SSC Newsletter
Superintendent's Letter
July 1, 2023
Dear South Sioux City Community Schools (SSC) Students, Staff, Parents, School Partners, and Community,
It is with great pleasure and excitement that I write this letter of introduction to you as your new Superintendent of Schools. I consider it an honor and privilege to have been appointed your new superintendent and I would like to thank the school board, staff, students, families, and community for their participation during the search and interview process last fall that ultimately brought me here today. Since being appointed by the SSC School Board last December, I have made personal connections with a variety of stakeholders throughout the district, city, and county to learn more about the great people here and the strengths and opportunities in SSC. Although there are many strengths in SSC, this transition of leadership presents a timely opportunity for positive change and for SSC to be even better in the coming years. I am looking forward to the work ahead and honoring the past without being stuck in it.
I moved to Nebraska when I was a junior in high school and graduated from Schuyler Central High School. I have been a Nebraska educator since 2002, serving as a teacher, school counselor, assistant principal, principal, central office executive, and university adjunct instructor in the Omaha Metro Area. My educational background includes an associate degree from CCC and a Bachelor of Science in Education from UNL, followed by two master’s degrees from UNO. I earned my Doctor of Education from UNO and completed a superintendent endorsement at UNK.
My wife, Cara, and I are career educators who value and support education. Cara has worked in higher education while I have had the privilege to serve in K-12 education in several and different positions, school districts, and communities. We have four children who keep us busy and on the go. Gabriela and Ariana will be starting their junior and sophomore years at UNO this fall. Natalia will be entering the 7th grade at the SSC middle school and our son, Sebastian, turned two this past month. My family and I are happy to call South Sioux City our new home and are enjoying getting to know Siouxland.
My transition into the role of superintendent has been, and continues to be, very positive and welcoming, and I thank you all! I am excited to serve the district and community and officially start today! As your new superintendent, 
I am eager to meet and hear from as many people as possible. I encourage and welcome any questions, comments or concerns you have about our schools and can be reached at 402-494-2425. Enjoy the remainder of summer!
Go Cards!
Dr. Rony Ortega, Superintendent
South Sioux City Community Schools