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.

12:30pm PDT

Conference Registration

Friday September 25, 2026 12:30pm - 4:30pm PDT

Outer Foyer, Lobby Level

*California Ballroom doors will open at 1:00 p.m.

Friday September 25, 2026 12:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Outer Foyer, Lobby Level

1:30pm PDT

Opening Remarks

Friday September 25, 2026 1:30pm - 1:45pm PDT

California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Speakers

Dr. Debra Schade

President, CSBA

Dr. Debra Schade serves as the President of the California School Boards Association (CSBA), where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the Association’s direction and advocating for policies that strengthen public education across the state. As a member of CSBA’s Executive Board... Read More →

Mike Walsh

Director, County Board Member Services, CSBA

Mike Walsh is the co-founder and CEO of Beacon Results, an organizational growth and change management firm founded in 2005 that works primarily with school districts and nonprofits to help them develop and align their strategic plans. He has both a B.A. and M.A. degree in Organizational... Read More →

Vernon M. Billy

CEO and Executive Director, CSBA

Vernon M. Billy serves as the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director for the California School Boards Association (CSBA). Billy provides executive leadership for the association, which represents and serves the elected and appointed members of the governing boards of approximately... Read More →

Friday September 25, 2026 1:30pm - 1:45pm PDT
California Ballroom, Lobby Level

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...
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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

3:00pm PDT

Micro-training: CSBA Policy Toolkit

Friday September 25, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm PDT

California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Strong governance begins with strong policy. This interactive micro-training will introduce the CSBA Policy Toolkit and demonstrate how trustees can use its resources to strengthen policy literacy, engage community stakeholders, and develop effective, equitable policies that support student success. Participants will leave with practical strategies for making policy development a more informed and...
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Speakers

Mary Briggs

Senior Director, Research and Education Policy Development, CSBA

Mary Gardner Briggs is Senior Director of Research and Education Policy Development at the California School Boards Association (CSBA), where she leads efforts to advance school governance and address critical policy issues facing California's TK–12 public schools. Since joining CSBA in 2016, she... Read More →

Tezeta Stewartz

Senior Director, Policy and Governance Technology Services, CSBA

Policy Tools for Effective Governance Counties Conference Sept 2026 pdf

Friday September 25, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm PDT
California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Micro-training

3:30pm PDT

Micro-training: Legislative Committee Spotlight: Representing County Voices

Friday September 25, 2026 3:30pm - 3:45pm PDT

California Ballroom, Lobby Level

The CSBA Legislative Committee plays a critical role in shaping the Association's advocacy priorities and ensuring county perspectives are represented in the legislative process. Whether you have considered serving on the committee or simply want to better understand its work, this session will provide an inside look at how the committee operates, why county representation matters, and how...
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Speakers

Annette Lewis

Region 14 Director, Contra Costa COE

Annette Lewis currently serves as the CSBA Region 14 Director representing the county boards of education on the CSBA Board of Directors. She is part of the Legislative Committee.

She was elected to the Contra Costa County Board of Education in 2018 where she continues to serve.
Sh... Read More →

CSBA Governance Process Flyer pdf

Friday September 25, 2026 3:30pm - 3:45pm PDT
California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Micro-training

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

5:00pm PDT

Mix, Mingle & Win! Welcome Reception

Friday September 25, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT

Sinder Patio, Lobby Level

Attend for a chance to win a county basket!

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.

Friday September 25, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Sinder Patio, Lobby Level

Networking Opportunity

7:30pm PDT

Movie Night Featuring Possible Selves

Friday September 25, 2026 7:30pm - 9:00pm PDT

California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Hosted by Amy Christianson and Mike Walsh

Join us for a screening of Possible Selves, an award-winning feature-length documentary by filmmaker Shaun Kadlec. The film follows two foster youth, Alex and Mia, as they navigate high school and pursue higher education in partnership with First Star, a nonprofit supporting foster youth on the path to college.

Friday September 25, 2026 7:30pm - 9:00pm PDT
California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Networking Opportunity

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...
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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...
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Speakers

Lee Angela Reid

Partner and Senior Legislative Advocate, Capitol Advisors Group

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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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....
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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

Networking Breakfast

Sunday September 27, 2026 7:45am - 8:45am PDT

California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Sunday September 27, 2026 7:45am - 8:45am PDT
California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Meal

7:45am PDT

Conference Registration

Sunday September 27, 2026 7:45am - 11:00am PDT

Outer Foyer, Lobby Level

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

Sunday September 27, 2026 7:45am - 11:00am PDT
Outer Foyer, Lobby Level

8:45am PDT

County Boards and New Changes to Charter School Oversight

Sunday September 27, 2026 8:45am - 9:50am PDT

Palisades, Lower Level

Breakout session (attend one per session time). Even before the latest charter school legislation, county boards had a critical role in charter school authorizing, as California is in its single biggest year ever for charter renewals — and potential appeals. The education budget trailer bill makes important changes to charter oversight that boards must understand for their ongoing oversight and...
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Speakers

Debi Deal

Senior Fiscal Consultant, California Charter Authorizing Professionals

Debi Deal is a former school district chief business officer (CBO), a retired Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) fiscal intervention specialist, and a former certified fraud examiner. Debi serves as CCAP’s chief financial manager and fiscal agent, she has developed... Read More →

Louise Johnson

Board Member, Nevada COE

Louise Johnson serves Trustee Area 1 on the Nevada County Board of Education. She was born in Reading, Pennsylvania. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Penn State University, a Master’s degree in School Administration from Fresno Pacific University and a Doctorate in... Read More →

Tom Hutton

Executive Director, California Charter Authorizing Professionals

Tom Hutton is Executive Director of the California Charter Authorizing Professionals (CCAP), an association of school districts and county offices of education in their capacity as current or potential charter school authorizers. Tom is a former school attorney who served in-house... Read More →

Yvonne Chan

Board Member, Los Angeles COE

As the Founding Principal of Vaughn Next Century Learning Center in Los Angeles, Dr. Chan has pushed the limits of education and social innovation for more than 50 years as a school leader, policy maker and the founder of the first conversion charter school in the nation that now... Read More →

Sunday September 27, 2026 8:45am - 9:50am PDT
Palisades, Lower Level

Advocacy Governance and Policy

Resources https://calauthorizers.org/resource/ccap-summary-of-2026-omnibus-education-trailer-bill-assembly-bill-126-provisions-related-to-charter-schools/

8:45am PDT

Reimagining Schools Through Student Voice

Sunday September 27, 2026 8:45am - 9:50am PDT

Promenade, Lobby Level

Breakout session (attend one per session time). Student presenters will lead an interactive exercise addressing the challenges of limited authentic student input in governance decisions and of translating student voice into actionable board priorities. Students will first demonstrate for participants a student-led facilitation model that can be used to engage broad student input, co-creating a...
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Speakers

Ethan Duncan

High School Senior at Canyon High School, Director, California Association of Student Councils (CASC)

CASC State Government on a Local Level Director and Elected Student Board Representative
Ethan serves as State Government on a Local Level Director and an elected Student Board Representative at the California Association of Student Councils, California’s largest statewide student-led leadership and advocacy organization. He leads the statewide OnBoard Fellowship and coo... Read More →

Euri Kim

High School Senior at Arnold O. Beckman High School, State President, California Association of Student Councils (CASC)

CASC State President and Student Board Representative
Euri serves as State President at the California Association of Student Councils, leading California's largest statewide student-led leadership and advocacy organization representing over 5.8 million students. In her position, she leads and oversees statewide conferences impacting th... Read More →

Patrick Cruz

Inglewood USD Student Board Member, SABLE Director, California Association of Student Councils (CASC)

CASC SABLE Director and Inglewood Unified School District Student Board Member
Patrick is a senior at City Honors International Preparatory and serves as the Inglewood Unifi ed School District Student Board Member. Passionate about student voice, education, and leadership, Patrick works to amplify student perspectives and create meaningful opportunities for y... Read More →

Kelly Wachowicz

Executive Director, California Association of Student Councils

Kelly Wachowicz is serving as CASC’s Interim Executive Director, supporting the organization through a leadership transition process. She attended her first CASC program in 1983, and has served in a wide variety of roles for the organization over the decades, including most recently... Read More →

Maggie Chou

Claremont High School Site Council Member, Region 9 President, California Association of Student Councils (CASC)

CASC Region 9 President and Claremont High School School Site Council Member
Maggie serves as the Region 9 President for the California Association of Student Councils (CASC) and as a student representative on the Claremont High School Site Council. Through CASC, she has served as a counselor at Leadership 101 and contributed to developing a legislative propo... Read More →

CSBA Counties Conference Presentation (2026) (3) pdf

Sunday September 27, 2026 8:45am - 9:50am PDT
Promenade, Lobby Level

Student Well-Being Safety and Success

8:45am PDT

Supporting Every Student After Mirabelli and Mahmoud

Sunday September 27, 2026 8:45am - 9:50am PDT

Malibu/Santa Monica, Lower Level

Breakout session (attend one per session time). As legal and policy debates surrounding parental rights, student privacy and student support services continue to evolve, county boards and educational leaders face increasing challenges in balancing legal compliance, student well-being and community expectations. This session will examine the practical implications of recent court decisions,...
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Speakers

Christopher D. Keeler

Partner, F3 Law

A versatile advisor and advocate for public education, Christopher D. “Chris” Keeler guides Southern California superintendents and school boards through the wide range of legal matters. Helping primarily San Diego and Inland Empire educational entities, he adeptly counsels clients... Read More →

Greg Rolen

General Counsel, Orange COE

Gregory J. Rolen serves as General Counsel for the Orange County Department of Education, where he advises the County Superintendent, Board of Education, and executive leadership on complex legal, governance, labor and employment, student services, charter school, special education, and constitutional... Read More →

Sunday September 27, 2026 8:45am - 9:50am PDT
Malibu/Santa Monica, Lower Level

Student Well-Being Safety and Success

10:00am PDT

Micro-training: Social Media Do’s and Don’ts

Sunday September 27, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am PDT

California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Social media offers board members valuable opportunities to inform, engage, and connect with their communities—but it also presents legal, ethical, and governance considerations. This fast-paced micro-training will cover practical do's and don'ts, common pitfalls to avoid, and best practices for using social media in a way that builds public trust while supporting your role as a board member.

Speakers

Alisha Kirby

Senior Writer, Communications, CSBA

Alisha Kirby has been a part of CSBA’s communications team for seven years. As a senior writer, she has developed stories highlighting the successes of local educational agencies throughout the state, as well as the numerous challenges they face. In recent years, she has helped... Read More →

Heather Kemp

Senior Writer, Communications, CSBA

Heather Kemp joined CSBA’s communications team in 2021 and currently serves as a senior writer, promoting organizational offerings and showcasing the impressive work that California local educational agencies engage in via the association’s digital and print publications and social... Read More →

Sunday September 27, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am PDT
California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Micro-training

10:30am PDT

Be a Coffee Bean

Sunday September 27, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am PDT

California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Life can be like a pot of boiling water. It can be harsh, stressful and difficult. You have three choices how to respond to your pot of boiling water. Be like a carrot that becomes soft, an egg that becomes hardened, or a coffee bean that changes the water to coffee.

Speakers

Damon West

Best-selling Author and Criminal Justice Advocate

Damon West, M.S. Criminal Justice, is a college professor, internationally known keynote speaker, 4 x Bestselling author and a formerly incarcerated individual, who was sentenced to Life in prison for Organized Crime.
USA Today calls him the “modern day Shawshank Redemption and... Read More →

Sunday September 27, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am PDT
California Ballroom, Lobby Level

General Session

11:15am PDT

Call to Action and Adjourn

Sunday September 27, 2026 11:15am - 11:30am PDT

California Ballroom, Lobby Level

Speakers

Dr. Debra Schade

President, CSBA

Mike Walsh

Director, County Board Member Services, CSBA

Sunday September 27, 2026 11:15am - 11:30am PDT
California Ballroom, Lobby Level

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