Stockton Unified Superintendent Dr. Michelle Rodriguez has completed her first full year as Stockton Unified School District superintendent. Under her leadership, the graduation rates have been the highest in SUSD history, chronic absenteeism has been reduced and literacy rates have increased.

“SUSD continues to prioritize nurturing relationships and creating meaningful, rich opportunities to grow and learn with students, families and staff,” Rodriguez says. 

The theme this year is SUSD Onward: Imagine the Possibilities. “We believe every person in our educational ecosystem — which includes students, families, staff and community — contributes to developing vibrant, confident students on the pathway to fulfilling their individual aspirations,” Rodriguez says. “Alongside dedicated staff, community partners and families, we have mobilized and will continue efforts to bridge the gap between our collective vision for the future and the implementation of equitable, culturally and linguistically relevant learning in these upcoming years.”

Rodriguez says her commitment remains focused on the Whole Child, Whole Family and Whole Community. She held 21 listening sessions to receive input from students, parents and community. From those sessions, she listed 44 priority recommendations and many are completed.

“Compassion is needed these days and on top of that, she takes care of business,” says Art Coleman, department chair and teacher of instrumental music at Chavez High School. “She gives people a voice and everyone matters. She has figured out ways to really listen.”

Rodriguez says that increased safety measures at all school sites include investment in safe learning environments through the implementation of Hall Pass (a visitor check-in system), access control to limit entry into campus and increased camera coverage. She says there is an increase in relevant, meaningful curriculum through Career Technical Education (CTE), Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) and Ethnic Studies to support the modern student.

Rodriguez says there has also been effective use of ESSER III and bond funding to improve school facilities and environments such as classroom furniture, upcoming shade structures and HVAC upgrades.

There has also been an investment in staff around social and emotional learning. There has also been an increase in additional support staff, including mental health clinicians, board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs), Campus Security Monitors (CSMs) and intervention teachers.

SUSD’s focus on educational equity and support for each and every student will only strengthen. Each SUSD student will have the necessary resources to ensure their success on a social, emotional and academic level.   

“We pledge to collaborate with all by actively listening and investing time, to innovate and accelerate learning linked to students’ passions, interests and talents, and to transform our system so all of our students are successfully prepared for college, career and life,” Rodriguez says.

Dr. Michelle Rodriguez had been an educator for more than 20 years and focuses on the whole child, whole family, whole community.