Earlier this week, the Superintendent for Esparto Unified School District, Dr. Christina (Christy) Goennier, was named the 2025 Superintendent of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators Region 3.

According to a Yolo County Office of Education press release, the prestigious award recognizes Dr. Goennier’s exceptional leadership, dedication to student success, and commitment to academic excellence.

“Dr. Goennier, who has dedicated more than 30 years to K-12 education—including six years at the helm of Esparto Unified—embodies servant leadership in our community,” stated Yolo County Superintendent Garth Lewis. “Her passion for equity and deep commitment to community engagement have made a lasting impact on Esparto and beyond. This recognition is well deserved.”

Since becoming superintendent in 2019, Dr. Goennier has spearheaded transformative initiatives in her district, including leading a collaborative effort to develop the district’s Graduate Profile and strategic plan.

Under her leadership, the district has secured more than $15.5 million in competitive grants to enhance student achievement and staff development—many of which she wrote herself.

Esparto Unified, the smallest school district in Yolo County, serves nearly 1,000 students across an elementary school, middle school, two high schools, and state preschool classrooms.

Dr. Goennier’s extensive career in education includes roles as a science teacher, assistant principal, director of curriculum and instruction, director of assessment, assistant superintendent of instruction, and superintendent. She earned her teaching credential and master’s degree from California State University, San Bernardino, and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of La Verne.

Dr. Goennier and other honorees from Yolo County will be recognized at an awards gala on May 12 in Sacramento.

Karla Salvo, Director of Special Services for Washington Unified, has been named the Administrator of the Year in Special Education.

Sandra Reese, principal of Pioneer High School in the Woodland Joint Unified School District, was also named a Silver Star award recipient for Secondary Principal.

ACSA Region 3 represents educational leaders from 21 school districts in Sacramento and Yolo counties, serving over 260,000 K-12 students in cities including Sacramento, Woodland, Davis, and Elk Grove.