FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gwen Bell
Email: gwen@ssda.org
Keyes Union School District Superintendent Wins State-Wide Annual Award
Dr. Helio Brasil, superintendent of Keyes Union School District, named 2022 Superintendent of the Year
SACRAMENTO, CA, March 2022 – The California Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA) is proud to announce Dr. Helio Brasil, Superintendent of Keyes Union School District, as the 2022 Binderup Superintendent of the Year Award winner. Dr. Brasil recently received the award during the 2022 SSDA annual state conference held at the beginning of March.
“I am still completely in shock over such an honor,” said Dr. Brasil. "My daily focus and drive are to serve the kids of the district and all kids throughout our diverse and great State. I am so very thankful for the support of my district board and staff, who support me daily. They are the true heroes of education. I have always been an advocate for smalls, and I know that SSDA is the true heart of such advocacy.”
Dr. Brasil immigrated to the United States at the age of 9 from the Azores, a region in Portugal. Through his own experience as an immigrant, Dr. Brasil is an advocate for non-English speaking students and passionate about providing equal opportunity for all children to learn. He served as a past executive board member and president of SSDA, and 8 years on the committee of teacher credentials.
“Dr. Brasil is one of the most gifted education leaders in California and now joins other great SSDA past winners that we have selected since 1988,” said Tim Taylor, Executive Director of SSDA. “SSDA represents 539 small school districts throughout California and for Helio to be awarded the State Superintendent of the Year is a recognition of Keyes Union School District and all of Stanislaus County.”
Established in 1990, the SSDA Binderup Award is made in the name of Charles Binderup, who was a distinguished small school district superintendent in California. To earn this honor, an individual superintendent must have made worthy and sustained contributions to the operation of a small school district and to advancing the role of small school district superintendents in the educational arena and the community.
About Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA)
The California Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA) is California’s leading organization in terms of addressing, supporting, and lobbying on issues specific to the unique needs of small school districts. The mission of the Small School Districts’ Association is to provide relevant information and proactive assistance to small school district governing boards and superintendents through legislative advocacy, collaboration, professional development, and support services. To learn more, visit https://www.ssda.org.