CALSA’s Summer Institute is where innovators, educators, and leaders come together to shape the future of public education. Grounded in the theme Somos el Puente entre Generaciones, this year’s conference elevates the voices, practices, and partnerships that strengthen schools and communities across California.
Susanna Contreras Smith graduated from Garfield High School in East Los Angeles with Honors in 1973. She pursued post-secondary studies at California State University, Los Angeles, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Teaching Credential, Master of Arts in Secondary Education, and an Administrative Credential. A second generation native of Boyle Heights/East Los Angeles, her 40-year career in education includes diverse roles in teaching and administration. While studying at Cal State, Los Angeles, Susanna embarked upon her educational career as a classroom instructional aide with the Montebello Unified School District. After receiving her teaching credential, she taught for 18 years with the Mountain View School District. She transitioned to administration, which included the following positions: Assistant Principal, Principal, (Bassett Unified School District) Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Assistant Superintendent of Education (El Rancho Unified School District), and returning to Montebello Unified School District (MUSD), at the time, the third largest district in Los Angeles County, as the Associate Superintendent of Accountability/Compliance, Superintendent of Education, and appointed as the Superintendent of Schools. A fierce advocate for educational equity, Susanna strongly believes all students deserve ethical leadership. Her reputation is that of a passionate, courageous, and hardworking Latina leader. She is also noted for her strong dedication to mentoring aspiring and current school administrators, as the future of our world depends upon courageous, compassionate, ethical, and intelligent leaders. Susanna is honored to have led MUSD and proud of its many accomplishments: three California School Board Association (CSBA) Golden Bell Awards, San Gabriel Valley Civic Alliance Model School District Award, California Department of Education Gold Ribbon Schools recognition awards, and implementation of the Latino Film Institute Youth Cinema Project partnership with Edward James Olmos. The following selected recognitions highlight a career spanning 40 years:
California State University, Los Angeles Charter School of Education “Distinguished Educator Award”
California Legislature Assembly “Certificate of Recognition” as a National Women’s History Month Honoree
County of Los Angeles “Award of Merit” Women of Achievement Award
City of Pico Rivera “Proclamation Support of English Learners”
Los Angeles County Bilingual Directors’ Association “Outstanding Administrator” for support of English Learners
Twin Lakes Elementary School “Teacher of the Year”
Parent Teacher Association-Bassett Unified School District (BUSD) “Administrator of the Year”
Parent Teacher Association-Montebello Chapter “Honorary Service Award” Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) “Charter Leadership Award”
California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) “Hermanas Leading Network” Award
Garfield Alumni Foundation (GAF) “Hall of Fame” Inductee
Harvard Latino Alumni Alliance “Certificate of Appreciation” for commitment to the success of Hispanic students in K-12 and higher education.
Susanna’s dedication to students and adults through community engagement with professional organizations, advisories, and nonprofit boards have included: Soroptimist, Rotarian, Girl Scout Leader, Assemblymember Xavier Becerra’s Educational Roundtable ‘92, Hispanic Outreach Task Force Advisory, Cal-State Polytechnic University-Pomona and Cal-State, Los Angeles University Educational Advisories, CALSA statewide elected Los Angeles Regional 5 Director and Chair of Hermana Leading Network, and ACSA Large Urban School Districts Committee Member. Susanna currently serves on GAF’s Board of Directors and chaired last year’s GAF fundraiser “2025 Garfield High School Centennial Gala”. Susanna is proud to be lovingly supported by her husband Brad, son Bradford, and daughter Jennifer, her family, friends, and valued colleagues.
