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Justin Cunningham – Superintendent of the Year

By Kevin Ogden, Superintendent, Julian Union Elementary School District

Justin Cunningham, the 2013 SSDA Charlie Binderup award winner, has deep roots in small school districts, beginning in 1980, when Justin taught, coached and eventually served as principal/superintendent in the South Forks School District.  Justin currently serves as Superintendent in the Bonsall Unified School District in San Diego County, appointed in 2008. Prior to his current assignment, Justin was the Director of Small School District Services from 1989-2008. In that capacity, Justin served the small school district of San Diego County with distinction. The superintendents of the County considered Justin to be their “assistant superintendent” and he was the expert turned to for any and all questions and requests.  A fellow superintendent shared: “Justin has the intelligence to know the right course to pursue, and the courage to take people there. Justin has the ability to see all the pieces and then creatively and collaboratively craft a solution to both challenges as well as innovative approaches that forge a new path. Justin has charisma and creates relationships that invite cooperation and teamwork. Justin has validated the qualities reflected in the description of the Charlie Binderup award both as a superintendent and as the Director of Small School District services for San Diego County Office of Education. Justin always has a smile on his face and a great story to tell.

Justin is at all times clear and articulate with impeccable communication skills. Justin has made many presentations, which are always engaging, informative and done with a deep insight into the subject matter. Justin’s presentations are full of anecdotes to illustrate his points and to reveal insights into his own personal experiences. His sense of humor is especially apparent when in a challenging situation and he uses humor to diffuse the tension. Justin is honest and trustworthy and confidential in matters requiring discretion. He maintains confidentiality and you can count on Justin to get the job done. Justin is truly a man of his word. Justin is a leader in the area of educational technology and has been working to individualize instruction for each child by meshing the teacher's skills and the tech tools available to the teacher and learner.  Justin uses his interest in music, art, history and sports to connect with his colleagues and his school community.

His wife, Karen, and his board president, Richard Olson, joined Justin in receiving his award. Congratulations to Dr. Justin Cunningham, the 2013 Charlie Binderup Award winner! Justin is a role model for all small school superintendents and an ambassador for boys and girls across the state.

SSDA WEBINAR SERIES

“Small School District Budgeting Beyond 2012-13” trilogy

These webinars will be offered during April, May and June 2013. The first webinar will be a sneak preview of what could be contained in the Governor’s May Revision.  The second webinar will be on the May Revision, and the final June webinar will be on the State Budget for 2013-14. The cost is $35 each (all three webinars for $90) for members; or $50 each for non-members.

PART ONE:  Revenue Estimates, New Flexibility and Planning for Restorations.
Hosted By: David Walrath, Murdoch, Walrath & Holmes
April 29, 2013, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

On April 29^th, SSDA gave a webinar that looked at the state’s revenue picture for 2012-13 and 2013-14, how new flexibility could be provided for school districts, and gave some suggestions for planning for expected program restorations.   We have provided the presentation slides from this first webinar of the series for your use as you prepare for the Governor's May Revision. Click here for the presentation materials!
 

PART TWO:  May Revision
Hosted by Kevin Gordon, Capitol Advisors, and David Walrath, Murdoch, Walrath & Holmes
May 20, 2013, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA) May Revision Workshop on May 20, 2013, is designed to give the school leadership team the general information you need to start planning your June 30 budget document.  Will the Governor change the LCFF proposal at the May Revision?  Will there be 2012-13 one-time money from the January $4.5 billion windfall to buy down more debt?  Will revenues be projected to slow for 2013-14 because they came in early with the $4.5 billion January windfall? 

The May Revision will be your planning document for 2013-14.  SSDA lobbyist Dave Walrath and Capitol Advisors President Kevin Gordon will give you a quick overview of the May Revision high/low points.  Click here to register!

For more May Revision detail, SSDA encourages you to consider the Capitol Advisors May Revision Workshops starting May 21, 2013.  Click here for more information!

PART THREE:  State Budget and 2013-14 and 2014-15 Planning
Hosted by Kevin Gordon, Capitol Advisors, and David Walrath, Murdoch, Walrath & Holmes
June 27, 2013, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The legislature will pass a state budget by June 15, 2013. The question is whether that budget and accompanying budget trailer bills will be acceptable to Governor Brown. SSDA believes the Legislature and Governor will reach agreement on the education budget and the Local Control Funding Formula structure prior to passage on June 15th and the Governor will not make major changes to the education portion of the budget. SSDA also believes that the June 15th legislative budget will be somewhat different than the Governor’s May Revision but will not be a rejection of the May Revision modified Local Control Funding Formula. Instead we expect that the Legislature will make changes while keeping the general policy direction proposed by the Governor.   

The SSDA June 27, 2013 State Budget Webinar will be the concluding webinar of the three part series on school district planning and budgeting. This webinar will provide you with the information you need to restructure at your planned 2013-14 school budget and start planning for 2014-15. It will give you the direction of local control and state education funding for the next three to five years.    Click here to register!