I’m writing to you from the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Women in School Leadership Forum in Indian Wells, one of the highlights of my year. There is something powerful about being surrounded by women leaders who encourage one another and help each other grow, all with the goal of better serving our students.

Yesterday's keynote speaker reminded us that approximately 70% of teachers are women, yet women hold only about 30% of superintendent positions. When I entered the superintendency in 2017, that figure was closer to 25%. We are making progress, but stereotypes and barriers still shape women’s paths to leadership. These conversations remind me how much it matters to support one another and create opportunities for the next generation.

The friendships I have developed with colleagues across California and the nation continue to strengthen me as a leader. I am also grateful for the male allies who have championed women’s leadership and me.  Thank you for recognizing our contributions and opening doors to new opportunities. 

With that said, I’m thrilled to share that I am a contributing author in an upcoming leadership book, The Circles We Keep: How Sister Circles & Female-Led Networks Amplify Leadership, written alongside fellow education leaders. My chapter reflects on my leadership journey at Cold Spring, beginning when I became superintendent in 2017. We are hopeful the book will be released next month.

From Indian Wells, I will travel to Tahoe for the Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA) Board meeting and weekend retreat, where I serve as president-elect. Approximately 60% of California school districts are considered small, serving 2,500 or fewer students. Together, we work to ensure that communities like ours have access to the resources and opportunities their students deserve.

One effort I am especially proud of is our partnership with Christian Jackson, who worked with us to develop an AI-assisted facilities master plan template for school districts, which is necessary in order to qualify for Proposition 2 state facilities grant funding. For the first time, small districts will have a pathway to access hundreds of millions of dollars. 

I want to give special recognition to Maureen Fitzgerald, our Chief Business Official, who helped develop the AI-assisted facilities master plan template. Her expertise is making a difference for Cold Spring and for small districts throughout California. At Cold Spring, we anticipate applying for approximately $10 million in facilities funding. Across the state, this work has the potential to help small districts pursue hundreds of millions of dollars for school improvements. 

These are some of the ways I advocate for Cold Spring when my state leadership takes me away from campus. I am deeply grateful for your continued partnership and support. Go Dolphins!

My best,

Dr. Alzina

Register: MoveSBcounty.org/walknroll