Volume 2 | December 2016
Leadership Spotlight 
Superintendent, Dr. Baljinder Dhillon

What led you to become County Superintendent?  
The main reason that I wanted to become a County Superintendent was to help all students be successful in the K-12 arena.  When I was a teacher I made a difference in my classroom; as an Assistant Principal and as a Principal I made a difference at my school site; as a District Superintendent I made a difference in my district; as a County Superintendent I make a difference in all the school districts in Sutter County by leading initiatives that support great education for all students.

What inspired you to enter the field of education?  
My paternal grandfather and my mother were both educators.  We always had students at our house that needed extra help and when I saw what a difference my grandfather and mother made in students' lives, I wanted to do the same.  It is so encouraging when students “get the concept” in something that they are learning. That is what makes me really love my job!

Do you have a particular goal that drives you?  
I am very passionate about students and their education.  I believe that every student can learn, and it is our job to determine what works for them for any problem they encounter! As a new superintendent, I want to ensure that every student in Sutter County has an opportunity for a quality education.  I want 100% of our young students to have a preschool education so that when they start kindergarten all students are starting at the same level.  I want every child in Sutter County to be a reader by 3rd grade.  I want students to have the tools to successfully navigate their future endeavors.  This process begins with early literacy for our younger students and providing opportunities such as the career pathways for our middle/high school students.  Ultimately, we want our students to be college and career ready for the 21st century.

What objectives do you hope to achieve? 

  1. To collaboratively create a unified approach for English Language Arts and English Language Development, grades K-12.
  2. To continue to improve special education services for students, and enhance communication regarding special education to parents.
  3. To improve community relations and communication by providing community forums and exchanges that will effectively allow for parent/community input, provide accurate and timely information about our schools and programs and further foster ownership by the community of our schools.
  4. To continue communicating to students the gift of an excellent education, and to teach students how to manage and manipulate digital content.

What are your interests? 
I love to travel, cook, and help with projects in my community!

Who are the special people in your life? 
My family is everything to me!! I have been married to my husband Sukhdev Dhillon for the last 27 years.  We have two children; our son is 25 and currently attending Medical School and our daughter is 21 and she is finishing her 4th year at San Diego State.
Department Spotlight 
The Internal Business Staff at Sutter County Superintendent of Schools has fourteen staff members assigned to the following sections: Internal Accounting Staff, Accounts Payable, and Payroll.  

The program goals of Internal Business are the continued enhancement of customer service, cross train employees to ensure there is no single point of failure, and finally to find better, more efficient ways to complete tasks.

The main objectives of the Internal Accounting Staff are to:
  1. Maintain accounting records to prepare financial reports 4 times a year.
  2. Report financial status to CDE, auditor and financial institutions.
  3. Support programs and help allocate resources to reach their goals.
  4. Invoice and collect for Accounts Receivable.
  5. Watch the cash

Accounts Payable is responsible for:

  1. Process and pay bills.
  2. Maintain inventory (including fleet) .
  3. Report Average Daily Attendance (ADA).
  4. Submit Sales taxes, Use taxes and 1099’s.

And finally, the Payroll Department:

  1. Pays people.
  2. Benefits.
  3. Retirement, PERS/STRS.
  4. W-2.
  5. Affordable Care Act (ACA).
  6. Quarterly taxes.
Employee Spotlight
Maria Crocker
Coordinator III, Internal Business


Q: If you could switch your job with anyone else within SCSOS, whose job would you want?

A: Leann Pinkston - As a receptionist she gets to meet and greet everyone who comes to the office and I love to meet new people.


Q: How long have you worked here?

A: I have worked at SCSOS for 29 years.

Q: What do you like most about SCSOS?

A: My favorite thing about working at SCSOS is the sense of teamwork and  comradery.  SCSOS has such a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere and is a great place to work.


Q: What is your proudest moment at SCSOS?

A: When I see someone who has worked under me be successful and get promoted.  


Q: If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you?

A: Celine Dion.  A lot of people think we look alike  lol!


Q: If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A: Chips and salsa or chips and guacamole.  

Q: What is your motto or personal mantra?

A: Treat others with kindness and respect and lend a hand when someone needs it.  


Q: What are three words to best describe you?

A: Reliable, caring, and sensitive. 


Q: People would be surprised if they knew:

A: That I am a good dancer.


Q: What advice would you give to recent new hires?

A: Learn as much as you can no matter if it is your area of expertise.  Knowledge is power.  


Q: What book did you read last?

A: I do not read books often, but the last one I read was about an American missionary falling in love with a Guatemalan man.  


Q: What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

A: Teaching everyone what I know so that they can be successful at their jobs.


Q: What did you want to be when growing up?

A: A singer and dancer.


Q: What is your favorite number and why?

A: 11, because it is the day my Grandmother was born on.  It used to be the number 3 because my kids sports jerseys were that number.


Q: What’s on your bucket list?

A: Tour Europe, visit New York on New Years Eve, travel the US in an RV, and Build a house by the ocean.


Q: Tell me a joke that always makes you laugh.

A: I am not good at telling jokes.  I always tell them backwards or get the punch line wrong.


Q: What three traits define you?

A: Honesty, thoughtfulness, and being funny (at least I like to think so).


Q: Name something you can’t live without.

A: My family.  I love every minute I spend with them. 


Q: What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome so far?

A: Learning the slang used in the US (I am from Guatemala). 


Q: What is your greatest fear (can’t be of someone dying)?

A: Getting lost and not having my GPS to guide me.


Q: What does true leadership mean to you?

A: True leadership is leading people to greatness and showing them the ropes to be successful.  


Q: What would you go back at tell your 13 year old self?

A: I lived a very sheltered life with a very protective dad.  I was given everything and I wish I would have known that not everyone had what I had.  I was naive and sheltered.  
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