Folsom Cordova Unified superintendent retires to spend time with family, travel

Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD) Superintendent Dr. Sarah Koligian announced her retirement at the end of the 2023-24 school year, according to an email from Koligian. "I have been blessed throughout my educational career with being able to serve a multitude of students and work with caring teachers and staff," Koligan said in the email. "Retirement is not an easy decision to make, because I truly love what I do. However, I am confident in the commitment of our dynamic team of classified, certificated, and management employees who work tirelessly each day to support our students and their success." According to a press release, Koligan said she is excited to spend time with her family, including her husband, children and grandchildren, and to travel. Koligan intends to finish serving as superintendent for the rest of the school year. Her last day with the district will be June 30. The FCUSD board began searching for the next superintendent through a special meeting Jan. 6 to interview executive search firms. Then, the search firms will reach out for community input, including employees, students and families. This process is estimated to take a few months and will lead to a formal interview process. "The goal is to have the next superintendent selected and named before the end of this school year and ready to start on July 1," Koligan said in an email. Board President Tim Hooey said in a press release, "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." Koligian became the superintendent in 2017, making 2024 her seventh year with the district. With the district, she has "supported over 21,000 students and nearly 2,700 employees across 36 schools," according to the press release. She has worked in education for 37 years. "I am grateful for the expertise and collaboration of Team FCUSD and for a supportive Board dedicated to student achievement," Koligian said in the press release. "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."