Learn about California’s ethics laws designed to ensure public officials serve with loyalty and integrity. This comprehensive training meets statutory requirements and covers applicable laws, includes hypothetical scenarios for deeper understanding, and provides resources for further learning. Attendees will receive a certificate of completion. Required every two years under Assembly Bill 2158, this training is mandatory for all school board members, regardless of compensation.
Conference registrants are invited to join this optional masterclass, specifically tailored for education leaders and county board members. Gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills essential for effective advocacy and navigating the legislative landscape. Learn how to influence decision-makers, build strategic alliances and drive meaningful change in your community and beyond. Participation must be selected during registration. There is no additional fee for registered attendees.
A former Legislative staff member for over 20 years, Chris Reefe joined CSBA in 2021 as its Legislative Director. He previously worked for a number of elected officials and policy committees, including State Superintendents of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell and Tom Torlakson... Read More →
Hosted by Kevin Gordon, Capitol Advisors Group; Jack O'Connell, Capitol Advisors Group; Barrett Snider, Capitol Advisors Group; Rick Shea, San Diego COE Held in Pebble/Beach, HRB Historic budget challenges follow California's largest school investments, primarily due to Proposition 98. Protecting these funds and navigating political dynamics will be key. New legislators and leaders facing budget cuts for the first time add to the complexity. This panel will explore the implications and strategies for school leaders.
Enjoy this excellent opportunity to mingle with colleagues from across the state. Please note that the no-host bar will only accept credit cards. Held on the Monterey Terrace, HRB
Join us to explore the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP) and discover how School Boards play a pivotal role in elevating Community School implementation by leveraging their deep community knowledge to foster impactful collaborations, supporting the holistic development of the whole-child. During this session, learn how these efforts lead to increased outcomes for students as we delve into an overview of the program and identify opportunities for advocacy/engagement.
This presentation will provide attendees with guidance regarding how the interdistrict appeals process can engage a local educational community. The presentation will also cover the technical details of conducting and deciding interdistrict appeals for a county board.
In 2023-24, the Alameda County Office of Education embarked on a year-long learning journey in partnership with the Superintendent of Schools, Board of Trustees and staff members to strengthen charter authorizing capacity across all levels of the organization. Staff members collaborated with a designated charter liaison board trustee to review and present data during monthly board meetings, strengthening the foundation for the upcoming year of renewals, potential appeals and material revisions. This session will focus on sharing lessons learned from this year-long process and provide an opportunity for participants to reflect on how to shift the lens of board members from charter governance to charter authorization.
You may be alarmed by the statistics of students who have contemplated suicide. Lack of hope for a positive future can be overcome by providing students with great curricular resources, developed by large companies and foundations to showcase diverse employees in lesser-known jobs, many of which do not require a four-year college degree. You will leave this presentation with high-quality, standards-aligned curriculum that is FREE for schools to use. Your county office can be a leader for your districts by making this available through local workshops.
The Truth About Reading is a powerful documentary that exposes the gravity of the illiteracy crisis and the hope found in the solutions available to us. The film adopts a "train, don't blame" approach, emphasizing that equipping educators with proper tools is key. After viewing, we’ll discuss what we can do as educators to tackle curriculum challenges and how new research highlights better methods for reading instruction. You'll walk away feeling empowered to take action to end illiteracy.
After a few years of a political and legislative truce among the titans of education politics, the charter community, and organized labor, contentious debate has resumed in Sacramento. Two bills covered issues as varied as Verified Data and district’s ability to preserve their financial health with the ability to deny a petition based on fiscal impact. This session provides insights into the political environment and potential ways charter school law may be impacted in the future. The discussion will also cover charter school renewals and how current law is being implemented.
County boards of education and county superintendents have both separate and shared roles and responsibilities. To serve students effectively, both must work collaboratively. Board members, when you attend this workshop session you will receive a comprehensive overview of the roles and responsibilities of county boards of education and where collaboration with county superintendents is critical. The session will include in-depth discussions of critical issues such as budget approval, court schools, charter and student appeals, and setting the superintendent's salary.
County Educational Innovations will be a panel with county board members and superintendents from Los Angeles, Sacramento, Riverside, and San Diego who will discuss cutting edge innovations established in each county. Los Angeles will describe the AI Task Force to assist LEAs with assessment, vetting of vendors, pilot testing, empowering staff, communications and budget to roll out emergent AI. Sacramento will discuss their partnership with Dept of Health to place mental health clinicians at every school paid for by reimbursements, San Diego will describe their Innovations Center Global Academy to provide U.S. and Mexico high school diplomas for U.S students living across the Mexican border. Riverside will describe their Executive Coaching and Governance Training to address the high turnover of Superintendent Leadership and the pandemic challenges facing county boards.
Davis Campbell, UC Davis School of Education Dean’s Board of Advisors and former CSBA CEO & Executive Director County board members will gain essential strategies for effective governance, tailored to their unique responsibilities and challenges. Learn best practices for leadership, collaboration and decision making to enhance board effectiveness and drive positive outcomes for all children in your county.
The topic of reading has been center stage for educators, families, legislators, and others. County Boards of Education have an opportunity to help educate communities on current reading initiatives and serve as a conduit between local educators and legislators on this topic. The San Mateo County Office of Education has been leading this work with school districts, and the County Board of Education has prioritized reading instruction and serving students with dyslexia in their advocacy work. The San Mateo County team will provide an overview of the science of reading, address myths and misconceptions, and offer recommendations on building community support for integrated approaches to reading instruction. The team will also address the state requirement for districts to conduct universal screening for reading beginning with the 2025-26 school year and share materials board members can use in their education and advocacy work.
Charter petitions for new schools and renewals are back, and so are appeals. The rules have changed. Charter oversight is under high scrutiny. Get the latest from the CDE-funded Charter Authorizer Support Initiative on the county board’s role, especially in high-stakes decisions with big implications for students. Learn about changes in law, board tips, and successful authorizing best practices and tools that county offices, large or small, can replicate and adapt locally. Bring your questions!
Education workforce housing is usually framed as an issue for districts to address, but many COEs have found ways to address the housing unaffordability crisis that educators in their county face. In this presentation, you will hear from a panel of county trustees and staff on their distinct approaches to education workforce housing. We’ll cover strategies including creating a JPA with a local district, buying and renovating units for educator use, facilitating a county-wide network, and more.
MCOE’s new ELP Early Learning Discovery STEAM Program, opened adjoining to a partnering community college, is designed to ignite curiosity, foster a love for learning, and offer hands-on activities in STEAM that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving for our very young learners. The nurturing environment, guided by expert educators, focuses on identifying and supporting special education needs, ensuring every child thrives in an inclusive environment and discovers the joy of exploration and learning from an early age.
Monterey County Superintendent of Schools, Monterey County Board of Education
Dr. Deneen Guss was sworn in as the Monterey County Superintendent of Schools in January 2019 for her first term of office and began her second term in January 2023. Dr. Guss continually supports Monterey County’s 24 local school districts, eight charter schools, and the over 70,000... Read More →
Board President, Trustee Area Four, Monterey County Board of Education
Ms. Janet Wohlgemuth was first elected to the Monterey County Board of Education in November 2015. She was born and raised in Monterey County, attended local schools and received her degree in Fire Science from Hartnell Community College. For over 30 years, Ms. Wohlgemuth has worked... Read More →
In April 2022, the Yolo County Office of Education embarked on a multiyear countywide initiative for children, youth and families as the lead agency. Executing on the vision of the ambitious effort has led to the development of a complex initiative with multiple agencies and partners, including school districts, elected officials, and community leaders. Come hear from the project team as they reflect on what they have learned about the role of the COE in leading a countywide initiative and how it has changed internal operations for the county office.
On Friday, April 19, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education released the highly anticipated Final Title IX Regulations. These Final Title IX Regulations come after the Department released the proposed regulations in July 2022. The new regulations went into effect on August 1, 2024, and apply to complaints of sex discrimination regarding alleged conduct that occurs on or after that date. Adherence to the various requirements under the new regulations will require collaboration with your educational institution’s Superintendent, Title IX Coordinators, student services administrators, special education administrators, board policy subcommittees, and/or legal counsel to determine how to effectively implement the 2024 Title IX Regulations. Please join us for this informative session as we discuss what this means and how it will impact your agency.
The responsibility to approve the annual budget of the county offices of education is an important function of the county boards. In serving students well, collaboration between the board and the county superintendent is critical. In attending this session, you will learn about your important but also limited authority and responsibilities under the law to review and approve the annual budget and review interim budget reports. You will hear how different boards work collaboratively to provide input into the budget development process as part of their board approval process.
While there has been a slow but growing understanding of the mental health challenges facing K-12 students, COVID magnified the issues and helped accelerate a broader understanding of the imperative to do much more about student well-being and mental health. There is no one perfect way to provide mental health and wellness services to students but all good programs have certain elements in common – good people, sufficient resources, consistent practices, strong relationships and open communication. This session will help board members understand the approaches and innovation being implemented across California that are among the best practices in local school agencies and will demonstrate how programs must intersect and connect to best serve our students.
Monterey County Superintendent of Schools, Monterey County Board of Education
Dr. Deneen Guss was sworn in as the Monterey County Superintendent of Schools in January 2019 for her first term of office and began her second term in January 2023. Dr. Guss continually supports Monterey County’s 24 local school districts, eight charter schools, and the over 70,000... Read More →
Board President, Trustee Area Four, Monterey County Board of Education
Ms. Janet Wohlgemuth was first elected to the Monterey County Board of Education in November 2015. She was born and raised in Monterey County, attended local schools and received her degree in Fire Science from Hartnell Community College. For over 30 years, Ms. Wohlgemuth has worked... Read More →
Board Member, Trustee Area Two, Monterey County Board of Education
A long-time Monterey County resident, Mr. John McPherson has served on the Monterey County Board of Education since 2012. He has been a leading advocate in the fight against human trafficking in Monterey County, and for the statewide increase in funding for court and community schools... Read More →
Board Member, Trustee Area One, Monterey County Board of Education
Ms. Annette Yee Steck was first elected to the Monterey County Board of Education in July 2022. Prior to that she served as a Board Member of the Carmel Unified School District. Ms.Yee Steck was first elected to the Carmel Board in 1993 and retired in November 2020. She served as... Read More →
Elected in 2018 to the Ventura County Board of Education after a varied career in theatre, journalism, and business. His last role was Senior Director of Operation Excellence at Baxter BioScience. Besides being a County board member, he is the Director at Large for CSBA County and... Read More →
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 →