Award: Classified Leader of the Year Name: Karla Rhay Title: Chief Executive Officer, California Schools Joint Powers Authority Region: 12 ACSA Highlights: Member since 1994; risk management instructor for ACSA School Business Academy, 2004-present. Behind everything required for the successful management of California schools are the people managing risks, costs and benefits. Without their knowledge, expertise and commitment to student achievement, an effective public education system would not be possible. In California, one of the leaders in risk management and employee benefits is Karla Rhay, chief executive officer of California Schools Joint Powers Authority. Rhay’s work has a direct, positive impact on district and school site staff which in turn impacts the success of students statewide. As the CEO of two risk-sharing insurance pools, CSRM and CSEBA, Rhay oversees programs that address mental, social, safety and environmental solutions, and plans and implements short- and long-term strategic initiatives that support a vision of learning by focusing on external factors that affect student achievement. Under the leadership of Rhay, CSJPA creates school change culture beyond simply providing benefits or risk financing services or assisting with compliance issues. She has worked to implement initiatives that harness student influencers to effect change, bring awareness to and prevent bullying, prioritize student and staff wellness and injury prevention, and train staff.  “Karla has outstanding leadership qualities and sought-after skills as a nationwide presenter on issues relating to risk management and school employee benefits,” said San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre. “Karla has built a sterling reputation as a statewide leader” in these areas, a leader truly committed to making a difference. What’s your favorite book on leadership?  You can’t have just one favorite. Mine are those that helped to shape and hone in on my leadership skills as I started in leadership such as “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” followed by “Good to Great,” and more recently, “Sacred Cows Make the Best Burgers” and “Creating Mindful Leaders.” What’s your favorite quote about leadership?  It would be easy to pick one, but I can’t ... I think I’ve been around a long time and quotes have evolved over years, never forgotten but seemingly replaced by what resonated next. So in order of how these quotes have impacted me personally, they are: 1) “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” – Jack Welch. This is something I realized mid-point in my career. Never be afraid to share and teach what you know. Give of yourself so that others will grow.  2) “The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not a bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.” – Jim Rohn. In my current role, this says it all. As the chief executive officer of two not-for-profit joint powers authority risk sharing pools, it requires strength with finesse, the ability to treat others as you would want to be treated, know your business so that you can lead with confidence, listening always on multiple levels through different lenses and acknowledging the strength of the team that supports you. Over my career, I have had some amazing team members and hope in the same way, I have been that team member for the amazing leaders I have worked with and for.  3) “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou. As a leader, sometimes decisions have to be made that are not popular. Understand that you will never please everyone all the time, but hopefully if you are consistent in your approach and leadership style, believing in the best of others, you will have made a difference.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?  My mom said, “never be a seat warmer” in the early stages of my career which later became “never rest on your laurels” once I achieved my MA Ed. I took them both to heart! What are some of your favorite apps?  Notwithstanding work apps like Slack, Blue Jeans and ScannerforMe, my personal go-to apps center around work-life balance tools like Headspace, Abide, and YouVersion Bible app. And in this day and age of passwords and log in credentials, Keeper Security and Noonlight for personal safety are my must haves. Next, for shopping enjoyment I turn to Amazon for almost everything, Pinterest and Vivino. What’s your best strategy for work/life balance?  I get to come home every day to unconditional love offered by my 11-year-old rescue “puppy” Brody, who I really believe sometimes is part human. I am learning, though late in life, the importance of disconnecting. To do that requires spending time, when able, with close friends who have become family and engaging in external activities and hobbies like gardening. What are the top five life hacks that you would recommend for a new administrator? 

What made you want to become a school administrator?  My mother was an educator and I saw first-hand the difference she made in student lives. I, too, wanted to make a difference and found that working as a classified school administrator not only enabled me to support student engagement and academic achievement, but also provided me the opportunity to further personal educational goals. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome to get where you are?  I graduated from public high school at 16 and immediately entered university upon graduation only to stop one year shy of my bachelor’s. I was young and wanted to gain work experience and opted for a short break from school. That break lasted 20-plus years. Fast forward, once married and now as a divorced mom of a young child working full time in public education and solo parenting, I returned to school to finish my bachelor’s ... but I never stopped again until I attained my doctorate. What are you most proud of accomplishing?  Of course there are plenty of work accomplishments, however, top of the list is parenting. My son is now 26 and though he chuckles at not understanding exactly what mom does, I am proud of him becoming his own person, with his own ideas and beliefs. The statewide recognition by ACSA is pretty special as well. Who is someone who inspires you?  My mother, Dr. Sarah Ann Freeman, who was a strong woman of faith, fiercely independent and a pioneer of many causes in her day. And though she is no longer with us, her legacy has inspired me to push beyond limits and barriers placed before me. What’s your pre-game ritual to get ready for a big meeting or presentation?  Depending on the vibe of the meeting or presentation, I may play gospel and Christian songs of inspiration, then right before that big meeting, sing to my favorite pick-me-up song: “Roar” by Katy Perry. What was the best ACSA event you’ve attended?  Being honored by ACSA at the local regional event stacks pretty high, however, through my career the many networking events like the Leadership Summits where you run into former colleagues, hear engaging speakers and bring back useful information, particularly those related to women in education. I would also recommend every educator to find and attend the Negotiators’ Symposium for skills learned that you will use ongoing. How has ACSA supported you in your career/current position?  Over the 25 years working in public education right here in California, I have participated in ACSA and a variety of ACSA events, symposiums and summits. The Leadership Summit, as an example, has provided tips, tools and new or tried leadership skills on a variety of issues affecting educational leaders. They are timely and aligned with trending school matters. In my current role overseeing and directing two joint powers authorities, I use EdCal and the ACSA Leadership magazine as a way to stay connected and grounded to public school districts, thus never allowing me to forget my school district roots. It is because of this, I believe that CSJPA has become a successful risk pool option for K-12 and community colleges insurance and program needs. What bucket list item do you hope to accomplish this year?  On a personal level, I am on a spiritual journey of self-discovery to discern my purpose or gift through my growth in faith, serving in my church, meditation and prayer. The theme of the 2019 Leadership Summit is “Lead Well: Equity and Excellence.” What projects are you working on which have equity as their focus?  While I can’t erase the stigma of mental health issues or prevent sexual abuse and molestation in our schools, I can make a difference in each of these focus areas and know that I can accomplish this with the support of the amazing educational leaders from district members whom I serve alongside a team of dedicated staff at the JPA office. I see both of these as opportunities to help build compassionate school communities within a climate surrounded by equity and mutual respect for employees and students alike is needed.