Craig Borba has served public education for more than 35 years, beginning as a special education teacher and school psychologist. Now he has been named ACSA’s 2008 Pupil Personnel Administrator of the Year for his stellar work with the schools, teachers and students of Palm Springs USD and guidance to the state on attendance issues.
Pupil personnel services administrators work to break down the barriers that hinder student success and to develop programs and processes or systems that enhance attendance and learning, Borba said.
“Often PPS walks a fine line between student rights and school safety,” he said.
As assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services at Palm Springs USD, Borba believes all students will learn if provided with quality instructional programs and a creative, positive school environment.
He has been instrumental in developing the Unity Project, providing training, coaching and support for the district management team in the area of cultural responsiveness. He was also the driving force behind the Behavior Institute, which provides coursework toward Behavior Analyst Board Certification.
Borba’s programs at Palm Springs truly take all students into account. He has created alternatives to non-public placement and leadership in expanding alternative programs throughout the district. In addition, he has led a significant restructuring of instructional programs for gifted students.
Among his most significant contributions to public education is service on the state’s School Attendance Review Board, as the representative of school administrators.
“Dr. Borba’s leadership in reducing the estimated 150,000 students who drop out of school each year is crucial,” said SARB chair David Kopperud.
With Borba’s help, Kopperud said, the SARB is encouraging districts to consider strategies used at Palm Springs for early identification and intervention on potential dropouts.
Borba’s four-tier strategy for improving student attendance in Palm Springs USD sets target rates for each school and employs fiscal incentives for reaching the targets. He has developed strong teams at school and district levels and a Community Aide Team that visits the homes of problem attenders. The aides check data systems for at-risk students, rather than waiting for referrals.
Borba said he chose pupil personnel services for its influence on student success.
“I have always valued learning and I wanted to work in an area that ensured students had the same opportunities I had, which was having inspiring teachers who cared,” Borba said.
Borba clearly understands the value of professional development. And he appreciates his membership in professional associations such as the California Association of Pupil Personnel Administrators and ACSA.
“ACSA, for over 25 years, has been my professional learning community at the regional and state level,” he said. “It has provided me opportunities to network, learn and share ideas. I have always appreciated ACSA keeping me informed of proposed legislation and soliciting input from members for amendments.”
Earning the Administrator of the Year Award is a welcome acknowledgement in a career that has positively impacted tens of thousands of students.
“It just shows how far you can go if you work in a supportive environment surrounded by bright, dedicated educators who believe all students will learn when you work to break down the barriers that stop that from happening,” Borba said.
Each of ACSA’s 19 Administrators of the Year will be featured in EdCal through Nov. 3. They will be formally honored during ACSA’s 2008 Leadership Summit, to be held Nov. 6-8 in San Diego. For more information or to register, visit ACSA Online or contact the Educational Services Department at (800) 608-ACSA or (650) 692-4300.