FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Eric Bonniksen, President
Email: ebonniksen@pusdk8.us
Dr. Amy Alzina, Superintendent and SSDA Board Member Honored as Superintendent/Principal of the Year
Sacramento, California—The Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA) is proud to announce that Dr. Amy Alzina has been honored with the 2024 Superintendent/Principal of the Year Award from the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA). Dr. Alzina, who holds the role of Superintendent/Principal at the Cold Spring School District, has also been instrumental on the SSDA Board of Directors. As a liaison between SSDA and ACSA, Dr. Alzina served as the Chair of the ACSA Small School District Committee.
Eric Bonniksen, President of SSDA, said, “I want to congratulate Amy on this tremendous honor. She is a true leader for small school districts throughout the state. Her dedication and support enable all students to thrive under her leadership.”
Dr. Alzina has made significant contributions to student success. She served as Principal of Santa Barbara Community Academy for three years and Principal of Adams Elementary School for eight years, where she focused on educating the whole child. Additionally, as Interim Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education for the Santa Barbara Unified School District, she developed a comprehensive learning plan for teachers and assisted in writing the District’s LCAP.
While serving on the SSDA Board of Directors and ACSA’s Small School District Committee, Dr. Alzina has shown her enthusiasm for supporting her school district and all small school districts throughout California. Her commitment to achieving academic excellence is exemplified by Cold Spring’s students, who surpass standards in English and Math. She is a strong advocate for small schools, ensuring they receive essential resources and LCAP support, assisting in disaster outreach efforts to help districts address the challenges encountered after the devastating Thomas Fire and Montecito Debris Flow.
Dr. Alzina’s positive energy is infectious. At SSDA conferences, she connects with colleagues from other small school districts, ensuring a memorable experience. Her passion for running is evident as she organizes fun runs at SSDA events and hosts Track and Field meets for her community’s students at her alma mater, Westmont College. Now in her second year as a strand lead for veteran superintendents at the SSDA summer summit, Dr. Alzina shares insights with small school district leaders on building supportive systems throughout their districts to ensure student excellence.
Dr. Amy Alzina’s recognition as the Superintendent and Principal of the Year is a testament to her exemplary leadership and dedication. Her contributions to SSDA and ACSA have been pivotal in fulfilling both associations' missions.
About the Small School Districts Association (SSDA)
The Small School Districts Association is dedicated to serving the needs and interests of small school districts across California, providing support, resources, and advocacy to enhance the quality of education for students in small communities. Our mission is to empower small districts through collaboration, innovation, and strategic leadership, ensuring every student has access to the best possible educational opportunities.