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!

WI-FI Access
Network:
Password:

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.

arrow_back View All Dates

7:45am PDT

Networking Breakfast

Saturday September 26, 2026 7:45am - 8:45am PDT

California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Enjoy the breakfast buffet open to all registered conference attendees.

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.

Saturday September 26, 2026 7:45am - 8:45am PDT
California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Meal

7:45am PDT

Conference Registration

Saturday September 26, 2026 7:45am - 4:30pm PDT

Outer Foyer, Lobby Level

*California Ballroom doors open at 7:45 a.m.

Saturday September 26, 2026 7:45am - 4:30pm PDT
Outer Foyer, Lobby Level

8:45am PDT

Micro-training: Science of Reading

Saturday September 26, 2026 8:45am - 9:15am PDT

California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Get up to date on key terms, recent legislation, and the literacy landscape in California. Session attendees will learn about policy and governance recommendations for improving literacy and have access to new resources to support their governance responsibilities.

Speakers

Angela Asch

Principal Research Manager, Research and Education Policy Development, CSBA

Angela Asch focuses her research on CSBA’s policy pillars: Conditions of Children and Effective Governance. At CSBA, Angela has authored briefs, fact sheets, blogs, conducted focus groups, and presented on school safety, positive school climate, student and staff mental health and... Read More →

George Ellis

Director of the California Reading & Literature Project, UC Berkeley

George Ellis is the Director of the California Reading & Literature Project (CRLP) at UC Berkeley. In this role, he oversees the annual Teacher Leadership Invitational, collaborates with school districts to advance evidence-based reading initiatives, and consults on projects focused... Read More →

FSheet MTSS for Literacy 2026 pdf

REPD FSheet CA Landscape Literacy 2026 pdf

Science of reading primer 2026 pdf

Additional Resources for Curriculum and Instructional Materials pdf

FactSheet IM LocalRoles REPD 07 2024 pdf

Saturday September 26, 2026 8:45am - 9:15am PDT
California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Micro-training

9:25am PDT

Competitive Edge: Transforming CTE with Pre-apprenticeship

Saturday September 26, 2026 9:25am - 10:30am PDT

Palisades, Lower Level

Breakout session (attend one per session time).

Riverside COE’s Competitive Edge initiative turns high school career technical education (CTE) pathways into paid, state-registered pre-apprenticeships, scaled across two counties through IEConnect, a collaboration between Riverside COE and San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. The problem: many students — especially foster youth and other underserved groups — finish CTE but struggle to reach paid careers. The approach: register students directly with the Division of Apprenticeship Standards, develop MOUs and linkage agreements, and fund the work through grants and Strong Workforce dollars rather than local general funds. Attendees will learn the governance, policy, funding and partnership strategies behind it, review outcomes, and leave with a roadmap to replicate a debt-free pathway.

Speakers

Kermit Boyd

Teacher on Special Assignment, Riverside COE

Kermit Boyd is a Teacher on Special Assignment for CTE Apprenticeships at Riverside County Office of Education. He works with the LAUNCH Apprenticeship Network and regional stakeholders to expand pre-apprenticeship opportunities in sectors like Culinary Arts, Automotive, and Health... Read More →

Forest DeRenzo

Executive Director, Riverside COE

Dr. DeRenzo started his career in 1995 as a Ceramics Lab Technician at Citrus Community College while earning his B.A. from Azusa Pacific University. He taught middle and high school at Western Christian, covering subjects from pre-algebra to AP art history. He worked in the Chaffey... Read More →

Competitive Edge CSBA 2026 pdf

Saturday September 26, 2026 9:25am - 10:30am PDT
Palisades, Lower Level

Funding Workforce and Educational Access

9:25am PDT

AI Can Answer: But Who Is Listening?

Saturday September 26, 2026 9:25am - 10:30am PDT

Promenade, Lobby Level

Breakout session (attend one per session time).

Chatbots are changing how students seek support but at what cost? Hear from experts in counseling and education on why human interaction remains essential and how schools can develop policies to protect students. New California Youth and Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) funding also makes expanding mental health staffing more attainable. This timely panel brings together experts in psychotherapy, school counseling and educational leadership to explore the real implications of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven student engagement.

Speakers

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 →

Scott Kuykendahl

Superintendent, Stanislaus COE

Scott Kuykendall was elected Stanislaus County Superintendent of Schools in November 2018 and sworn into office on January 7, 2019. He was re-elected in 2022 and sworn into office for a 2nd term on January 4, 2023. As Superintendent, he oversees the Stanislaus County Office of Education... Read More →

Jeremiah Aja

Communications Director, Wellness Together

Jeremiah Aja is a licensed therapist and serves as the Director of Communications for the national nonprofit Wellness Together, Inc. He has worked with youth and families since 2001. Jeremiah is a member of the California Department of Education State Suicide Postvention Response... Read More →

Loretta Whitson

Executive Director, California Association of School Counselors

Dr. Loretta Whitson is a trailblazing force in education, known for her visionary leadership and relentless advocacy for school counselors. As the founder and executive director of the California Association of School Counselors (CASC), the nation’s largest state school counseling organization, she h... Read More →

Saturday September 26, 2026 9:25am - 10:30am PDT
Promenade, Lobby Level

Student Well-Being Safety and Success

9:25am PDT

The Big Five: Trauma-Informed Safety Protocols for Schools

Saturday September 26, 2026 9:25am - 10:30am PDT

Malibu/Santa Monica, Lower Level

Breakout session (attend one per session time).

The Big Five is a countywide common-response protocol that uses shared language across schools to ensure clarity, coordination and an effective response from first responders. This multi-hazard framework includes standardized protocols, communication templates and practical tools for wildfire evacuation, student reunification, communication contingency planning and violent threat response. Grounded in a trauma-informed approach, The Big Five supports inclusive emergency planning and developmentally appropriate student preparedness. Participants will learn how districts and county offices can implement The Big Five to strengthen school safety and emergency readiness.

Speakers

Mason Henricks

Manager, School Safety and Risk Prevention, San Mateo COE

Mason Henricks, LMFT is the Manager of School Safety and Risk Prevention at the San Mateo County Office of Education and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with nearly 25 years of experience in public service, behavioral health, and school safety. In his current role, he partners with all 23 school... Read More →

CSBA Big Five Emergency Response Protocols for Schools pdf

Saturday September 26, 2026 9:25am - 10:30am PDT
Malibu/Santa Monica, Lower Level

Student Well-Being Safety and Success

10:45am PDT

Charter Authorizing: Balancing Board Discretion and Law

Saturday September 26, 2026 10:45am - 11:50am PDT

Palisades, Lower Level

Breakout session (attend one per session time).

Charter school authorizing is often viewed as a statutory function, but effective decision-making requires boards to balance legal requirements, local history, community priorities and trustee judgment. This session highlights how the Alameda COE built board capacity through a charter authorizing study session that combined historical context, authorizing trends, legal analysis and practical decision-making tools. Presenters will share strategies, materials, lessons learned and implementation considerations. Participants will leave with actionable approaches to strengthen governance, improve transparency and support more informed authorizing decisions in their local contexts.

Speakers

Alysse Castro

Superintendent, Alameda COE

Alysse Castro is a powerful leader of effective and equitable public schools. She is an expert in Alternative Education that breaks the school-to-prison pipeline and changes lives for students, families, and communities. Alysse is known for building schools that engage students and... Read More →

Juwen Lam

Chief, Accountability Partnerships, Alameda COE

Juwen Lam is a visionary and operational leader with over 20 years of experience in developing and managing strategic initiatives that disrupt inequitable educational systems. As the Chief of Accountability Partnerships at the Alameda County Office of Education, she is dedicated to... Read More →

9.26.26 ACOE Charter Authorizing Balancing Board Discretion and Law pdf

Saturday September 26, 2026 10:45am - 11:50am PDT
Palisades, Lower Level

Advocacy Governance and Policy

10:45am PDT

Workforce Housing as a Governance Strategy

Saturday September 26, 2026 10:45am - 11:50am PDT

Promenade, Lobby Level

Breakout session (attend one per session time).

California’s education leaders face growing workforce shortages, housing affordability challenges, enrollment shifts and increasing pressure to maximize public resources. Workforce housing is emerging as a powerful strategy to recruit and retain employees, strengthen communities and support student success. This session explores how county boards and educational leaders can leverage educational assets, navigate legal and governance requirements, and structure partnerships that advance workforce housing goals. Drawing on California case studies and practitioner experience in real estate, public agency law and educational leadership, attendees will gain actionable strategies for transforming underutilized assets into long-term solutions.

Speakers

Al Grazioli

Vice President, Brailsford & Dunlavey

Al Grazioli is Vice President at Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D), a national development advisory and program management firm. He brings over 20 years of experience in real estate and business development, with deep expertise in workforce housing, real estate asset strategies, and educational... Read More →

Sarine Abrahamian

Managing Partner, Orbach Huff & Henderson LLP

Sarine A. Abrahamian is a Managing Partner at Orbach Huff & Henderson, with more than twenty years of experience representing public agencies, including K-12 and community college districts statewide, on complex real estate and public agency matters. Her practice focuses on real property... Read More →

Saturday September 26, 2026 10:45am - 11:50am PDT
Promenade, Lobby Level

Funding Workforce and Educational Access

10:45am PDT

Improving Graduation Rates of Foster Youth

Saturday September 26, 2026 10:45am - 11:50am PDT

Malibu/Santa Monica, Lower Level

Breakout session (attend one per session time).

Foster youth are one of the lowest performing student groups in the state of California. On average, a student in foster care will attend six different schools and research has shown they lose four to six months of learning with each school change. To help improve the outcomes of foster students, the Monterey COE Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program (FYSCP) has implemented a robust case management program that provides support to students. schools and districts. Join this session to learn how the Monterey COE FYSCP's case management program resulted in a 96 percent high school graduation rate for foster students in the 2024–25 school year.

Speakers

Justin Parker

Program Coordinator, Monterey COE

Justin Parker currently serves as the Program Coordinator for the Monterey County Office of Education Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program. Prior to working at MCOE, Justin was a group home administrator and a child welfare social worker. He has nearly twenty years of experience... Read More →

Saturday September 26, 2026 10:45am - 11:50am PDT
Malibu/Santa Monica, Lower Level

Student Well-Being Safety and Success

12:00pm PDT

Networking Lunch

Saturday September 26, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm PDT

Sinder Patio, Lobby Level

Enjoy the lunch buffet open to all registered conference attendees.

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.

Saturday September 26, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm PDT
Sinder Patio, Lobby Level

Meal

1:15pm PDT

Micro-training: Supporting High-Quality Mathematics Instruction: The County Office's Role in Curriculum Adoption

Saturday September 26, 2026 1:15pm - 1:45pm PDT

California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Adopting high-quality mathematics instructional materials is more than selecting a curriculum—it is a strategic process that supports student success for years to come. This session will explore the county board's role in adopting instructional materials for county-operated programs while highlighting how County Offices of Education support local educational agencies through the adoption process.

Speakers

Ellen Barger

Associate Superintendent, Santa Barbara COE

Ellen Barger is Associate Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction for the Santa Barbara County Education Office.

A member of the executive council of CISC (Curricular and Improvement Support Committee), Ellen has been the chair of mathematics subcommittee for more than a decade. She leads mathematics for the California Math, Science, and Computer Science Statewide Partnership (Cal-MSCS), and... Read More →

Saturday September 26, 2026 1:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Micro-training

1:45pm PDT

Resilience, Mentorship, and Deep Learning on the Path to Educational Success

Saturday September 26, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm PDT

California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Alex Ballantyne and filmmaker Shaun Kadlec share the powerful story behind Emmy-winning documentary Possible Selves, offering a firsthand look at the resilience of foster youth and the life-changing impact of caring adults. Through personal storytelling and conversation, participants will consider how county boards and educational leaders can create conditions for every student to discover their potential and thrive.

Speakers

Alex Ballantyne

Foster Youth Advocate and Student, UC Santa Barbara

Alexander Ballantyne is from Southern California and is passionate about improving outcomes for youth in the foster care system. Having spent eighteen years in the child welfare system himself, Alexander understands firsthand the challenges young people face when navigating instability... Read More →

Shaun Kadler

Documentarian and Filmmaker

Shaun Kadlec’s documentary Possible Selves, following the journey of two teenagers from foster care to college, won the 2025 Los Angeles Area Emmy® for best independent programming. His previous film Born This Way, about the LGBTQ+ community in Cameroon, premiered at the Berlin... Read More →

Saturday September 26, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm PDT
California Ballroom, Lobby Level

General Session

3:15pm PDT

New Charter School Accountability and Oversight Requirements

Saturday September 26, 2026 3:15pm - 4:20pm PDT

Promenade, Lobby Level

Breakout session (attend one per session time).

The 2026–27 budget trailer bill brings about many changes to charter school law, and especially to the role of the charter authorizer. Many of the provisions were implemented as soon as the budget deal was signed. County governance teams should be prepared for all the new components in a multitude of areas that will impact them, such as auditing, contracting and charter oversight. This session will lay out the new requirements and provide a timeline for county boards to hit the ground running.

Speakers

John Yeh

Partner, Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLC

John Yeh has been practicing law in California since 1991. A California K-12 public school product and parent, he specializes in representing and advising school districts in charter school oversight, labor and employment, and litigation. He also has extensive experience in advising... Read More →

Kristin Armatis

Executive Director, Charter School Services, San Diego COE

Kristin Armatis is Executive Director of Charter School Services at the San Diego County Office of Education, where she leads charter school authorization, oversight, and accountability efforts. With more than 20 years of experience in school finance, governance, and educational leadership... Read More →

Stephanie Medrano Farland

Director, Education Policy, Capitol Advisors Group

Stephanie Medrano Farland, a statewide expert on charter school authorizing, leads this work for Capitol Advisors Group. Prior to coming to Capitol Advisors, Stephanie was the Director of the Charter Schools Division at the California Department of Education. Prior to her work at... Read More →

Saturday September 26, 2026 3:15pm - 4:20pm PDT
Promenade, Lobby Level

Advocacy Governance and Policy

3:15pm PDT

Small Investments, Big Impact: Scaling CalKIDS

Saturday September 26, 2026 3:15pm - 4:20pm PDT

Palisades, Lower Level

Breakout session (attend one per session time).

COEs play a key role in advancing equity and improving student outcomes. This session highlights how county offices can leverage Children’s Savings Accounts (CSAs), specifically California’s CalKIDS program, to expand college readiness and reduce barriers to post-secondary access. Drawing on Riverside COE’s experience and partnerships with ScholarShare and the California Student Aid Commission, participants will explore governance strategies and collaborations to scale impact across districts, especially for underserved students. Attendees will leave with practical tools and strategies to strengthen partnerships, align policy and expand college access.

Speakers

Jessica Moldoff

Deputy Director of Research, Analysis, and Program Innovation, California Student Aid Commission

Jessica Moldoff serves as the Deputy Director of Research, Analysis, and Program Innovation at the California Student Aid Commission. She oversees and directs the research and data governance functions of CSAC and manages the Data, Analysis, and Research Team, as well as the Specialized... Read More →

Catalina Cifuentes

Executive Director, College Career Readiness, Riverside COE

Catalina Cifuentes, is a passionate educator and fierce advocate who has demonstrated the power behind effective school counseling, college affordability, and higher education advocacy on behalf of all students. She is currently the Executive Director of College and Career Readiness... Read More →

Noah Lightman

Assistant Deputy Director, Policy & Administration, ScholarShare Investment Board, State Treasurer's Office

Noah Lightman is the Assistant Deputy Director of Policy and Administration at the ScholarShare Investment Board, the state agency that administers California’s ScholarShare 529 college savings plan and the CalKIDS Program. Since joining the agency in 2020, he has overseen the development... Read More →

Ben Johnson II

Board President, Riverside COE

Ben Johnson II, Trustee Area 2, Riverside County Board of Education
Ben Johnson II is an experienced educational leader having served on the Alvord Board of Trustees for twenty-one years. During that time, the district experienced positive advances in academics and facility improvement at all school sites in the district. He continues to demonstrate... Read More →

Saturday September 26, 2026 3:15pm - 4:20pm PDT
Palisades, Lower Level

Funding Workforce and Educational Access

3:15pm PDT

Placer County Reads: Empowering Literacy for All

Saturday September 26, 2026 3:15pm - 4:20pm PDT

Malibu/Santa Monica, Lower Level

Breakout session (attend one per session time).

Improving literacy outcomes for all students — especially English learners, students with disabilities and those experiencing poverty — requires aligned systems, strong partnerships and strategic investment. This session highlights Placer COE’s Placer Reads initiative and the role of Board Literacy Ambassadors in advancing community engagement. The initiative focuses on providing targeted support and access to quality instruction, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to read and succeed. Presenters will share approaches to implementing high-quality supports and attendees will leave with actionable strategies, tools and partnership models to drive measurable gains.

Speakers

Gayle Garbolino-Mojica

Superintendent, Placer COE

Gayle Garbolino-Mojica, one of California’s longest-serving county superintendents, is recognized statewide for her leadership, advocacy, and commitment to educational excellence. Under her tenure, Placer County students consistently outperform state averages in academic achievement... Read More →

Jennifer Hicks

Associate Superintendent, Educational Services, Placer COE

Jennifer Hicks is the Associate Superintendent of Educational Services at the Placer County Office of Education (PCOE), where she leads Early Learning, Educational Innovation and Support, Prevention Support Services, and the Leadership and Learning Collaborative. She joined the organization... Read More →

Placer County Reads CC pdf

Saturday September 26, 2026 3:15pm - 4:20pm PDT
Malibu/Santa Monica, Lower Level

Student Well-Being Safety and Success

7:45am PDT

7:45am PDT

8:45am PDT

9:25am PDT

9:25am PDT

9:25am PDT

10:45am PDT

10:45am PDT

10:45am PDT

12:00pm PDT

1:15pm PDT

1:45pm PDT

3:15pm PDT

3:15pm PDT

3:15pm PDT

Get help with the event