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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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

3:45pm 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

1:45pm PDT

3:45pm PDT

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