California School Boards Association

As an educator, Lammersville USD trustee Vanitha Daniel understands the value of public education and aims to leave no student behind. "We are providing the best to our students in a public school system and we are putting our heart and souls into it," Daniel said in our latest What's Your Why video.

It's almost time for AEC! Who better than Sutter COE trustee Harjit Singh, 2023 Chair of the CBSA Conference Planning Committee, to share what attendees gain from the event as well as practical tips to make the most of our time in Anaheim? Find all the details at aec.csba.org.

Some recent snapshots from the field! Photos show a lunch meeting between CSBA Bay Area Delegates and Sen. Cortese, participants at an AB 2158 ethics training in LA County, CSBA President Albert Gonzalez being recognized by his peers as he prepares for his next chapter as a City Councilmember, and BTS of CSBA President-elect Bettye Lusk at CSBA-headquarters. We are thankful for our members and all the work they do for their communities and colleagues across the state!

The November newsletter is here and features details on training opportunities for new trustees, a recap of CSBA's recent legislative wins and legal action to protect Prop 98, a new resource on reporting requirements, legal and policy updates, a farewell message from outgoing CSBA President Albert Gonzalez and more:

"My joy and passion as a board member is monumental! The spirit and gifts that our students bring to our schools, communities and district will catch your attention and astound you," said Palm Springs Unified School District Board President Madonna M. Gerrell. Read her thoughts on strategies and initiatives taking place in the LEA, community relations, tips on being a trustee and more:

CSBA Communications Chief Troy Flint is sharing strategies that can help LEAs explain the impact of one-time ESSER relief dollars — and what the end of the historic funding period means amid already difficult fiscal realities — to their communities. Read his tips: https://lnkd.in/gZaKhkTW

Irene Kearns recalls what it was like to learn California history that didn’t align with what she’d learned from her parents as a child only to turn around and be expected to teach much of the same one-sided history. A former Napa Valley USD teacher, Kearns noticed the lack of Indigenous perspective in lessons about the founding of California missions. She invited her brother, an archeology professor who was getting his Ph.D. at UC Berkeley, to speak to her class. “We had a completely different unit around Indigenous people. The lesson was really about resilience, survivance, persistence. Our cultures are still here,” Kearns said. “I wanted my students to know there was more to this story.” Kearns ultimately left the classroom and now serves as digital program manager for Native Knowledge 360° (NK360°). Learn about the resources NK360° offers to allow educators to provide more comprehensive histories and accurate information to students:

Do you have an interest in using your skills to help advocate for public education and support California’s 1,000 school districts and county offices of education? Join CSBA as a legislative advocate! Our legislative advocates research and analyze state and federal legislation; develop and implement CSBA’s legislative strategy on bills, issues and policies; and communicate the association’s positions on proposed legislation to congressional members, legislators, legislative committees and other stakeholders. This position requires knowledge of the state budget process, and specific understanding of Proposition 98, the Local Control Funding Formula and TK-12 school funding policy is preferred. The salary range for this position is $110,500-$155,500. Learn more about this and other positions at https://ow.ly/zv7L50U3fZQ

Make 2025 your LEA's best year yet by signing up for professional development opportunities with CSBA! Virtual and in-person sessions benefitting new and seasoned governance team members, student board members and executive assistants are now posted through June at csba.org/training.

During its final meeting of 2024, the California State Board of Education (SBE) pushed back updates to student assessment reporting, adopted revisions to the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) template, and heard ideas from student leaders throughout the state to improve their outcomes and well-being by increasing student input at the state and local levels, mentorship and more. Read the full meeting recap: https://lnkd.in/gve4cbGC