"Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm."
Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill
Today we celebrate the freedoms that unite us & the values that strengthen our nation. As we gather with family, friends, & neighbors, we are reminded that strong communities are built by investing in the next generation. USSA wishes you a safe and Independence Day!
"Today a reader, tomorrow a leader." (Margaret Fuller)
#USSAReads
#USSAReads
"The journey of a lifetime starts with the turning of a page." (Rachel Anders)
#USSAReads
#USSAReads
Happy Father's Day to all the dads, grandfathers, stepfathers, mentors, and father figures who lead with love, strength, and dedication. Thank you for the guidance, encouragement, and support you provide every day. Wishing you a day filled with appreciation and joy.
The conference concludes with a powerful focus on literacy, one of Utah's most important educational priorities. USSA literacy working groups will share implementation strategies, lessons learned, and recommendations to support the successful rollout of statewide literacy initiatives. Discussions on funding, community partnerships, and student support systems will highlight the collaborative efforts underway to ensure every child becomes a successful reader. The conference closes with perspectives from the American Exchange Project and recognition of conference activities and achievements. Participants will leave inspired, equipped with new ideas, and ready to continue leading their districts and communities toward even greater success.
Day 2 of the USSA conference highlights the leadership, governance, and achievements that define Utah's public schools. Participants will hear from Superintendent Wendy Dau and learn about Mona Elementary's impressive literacy work and student success. During the USSA Business Session, members will discuss association priorities and leadership transitions while strengthening the collective voice of Utah's superintendents. The evening Retirement and Recognition Dinner celebrates distinguished careers, honors outstanding service, and marks the passing of the gavel to new leadership. This day serves as a reminder that educational progress is built upon the dedication, vision, and commitment of those who lead and serve.
The Utah School Superintendents Association (USSA) proudly celebrates the retirement of three extraordinary leaders who have dedicated their careers to serving students, educators, and communities across Utah. We honor and thank:
• Rick Robins, Canyons School District
• Dale Lamborn, Rich School District
• Steve Carlsen, Box Elder School District
Each of these leaders leaves behind a legacy of commitment, courage, and compassion. Their contributions have shaped public education in Utah in lasting and meaningful ways. From guiding districts through challenging times to championing belonging and innovation, they have led with both heart and vision.
• Steve Carlsen has been a steady, trusted presence and a voice of wisdom throughout his career.
• Rick Robins earned the respect of colleagues statewide through his collaborative leadership and community-centered approach.
• Dale Lamborn led with integrity and vision, always putting students at the center of every decision.
Together, these leaders have impacted thousands of lives and strengthened the foundation of Utah’s public schools for generations to come.
As they turn the page to new adventures, we offer our deepest gratitude and heartfelt congratulations. Their leadership will be missed—but their legacy will endure.
Thank you, Steve, Dale, and Rick. Your work has made a difference. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement!
The Utah School Superintendents Association (USSA) proudly announces its officers for 2026-2027. Please join us in congratulating these dedicated education leaders:
• President: Kodey Hughes, Juab School District
• 1st Vice President: Greg Maughan, South Summit School District
• 2nd Vice President: Todd McKee, Cache County School District
• Past President: Dan Linford, Davis School District
Each of these superintendents brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to Utah's students, and a strong voice for public education. As a team, they will lead USSA with purpose, advocating for policies that support educators, strengthen schools, and create opportunities for every student in the state.
USSA is energized by the year ahead and confident in the direction set by this outstanding leadership team. Together, we will continue to build strong partnerships, elevate the work of school districts, and champion Utah’s public schools.
Congratulations again to Kodey, Greg, Todd, and Dan —your leadership matters, and your service is deeply appreciated. Let’s make 2026-2027 a year of progress, unity, and excellence in education.
• President: Kodey Hughes, Juab School District
• 1st Vice President: Greg Maughan, South Summit School District
• 2nd Vice President: Todd McKee, Cache County School District
• Past President: Dan Linford, Davis School District
Each of these superintendents brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to Utah's students, and a strong voice for public education. As a team, they will lead USSA with purpose, advocating for policies that support educators, strengthen schools, and create opportunities for every student in the state.
USSA is energized by the year ahead and confident in the direction set by this outstanding leadership team. Together, we will continue to build strong partnerships, elevate the work of school districts, and champion Utah’s public schools.
Congratulations again to Kodey, Greg, Todd, and Dan —your leadership matters, and your service is deeply appreciated. Let’s make 2026-2027 a year of progress, unity, and excellence in education.
USSA Summer Conference - Day 1 Updates - Building Connections and Exploring Innovation
The 2026 USSA Summer Conference begins with a focus on connection, collaboration, and innovation. Superintendents will engage in interactive networking activities before learning how districts are strengthening communities through volunteerism and service in the "Volunteering for Good" session. The day also features important updates on cybersecurity and emerging technology resources available through UETN. The afternoon provides opportunities for relationship-building through the annual pickleball tournament, followed by a family barbecue and movie night. Together, these experiences reinforce the value of strong professional networks and shared leadership as we begin our journey of "Rising to New Heights."
The 2026 USSA Summer Conference begins with a focus on connection, collaboration, and innovation. Superintendents will engage in interactive networking activities before learning how districts are strengthening communities through volunteerism and service in the "Volunteering for Good" session. The day also features important updates on cybersecurity and emerging technology resources available through UETN. The afternoon provides opportunities for relationship-building through the annual pickleball tournament, followed by a family barbecue and movie night. Together, these experiences reinforce the value of strong professional networks and shared leadership as we begin our journey of "Rising to New Heights."
Literacy leadership will be a key focus at this year’s USSA Summer Conference.
Conference participants will receive updates on statewide literacy efforts, hear implementation successes from districts, and engage in meaningful discussions about how we can continue to accelerate reading achievement for all students.
When leaders learn together, students benefit.
We look forward to sharing ideas, celebrating progress, and strengthening our collective commitment to literacy success.
#USSAConference #LiteracyLeadership #UtahEducation #EveryStudentReads #LeadingForLearning
Conference participants will receive updates on statewide literacy efforts, hear implementation successes from districts, and engage in meaningful discussions about how we can continue to accelerate reading achievement for all students.
When leaders learn together, students benefit.
We look forward to sharing ideas, celebrating progress, and strengthening our collective commitment to literacy success.
#USSAConference #LiteracyLeadership #UtahEducation #EveryStudentReads #LeadingForLearning
"If you don't like to read, you haven't found the right book." (J.K. Rowling)
#USSAReads
#USSAReads
Happy Flag Day! Today we honor the American flag as a symbol of our nation's history, freedoms, and shared values. May we reflect on the sacrifices made to preserve those freedoms and celebrate the unity and opportunity that bring us together.
Literacy improvement is not the work of one person or one district—it takes all of us.
This summer, USSA is convening literacy working groups, gathering insights from local leaders, providing conference learning opportunities, and encouraging reading through our Booked for the Summer Reading Challenge.
Every conversation, every shared strategy, and every page read helps strengthen our collective effort to ensure all students have the opportunity to become successful readers.
Thank you to the educators and leaders dedicating their summer to this important work.
#USSALiteracy #TogetherForStudents #EveryStudentReads #UtahEducation #LeadingLiteracy #SummerOfLearning
This summer, USSA is convening literacy working groups, gathering insights from local leaders, providing conference learning opportunities, and encouraging reading through our Booked for the Summer Reading Challenge.
Every conversation, every shared strategy, and every page read helps strengthen our collective effort to ensure all students have the opportunity to become successful readers.
Thank you to the educators and leaders dedicating their summer to this important work.
#USSALiteracy #TogetherForStudents #EveryStudentReads #UtahEducation #LeadingLiteracy #SummerOfLearning
"Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are."
#USSAReads
#USSAReads
Summer is the time to recharge, reflect, & dive into a great book. Join Utah superintendents in USSA’s Booked for the Summer Reading Challenge! Whether you're exploring leadership, innovation, or simply enjoying a favorite novel, every page is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Summer may be here, but the work to ensure every Utah student becomes a confident reader continues.
This summer, USSA is bringing together superintendents, educators, and partners through literacy working groups focused on supporting the implementation of Utah’s literacy initiatives. These collaborative conversations are helping identify challenges, share solutions, and strengthen support for districts across the state.
Together, we are building a stronger future—one reader at a time.
#USSALiteracy #EveryStudentReads #UtahEducation #LeadershipInAction #LiteracyMatters
This summer, USSA is bringing together superintendents, educators, and partners through literacy working groups focused on supporting the implementation of Utah’s literacy initiatives. These collaborative conversations are helping identify challenges, share solutions, and strengthen support for districts across the state.
Together, we are building a stronger future—one reader at a time.
#USSALiteracy #EveryStudentReads #UtahEducation #LeadershipInAction #LiteracyMatters
"The more that you READ the more things you will know. The more you LEARN the more places you'll go!" (Dr. Seuss)
#USSAReads
#USSAReads
National Safety Month reminds us that creating safe environments is everyone's responsibility. Whether in our schools, workplaces, or communities, small actions can make a big difference. Let's commit to looking out for one another and building a culture of safety every day.
Today we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Wishing everyone a meaningful and reflective Memorial Day.
