Name: Charter Authorizing: Balancing Board Discretion and Law
Start: 2026-09-26T10:45:00-0700
End: 2026-09-26T11:50:00-0700

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.

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

2026 CSBA Counties Conference

Alysse Castro

Juwen Lam

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