Name: Competitive Edge: Transforming CTE with Pre-apprenticeship
Start: 2026-09-26T09:25:00-0700
End: 2026-09-26T10:30:00-0700

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.

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

2026 CSBA Counties Conference

Kermit Boyd

Forest DeRenzo

Attendees (1)

Get help with the event

2026 CSBA Counties Conference

Kermit Boyd

Forest DeRenzo

Attendees (1)

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