Executive Director
SSDA

Yuri Calderon is the Executive Director of the Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA), representing over 400 small and rural districts across California. With more than 30 years of experience in education, law, and strategic planning, Yuri is a trusted leader known for driving policy innovation and championing equity in public education. A graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and the University of Denver, he has served as general counsel, chief business officer, and strategic advisor to school districts and municipalities statewide. At SSDA, he leads statewide legislative efforts addressing rural teacher shortages, school funding reform, and facilities support. Yuri is a frequent speaker at education conferences and has been recognized with multiple honors, including SSDA’s CBO of the Year and ACSA’s Business Services Administrator of the Year. His ability to navigate complex challenges and build collaborative solutions makes him a valued voice in education leadership.

Sessions

• Better Together: Charter Schools and Small Districts as Public Schools