Yuri Calderon, J.D., has been appointed the new executive director of the Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA), effective June 1. Calderon served as chief business official and general counsel at Cold Spring School in Montecito.
Calderon brings to the SSDA a portfolio of expertise and experience spanning some 30 years in serving public institutions and school districts across California and beyond.
“I am very excited to have Yuri on board as our next SSDA executive director,” said Eric Bonniksen, SSDA president. “I know under his leadership SSDA will continue to be the foremost association dedicated to students in the state of California.
“I am confident that Yuri is dedicated to continuing the strong support and advocacy for the small and rural school districts we have the pleasure to serve.”
Known for his strategic planning and leadership capacity-building, Calderon’s strengths are aligned with the SSDA’s mission to support and enhance the capabilities of small school districts.
“His expertise in fiscal management, crisis and emergency management, collaboration, and
team building will be instrumental in steering the association towards new heights of success and service to its members,” SSDA said.
“During his tenure at Cold Spring, Yuri has consistently delivered balanced budgets, prioritized the needs of our teachers, staff, and students, and spearheaded numerous projects,” said Amy Alzina, superintendent/princial at Cold Spring School District.
“He has been instrumental in the design and construction of a commercial kitchen, securing state and federal reimbursements for meals, and the financing and development of a new STEAM and ART building at a cost well below the typical school construction expenses,” she said.
Demonstrating a commitment to public education and public service, Calderon has served as general and special counsel for numerous school districts, providing legal advice and managing complex negotiations and litigation involving public contracts, developer agreements, and collective bargaining agreements.
He has experience in managing multi-million-dollar bond programs for the construction of educational facilities demonstrating his ability to lead large-scale projects to fruition, ensuring the best outcomes.
Calderon’s leadership extends as well to his achievements in facilities planning, capital improvement programs, and construction management. He has guided school districts and public agencies through key negotiations, including utility agreements and public labor agreements.
SSDA serves small school districts in California, providing support, resources, and advocacy to enhance the quality of education for students.