Superintendent Dr. Sarah Koligian, who has led Folsom Cordova Unified through tremendous growth and achievement since 2017, has announced that she will retire at the end of the 2023-24 school year. She recently communicated the announcement to her staff through both an email message and a live address and many are sad to see her go.
“I am grateful for the expertise and collaboration of Team FCUSD and for a supportive Board dedicated to student achievement” Koligian states. “ When we see students thriving in class, graduating from high school and becoming the best version of themselves, it’s a result of the people in their lives. I’m honored to have led a district of remarkable and caring certificated, classified, and administrative staff who make each day a great day for students to learn.”
Dr. Koligian spent the last seven years of her 37-year career in public education serving Folsom Cordova schools, where she has supported over 21,000 students and nearly 2,700 employees across 36 schools. During her tenure, Folsom Cordova has opened two new schools, increased its educational offerings to include expanded Transitional Kindergarten, Extended Day Opportunities, Community Schools and seen the growth of Career Technical Education programs and facilities.
In the words of Board President Tim Hooey “the FCUSD School Board is deeply indebted to the leadership of Superintendent Koligian. In her seven years as superintendent of FCUSD, Dr Koligian has navigated unprecedented challenges. Through each obstacle, her devotion to the students of FCUSD has remained at the forefront. While we will miss her steady hand, desire for every student to succeed, and wisdom, we are excited for her to begin this next phase of her life. We wish Dr. Koligian the very best in her new adventures.”
Under her guidance, Folsom Cordova continues to be one of the top-performing districts in the region with outstanding schools and programs that have won multiple awards. Her dedication to making sure every student has opportunities to achieve their full potential has made her a leader for educational equity and excellence. Dr. Koligian has demonstrated an unwavering focus on the well-being of students and staff while maintaining high educational expectations for all learners. She was recognized by her peers as the ACSA California Superintendent of the Year for 2021.
Dr. Koligian began her teaching career as a resource teacher at Madison Elementary School in Fresno’s Central Unified School District and held various administrative positions in the district leading to her first superintendency in 2007 in Golden Valley Unified School District in nearby Madera County. She later joined the Tulare Joint Union High School District as superintendent in 2011.
The Superintendent said she made the decision to retire now because she believes the school district is strongly structured with highly qualified and caring leaders and positioned to thrive with new leadership. She said she looks most forward to spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren, as well as traveling.
Dr. Koligian’s last day as superintendent will be June 30. On Saturday, Jan. 6, the Board of Education will interview potential firms to assist with the search for Dr. Koligian’s replacement, with the goal to have a new superintendent named by the end of the school year.
During the upcoming Board Meeting on January 18, the search firm McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C, will provide a review of the timeline and process for the Superintendent search.