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CUSD losing Sallie Kjellberg
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Ceres Unified School District will be losing an invaluable leader when Deputy Superintendent Sallie Kjellberg retires following the 2007-08 school year.

"I'm not counting the days," she said. "There's still too many things I want to finish here."

Kjellberg, 59, announced her retirement last month.

"Having worked as a superintendent for over 27 years, I can tell you that this was the most difficult resignation/retirement letter for me to accept," CUSD Supt. Walt Hanline said. "Mrs. Kjellberg has been one of the kindest and generous people I have ever been around in my life. For me personally, she's been my rock. She's been the person when everything seems to be negative she encourages. I see her as an older sister in the wisdom and advice she has given me. She's made me a much better person, not just a much better leader."

Sallie's last day will be July 1.

"What I think I'm going to miss the most is the people I've got the opportunity to work with," she said. "The highlight is being a part of what CUSD has done over the last few years with the building program. I've also seen our academics rise. I love the direction that Ceres is going."

Kjellberg will stay busy during retirement. Husband Sern will be right by her side. They plan to travel to Sweden (Sern is from Scandanavia), Greece, Italy and Africa, and around the United States. They will also continue to golf and hike. Sallie will do some volunteering as well.

"We really want to spend more time with our grandkids," Kjellberg said.

Sallie has worked for CUSD for over 10 years. Prior to being promoted to deputy superintendent last spring, she served as assistant superintendent of personnel. Kjellberg started out as a teacher, then principal in Empire.

Sallie was named Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Negotiator of the Year for 2007. She also received the ACSA Region 7 Personnel/Human Resources Administrator of the Year Award (2001).

"I have been privileged to work with outstanding colleagues," Kjellberg said. "I think Ceres has excellent teachers and classified staff as well. It's a great place to work. It's a place where people are allowed to grow and get better. I truly feel very blessed."