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Association of California School Administrators
Association of California School Administrators
Retiring superintendents share proudest moments
ACSA recognized retiring leaders during Symposium
February 15, 2021
ACSA honored the following retiring superintendents with a slideshow during the 2021 Virtual Superintendents’ Symposium. Superintendents shared photos, what they enjoyed most about their career and advice for new administrators.
Here, they share their proudest accomplishments during their service to California students: Elliott Duchon, Jurupa Unified School District “The success of our students who had all the odds against them and the amazing administrators who have done the heavy lifting.” Sue Field, Ed.D., Bennett Valley Union “What makes me most proud is to see the positive, student-centered culture my district enjoys today, which has evolved over time from one of mavericks to a team of connected, collaborative, creative and talented professionals who have institutionalized a positive and nurturing district culture and a commitment to the success of our students and each other.” Kelly Graham, Ackerman Carter School District “Building a Learning Center program for our special education students that is all inclusive to both general education and special education students where both feel like they are a priority in a non-threatening environment. Construction of a new Gym and Multipurpose Center working with local partners and without a local bond or taxpayer dollars.”
Kathy Granger, Mountain Empire Unified School District “Getting a much needed bond measure passed. Building a strong sense of family and a positive district culture among our families, staff and administration.” Michelle Harmeier, San Carlos School District “Building a strong leadership team that has created a positive teaching and learning culture for ALL students.” Donna Lewis, Goleta Union School District “I take great pride that we made significant academic gains in math and English Language Arts, focused on Professional Learning Communities, established robust equity work, launched our first Dual Language Immersion program and lead through times of disaster including the Thomas Fire, Holiday Fire and global pandemic.” Sandra Lyon, Palm Springs Unified “I am most proud of being a part of so many stellar teams in every district I’ve worked who truly did whatever it took to further outcomes for students. I can think of nothing more rewarding.” Linda Luna, Washington USD in West Sacramento “I am most proud of teaching others and leading with an equitable lens to the school districts I have served. Systems and policies have changed in West Sacramento to make decisions for the needs of ALL students. Programs have changed to provide a holistic education for all students. As a professional musician and product of public education, all students in the three districts I have served in have created equitable access for all students to receive music education and the arts in their educational schedules. One would be surprised at how the arts keep our students engaged and connected to school and achievement.” Diane Morgenstern, Mountain Elementary School District “Small districts are nimble and capable of accelerated growth and innovation. I am proud of stewarding the sacred community connections in our small district while advancing broad initiatives on curriculum alignment, trust and partnership with labor, passing and completing our first school bond, embracing the arts and maintaining an open door for all to feel heard and supported.” Tony Rodriguez, Tulare Joint Union High School “I am proud to have successfully improved our graduation and dropout rates, having the highest graduation rate and lowest dropout rate in Tulare County.” Mike Scully, Browns Elementary School District “Building lasting relationships with employees and students.” Scott Siegel, Ceres Unified School District “Our excellent relationship with our labor partners, our six-year-old one-to-one program featuring a take home Chromebook for every K-12 student, and our extensive mental health programs.” Jonathan Sison, Big Sur Unified School District “Serving students and leading the district through challenging times.” Amy Slavensky, Ph.D., Amador County Unified School District “I am most proud of developing and being part of a very strong leadership team focused on instructional coaching, multi-tiered systems of support, and the social-emotional well-being and academic success of our students.” Judy White, Riverside County Office of Education “Riverside County reaching over 90 percent graduation rates and implementing the Kindness Initiative.”