support systems, including the Independent Living Program, where foster and probation youth ages 16-22 receive guidance in life skills, education and career readiness. Under her direction, expanded case management and transitional housing supports have helped ensure students experience stability and continuity beyond high school.

McCormick strengthened McKinney-Vento services by equipping homeless liaisons with the training and systems needed to remove barriers to enrollment, attendance and participation for students experiencing housing instability. She cultivated culturally responsive teams that honor and support Native American students and families. Known for her collaborative and student-centered leadership style, McCormick works closely with district leaders, charter schools and the California Department of Education to develop practical, data-driven plans focused on instructional improvement and equity. Colleagues describe her as highly responsive, knowledgeable and deeply trusted across Nevada County’s educational community.

McCormick also prioritizes professional growth, encouraging staff to share training and best practices throughout local districts. In recent years, she has expanded her expertise in artificial intelligence, providing guidance on its applications in classrooms, administrative offices and systemwide operations.

An ACSA member since 2008, McCormick has served the association at every level of leadership, from serving as treasurer of Butte Charter and Region 3 and president of Region 2, to representing her region on the Council of Special Education and Student Services Leaders, to serving on the state Board of Directors and as the current WASC Commissioner for ACSA. She was a Leadership Coach in ACSA’s Clear Administrative Credential Program as well as an ACSA Mentor, and is a current member of the North State Conference planning committee. Following her retirement from Nevada County this June, McCormick will be taking on the role of Region 2 Director of Regional Operations.

“Christine truly embodies the role of a servant leader,” said Nevada County Superintendent of Schools Scott Lay. “She leads by example and brings everyone up around her.”

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? I had one of my supervisors tell me early in my career as an administrator that the more you give away, the more you gain. It allowed me to help my team grow, rather than being the constant holder of all the knowledge.

What are some life hacks that you would recommend for a new administrator? My number one is don’t read email after 8 p.m. You are not going to solve anything overnight, except lose sleep; it will all be waiting for you in the morning. When I worked on a school site, be outside at student drop-off and at student pick-up. You will be amazed at how many little things you can accomplish by seeing a teacher you needed to talk with, connecting with a parent, or checking in with a student, as well as the benefit of being visible.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? That education is my second career. I spent the first part of my work life as an auditor and fraud investigator for a bank.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome in your current position? The challenge of losing staff because funding has run out. We had so many staff people who were hired with specific funding, and that funding is now expended, and the program has not been renewed. I have not had to issue this many layoff notices since 2007-08.

How has ACSA supported you in your career? As a brand new administrator, Lillie Campbell told me I had to join ACSA. I would not be where I am today if I had ignored that advice. ACSA has provided me with an amazing support network and professional learning, along with a huge school family. I have so many amazing memories and insights that I have gained from being part of ACSA from the charter level to the state level.

The theme for this year’s Leadership Summit is “You Belong Here: Leadership for Every Student.” What does belonging look like for you, your staff, or your students? It’s a deep-seated feeling of being valued, respected, and connected to a community. When you truly belong, you aren’t just a face in the crowd; you are a vital part of the ecosystem. Leaders do that for me by valuing my time and expertise by allowing me the autonomy to lead my team. That is the same that I hope I offer my staff to make them feel they belong in our organization. My hope is that my leaders who work with students provide the same for their staff which allows them to ensure that every student knows they can share ideas or even make mistakes without being judged.