Susan Davis is a retired EGUSD School Secretary of 24 years and a distinguished Labor President originally from Montana. Nearly four decades ago, she moved to California with her husband, Earl, after he left the United States Air Force. Growing up, Susan moved all over the world due to her father's military service, which instilled in her a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives.
Susan is a devoted mother of four children—three daughters and a son who is deceased. Her daughters all live locally except for one, who is a distinguished Army officer and nurse. Susan's personal experiences navigating the special education system as a parent, helping her son from second grade onward, culminated in the rewarding moment when he graduated with honors. Her daughters also participated in other educational programs within EGUSD such as Independent Studies and Continuation school. So she has many varied experiences and vast knowledge within the EGUSD. She is a proud grandmother of six and a great-grandmother of two, with one grandchild who graduated from Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD) and another who is beginning an EGUSD middle school this fall. Over the years, many children have come to know Susan as "mom" and remain a part of her extended family.
Susan's family is comprised of many races, and they have faced and overcome adversity and racism. This personal history has reinforced her commitment to fostering inclusivity in schools. The Davis family has lived in the Area 1 community for over 31 years and has chosen to stay because it is home. Susan understands the needs of this community and has spent many years working to improve it, seeing each effort as an opportunity to help those who are often unseen or unassisted.
For over 15 years, Susan served as the president of a classified labor group, representing the often overlooked yet essential members of the school district. Now, as President Emeritus, she continues to lend her expertise in organizing and advocating for classified staff. Susan is particularly passionate about revitalizing the special education department to its former excellence, inspired by her own family's positive experiences with the program. She moved to the EGUSD specifically for its top-rated special education services and is dedicated to restoring that standard as well as encouraging programs that support trade schools as well as college for our graduates.
Susan's dedication to her community extends beyond her professional roles. She has been a volunteer in the Area 1 community for several years, notably serving as the President of the Florin Girls Softball League for over 10 years and Vice President of the Florin Little League during her children's younger years. She is still involved in many of these children's lives to this day. Additionally, she has devoted many years to supporting the American Heart Association within the district.
A skilled collaborator, Susan has worked across the aisle with various labor groups, fostering positive and productive relationships within and outside the district. Early in her career, she co-created a Parent Support group for parents of disabled children, helping them navigate the world of special education and IEPs by learning to advocate for themselves and seek support when needed. She was also a founding member of Superintendent Hoffman's Partner’s In Education (P.I.E.) group, where district employee leaders worked together to improve communication, create more effective working conditions, and collaborate with district leadership. Additionally, she has served as an Arbinger's Outward Mindset trainer in the EGUSD district, learning and then training other employees in this method of communication and mindset. Her experience within the EGUSD as both an employee and parent/grandparent has give her a great insight into what needs to be done and the work ahead of her.
Susan is supported and endorsed by district teachers, administrators, para-educators, maintenance/grounds/custodial workers, food services, and many other district employees. She has built wonderful relationships with many and knows from the inside what needs to be done to make the district as great as it can be. Known for being proactive rather than reactive in all dealings, Susan is a trusted figure who is called upon by many in times of trouble or need for support and is always there when called. Her lifelong commitment to advocacy, inclusivity, and community service continues to leave a lasting impact on those around her.