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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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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
avatar for Jessica Moldoff

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 →
avatar for Catalina Cifuentes

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 →
avatar for Noah Lightman

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 →
avatar for Ben Johnson II

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

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