2026 CSBA Counties Conference: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 2026 CSBA Counties Conference!

This conference provides a unique opportunity for county board leaders to come together and discuss students’ futures in light of domestic policies and global trends. County board members, superintendents and educational partners from throughout the state will come together to gain valuable knowledge and information in three key areas: advocacy, governance and policy; funding, workforce and educational access; student well-being, safety and success.

As the role of county offices of education (COEs) continues to evolve, CSBA is committed to providing COE board members with the necessary tools and information to become effective elected education leaders. The program will feature member-led workshops, micro-trainings, networking opportunities, and more—offering attendees practical strategies, peer-driven insights, and ample chances to connect and collaborate with colleagues from across California. It is a must-attend event for county board leaders!

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Visit Marina del Rey
View the CSBA Counties Conference Marina del Rey Visitor Guide to find information about local events, restaurants and attractions. Discover what the beautiful coastal city of Marina del Rey has to offer its visitors.

If you require any assistance during your stay in Marina del Rey, please visit the registration desk outside the California Ballroom in the Outer Foyer located on the Lobby Level of the Marina del Rey Marriott.

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12:30pm PDT

Conference Registration

Friday September 25, 2026 12:30pm - 4:30pm PDT

Outer Foyer, Lobby Level

*California Ballroom doors will open at 1:00 p.m.

Friday September 25, 2026 12:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Outer Foyer, Lobby Level

1:30pm PDT

Opening Remarks

Friday September 25, 2026 1:30pm - 1:45pm PDT

California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Speakers

Dr. Debra Schade

President, CSBA

Dr. Debra Schade serves as the President of the California School Boards Association (CSBA), where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the Association’s direction and advocating for policies that strengthen public education across the state. As a member of CSBA’s Executive Board... Read More →

Mike Walsh

Director, County Board Member Services, CSBA

Mike Walsh is the co-founder and CEO of Beacon Results, an organizational growth and change management firm founded in 2005 that works primarily with school districts and nonprofits to help them develop and align their strategic plans. He has both a B.A. and M.A. degree in Organizational... Read More →

Vernon M. Billy

CEO and Executive Director, CSBA

Vernon M. Billy serves as the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director for the California School Boards Association (CSBA). Billy provides executive leadership for the association, which represents and serves the elected and appointed members of the governing boards of approximately... Read More →

Friday September 25, 2026 1:30pm - 1:45pm PDT
California Ballroom, Lobby Level

1:45pm PDT

Trends, Challenges, and Innovative Practices in Special Education

Friday September 25, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT

California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Special education continues to evolve as county offices navigate changing legislation, legal requirements, fiscal realities, and increasing student needs. Join a panel featuring experts in legislative policy, legal guidance, and county office practitioners with deep experience in SELPA leadership and differentiated assistance as they explore current trends, emerging challenges, and promising practices from across California. Participants will gain practical insights, a broader understanding of the statewide landscape, and ideas they can bring back to support governance, oversight, and student success.

Speakers

Damali Thomas

Executive SELPA Director, Los Angeles COE

Damali Thomas is an accomplished educational leader and passionate advocate for equity, inclusion, and educational excellence, with more than 23 years of experience in public education specializing in services and supports for students with disabilities. Her career began as a Special... Read More →

Jovan Jacobs

Director III, Division of Special Education, Los Angeles COE

Dr. Jovan Jacobs joined the Los Angeles County Office of Education as Director III of the Division of Special Education in February 2024, bringing over 25 years of experience in special education. Prior to this role, she served as the Associate Superintendent of Specialized Student... Read More →

Marissa Vismara

Legislative Advocate, Governmental Relations, CSBA

Marissa Vismara serves as Legislative Advocate for Federal and State Affairs at the California School Boards Association (CSBA), where she analyzes legislation, develops advocacy strategies, and builds relationships with policymakers and education stakeholders to advance policies... Read More →

Matthew Juhl-Darlington

Attorney at Law, Dannis Woliver Kelley

Matt Juhl-Darlington is a Shareholder in the Chico and San Francisco offices of Dannis Woliver Kelley. He is a member of the Students and Special Education (SPED), Labor, Employment and Personnel (LEAP), and Board Ethics, Transparency and Accountability (BETA) Practice Groups.

Friday September 25, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
California Ballroom, Lobby Level

General Session

3:00pm PDT

Micro-training: CSBA Policy Toolkit

Friday September 25, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm PDT

California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Strong governance begins with strong policy. This interactive micro-training will introduce the CSBA Policy Toolkit and demonstrate how trustees can use its resources to strengthen policy literacy, engage community stakeholders, and develop effective, equitable policies that support student success. Participants will leave with practical strategies for making policy development a more informed and impactful part of board governance.

Speakers

Mary Briggs

Senior Director, Research and Education Policy Development, CSBA

Mary Gardner Briggs is Senior Director of Research and Education Policy Development at the California School Boards Association (CSBA), where she leads efforts to advance school governance and address critical policy issues facing California's TK–12 public schools. Since joining CSBA in 2016, she... Read More →

Tezeta Stewartz

Senior Director, Policy and Governance Technology Services, CSBA

Policy Tools for Effective Governance Counties Conference Sept 2026 pdf

Friday September 25, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm PDT
California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Micro-training

3:30pm PDT

Micro-training: Legislative Committee Spotlight: Representing County Voices

Friday September 25, 2026 3:30pm - 3:45pm PDT

California Ballroom, Lobby Level

The CSBA Legislative Committee plays a critical role in shaping the Association's advocacy priorities and ensuring county perspectives are represented in the legislative process. Whether you have considered serving on the committee or simply want to better understand its work, this session will provide an inside look at how the committee operates, why county representation matters, and how trustees can become more engaged in advancing policies that support students and county offices of education.

Speakers

Annette Lewis

Region 14 Director, Contra Costa COE

Annette Lewis currently serves as the CSBA Region 14 Director representing the county boards of education on the CSBA Board of Directors. She is part of the Legislative Committee.

She was elected to the Contra Costa County Board of Education in 2018 where she continues to serve.
Sh... Read More →

CSBA Governance Process Flyer pdf

Friday September 25, 2026 3:30pm - 3:45pm PDT
California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Micro-training

3:45pm PDT

Pure Politics Panel

Friday September 25, 2026 3:45pm - 5:00pm PDT

California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Attendees will explore how politics, funding, and leadership shifts are shaping California's K–12 education landscape, with presenters examining the key political, economic, and legislative forces influencing education policy and governance in the year ahead.

Speakers

Kevin Gordon

President and Partner, Capitol Advisors Group

Widely viewed among the top education advocates in California, Kevin is the President and a founding Partner of Capitol Advisors Group. Kevin was the longtime Executive Director of the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO), and previously served as the Chief... Read More →

Patrick O'Donnell

Chief, Governmental Relations, CSBA

Patrick O’Donnell joined CSBA in 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience in education and California politics. O’Donnell has served in California elective politics for more than 20 years. From 2014–22, he served as the chair of the Assembly Education Committee in the... Read More →

Jack O'Connell

Partner, Capitol Advisors Group

Former State Superintendent Jack O’Connell brings decades of public service and expertise to Capitol Advisors Group. During his two terms as State Superintendent of Public Instruction and twenty years as both a state Senator and Assembly Member, O’Connell focused on closing the... Read More →

Lee Angela Reid

Partner and Senior Legislative Advocate, Capitol Advisors Group

Lee Angela Reid is a partner at Capitol Advisors Group. Lee Angela has been with Capitol Advisors Group since the firm was founded in 2012, after spending over 20 years in the State Capitol working on K-12 education issues. Directly prior, Lee Angela served as a consultant on state... Read More →

Barrett Snider

Partner, Capitol Advisors Group

Barrett Snider is a founding partner of the firm and has spent twenty-five years working in California politics. Barrett manages the daily government relations operations of the firm. His diverse experience in both advocacy and political campaigns provides clients with valuable industry... Read More →

Friday September 25, 2026 3:45pm - 5:00pm PDT
California Ballroom, Lobby Level

General Session

5:00pm PDT

Mix, Mingle & Win! Welcome Reception

Friday September 25, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT

Sinder Patio, Lobby Level

Attend for a chance to win a county basket!

Persons with health-related considerations such as multiple chemical sensitivities, environmental illnesses, food allergies, or special dietary needs, may notify CSBA staff at [email protected] when registering for the conference to determine whether special arrangements can be made for them.

Friday September 25, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Sinder Patio, Lobby Level

Networking Opportunity

7:30pm PDT

Movie Night Featuring Possible Selves

Friday September 25, 2026 7:30pm - 9:00pm PDT

California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Hosted by Amy Christianson and Mike Walsh

Join us for a screening of Possible Selves, an award-winning feature-length documentary by filmmaker Shaun Kadlec. The film follows two foster youth, Alex and Mia, as they navigate high school and pursue higher education in partnership with First Star, a nonprofit supporting foster youth on the path to college.

Friday September 25, 2026 7:30pm - 9:00pm PDT
California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Networking Opportunity

12:30pm PDT

1:30pm PDT

1:45pm PDT

3:00pm PDT

3:30pm PDT

3:45pm PDT

5:00pm PDT

7:30pm PDT

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