Lake County, CA - Konocti Unified School District Superintendent (KUSD) Becky Salato, Ed.D., is a “five-foot-nothing powerhouse” who takes on the hardest, messiest challenges so she can help students thrive, according to those who work with her. In recognition of her efforts, the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) named Salato the 2024 Region 4 Superintendent of the Year.
Five years ago, Konocti Unified was looking for a new superintendent. The district had been struggling for years. It was under state scrutiny for budget shortfalls and program deficiencies. School board members worried they would not be able to find a qualified superintendent given the district’s challenges. At that time, Salato was a successful educational coach and consultant. However, she had been considering how she could make a deeper impact–the kind that is only possible with a long-term commitment. When she saw the KUSD job opening, she applied.
Since then, she has taken the approach of “getting better at getting better” to make notable improvements in Lake County’s biggest school district. She is proud of the district’s accomplishments in recent years and says her work is far from over.
“When I arrived, I saw a district full of potential but faced with some significant challenges. Working with the team, we created a five-year plan to improve our academic standing. We became laser-focused on implementing new curriculum, investing in our teachers, and holding ourselves to a higher standard. Now, we’re seeing real progress. In education, there is no finish line. There is only continuous improvement,” she said.
Lake County Superintendent of Schools Brock Falkenberg lauded Salato for her dedication to students in Lake County.
“Becky Salato is a dedicated educational leader committed to improving student outcomes through strategic, data-driven decision-making. With a focus on growth and access, she fosters a culture of continuous improvement, empowering educators to create engaging learning environments that support the success of every student. Through her leadership, Becky drives meaningful change, ensuring all students have access to the resources, support, and opportunities needed to thrive.”
Deputy Superintendent Becky Walker agreed, adding, “She’s a champion ready to do battle all the time. She knows her stuff and she looks for ways to make real and lasting change. I first met her years ago when I was the principal of Fort Bragg High School in Mendocino County and she was an Action Learning coach. Our work together made me a better principal.”
Salato is a systems thinker who plays the long game. She values collaboration and builds relationships with those who can help her support students and their families, from education colleagues to policy makers and local leaders.
Fellow Lake County school district superintendent Dr. Nicki Thomas of Kelseyville Unified said, “Becky has been an instrumental leader in our county and someone I turn to often for advice as a new superintendent. She is fiercely driven to do what is best for kids, and that type of leader is what is needed in today's world!”
KUSD Director of Instructional Support Services Dr. Shellie Perry said, “Becky is thinking about how to do things today, so they bring about the changes she wants to see ten years from now. She’s like an orchestra conductor, pulling all the musicians together so we can play our part at the perfect time.”
Salato said that change takes time and believes that as long as Konocti Unified maintains a system that works for students of all skill levels, it can’t go wrong. She noted that high-performing districts often preserve their focus over time, while low-performing districts bounce from program to program looking for quick fixes.
“We are staying the course. We see progress so we know our approach is working,” she said.
The ACSA is the largest umbrella organization for school leaders in the United States, serving more than 17,000 California educators. Region 4 covers Lake County, Mendocino County, Sonoma County, Napa County, Marin County, Solano County, and Vallejo City.
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Konocti Unified School District, located in Lake County, California, serves more than 3,600 students in grades TK-12 with public schools located in the cities of Clearlake, Clearlake Oaks, and Lower Lake. The KUSD mission is to provide students with an engaging curriculum, high-quality staff, and learning experiences which prepare them to succeed in a diverse and ever-changing society. We will provide an environment free of emotional and physical violence while nurturing innovation and individuality. We build partnerships with parents and the community which support student learning.