CALSA's Summer Institute 2026: Full Schedule

CALSA’s Summer Institute is where innovators, educators, and intergenerational leaders come together to shape the future of public education. Grounded in the theme Somos el Puente entre Generaciones – We Are the Bridge Between Generations, the 2026 conference elevates the voices, practices, and partnerships that strengthen schools and communities across California.

For more information on Summer Institute 2026, visit calsa.org/summerinstitute.

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7:30am PDT

Registration/Member Services Opens

Thursday June 25, 2026 7:30am - 2:30pm PDT

Start your SI2026 experience by visiting the Registration and Member Services desk! Our CALSA team will be available to welcome attendees, assist with check-in, and answer any questions about sessions, schedules, or membership benefits. It’s the perfect time to connect with the CALSA familia, update your membership information, and prepare for an inspiring conference ahead.

Thursday June 25, 2026 7:30am - 2:30pm PDT

8:00am PDT

CALSA Orientation Table (Complimentary Coffee + Tea)

Thursday June 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

Join us as SI2026 kicks off with a light morning welcome featuring coffee, tea, and connection. Meet the CALSA Familia at the Orientation Table to discover how CALSA builds community and leadership through corazón, culture, and collaboration.

Thursday June 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

8:00am PDT

Professional Headshots (By Appointment Only)

Thursday June 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

TBA

Take advantage of this opportunity to update your professional headshot during SI2026. A professional photographer will be available onsite to capture high-quality headshots ideal for district profiles, professional bios, LinkedIn, and conference materials. Appointments are required and space is limited.

Thursday June 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
TBA

8:00am PDT

All-Day Meet & Mingle: CALSA Exhibitor Showcase (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM)

Thursday June 25, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm PDT

Connect with CALSA’s valued partners and explore the innovative programs, products, and services they bring to our educational community. During this dedicated networking time, attendees are encouraged to meet our exhibitors and discover new resources that support leadership development and student success. The exhibitor hall is open all day.

Thursday June 25, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm PDT

Networking

9:00am PDT

Bargaining Basics: Building a Strong Foundation for Negotiations

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Honey Locust 1

Successful negotiations begin with a solid understanding of the bargaining process. This session will introduce participants to the essential elements of collective bargaining, including preparation strategies, effective communication, and common challenges. Attendees will gain practical tools and insights to approach negotiations with confidence and support positive labor relations outcomes for student success.

Speakers

Mellissa Gallegos

Partner, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo

Mellissa Gallegos represents and advises California school districts, community college districts, and county offices of education in all education and employment law matters, including employee evaluation, discipline and dismissal, reasonable accommodation, interactive meetings... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Honey Locust 1

Workshop

9:00am PDT

Bridging Vision to Practice: A New District Leader’s Playbook for Change

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Live Oak 1

In a first year as a district leader, one of the most powerful levers for change is what we choose to notice—and how we act on it. This session highlights how instructional walkthroughs can move beyond isolated observations to become a systemwide strategy for coherence, equity, and continuous improvement. Grounded in real examples from secondary school visits, participants will explore how to collect, synthesize, and act on classroom evidence in ways that honor site context while aligning toward a shared vision of high-quality Tier 1 instruction.
Participants will learn how to shift walkthroughs from compliance-driven practices to a unifying structure that bridges classrooms, schools, and leadership teams—ensuring that what is seen in one classroom informs learning across the entire system.

Speakers

Dr. Monica Luther

Administrator of Secondary Curriculum, Instruction and Career Readiness, Orange Unified School District

Dr. Mónica Luther is a passionate and results-oriented educational leader with over two decades of experience and deep expertise in secondary curriculum, instruction, and leadership development across content areas. She has a proven record of advancing equity, driving academic achievement... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Live Oak 1

Workshop

9:00am PDT

Elevating the Frontline: Shared Leadership and Authentic Community-Building for Campus Supervisors

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Fern Pine 3

To advance opportunity and create lasting impact for California’s students, we must empower the staff who interact with them most: our campus supervisors. This session offers a meaningful learning experience centered on a proven model that builds the capacity of campus safety personnel.
Rooted in the belief that authentic community-building begins with the staff, we demonstrate how the cultural practice of sharing a meal creates the psychological safety necessary for honest dialogue and shared leadership. By "calendaring" regular meeting times and formalizing incident debriefs, administrators can move beyond reactive management to a proactive system that addresses inequities and elevates and empowers support staff.
Participants will engage in planning high-leverage role-play scenarios and practice assertive, PBIS-aligned redirection that balances authority with support. This session provides a scalable blueprint for building a unified team that "covers each other," ensuring that every student feels safe, seen, and supported by a highly-skilled, empowered supervision team.

Speakers

Marcela Valadez, Ed.D

Assistant Principal, Pasadena Unified School District

Marcela Valadez, Ed.D., is a transformational and systems-focused leader dedicated to equity-driven, student-centered education. She currently serves as the Assistant Principal of Attendance, Interventions and Supervision at Thurgood Marshall Secondary School in the Pasadena Unified... Read More →

Jenny Franke

Vice Principal, Anaheim Elementary School District

Jenny Franke is a dedicated educational leader with nearly two decades of experience serving students and families within the Anaheim school districts. Currently serving as a Vice Principal, she specializes in leading rightful presence, implementing Multi-Tiered System of Supports... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Fern Pine 3

Workshop

9:00am PDT

From Vision to Practice: A Superintendent's Blueprint for District-Wide AI Implementation

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Honey Locust 2

AI is arriving in our schools whether we are ready or not. For superintendents leading predominantly Latino communities, the urgency is not just operational. It is personal. Our students deserve the same access to the tools shaping the future as any student anywhere in this country, and it is our responsibility as leaders to make sure they get it.

This session presents a district-wide AI Leadership Blueprint developed and implemented inside West Covina Unified School District, a San Gabriel Valley community of 7,800 students, where 73% of students are Latino, and 83% are on Free and Reduced Lunch. Every element of this Blueprint was built from the ground up, through deliberate, strategic, and personally led work that reached every corner of the district, from the boardroom to the classroom, from the front office to the family workshop.

Participants will explore the full arc of implementation: establishing board governance that gives AI work a legal and ethical foundation, aligning cabinet and site leadership around a shared vision, designing teacher professional learning that is self-directed and job-embedded, engaging classified and support staff as full partners in the work, reaching multilingual families with information that builds confidence rather than fear, and developing student AI literacy as a matter of access and equity.

This is not a vendor presentation. There are no products being sold and no perfect district being showcased. This is an honest, practical account of what it takes to lead this work with intention, from a superintendent who believes that when educators have the right tools and conditions to thrive, every student gains access to opportunities that can change the trajectory of their life.

Attendees will leave with a replicable blueprint and a clear path forward.

Speakers

Dr. Emy Flores

Superintedent, West Covina Unified School Distrcit

Dr. Emy Flores is the Superintendent of Schools for the West Covina Unified School District and a respected leader in public education with more than three decades of experience serving students, families, and communities. Over the course of her career, she has served as a teacher... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Honey Locust 2

Workshop

9:00am PDT

From Vision to Velocity: Leading an Inside-Out AI Implementation for Systemwide Impact

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Fern Pine 4

This session examines how one school district strategically launched artificial intelligence through an inside-out leadership model—beginning with capacity-building for administrators, alignment of governance, and ethical guardrails before scaling to classrooms. Participants will explore a district-wide approach to AI implementation that builds coherence, trust, and sustainability by engaging leaders first, establishing board-approved guidelines, and developing site-based teacher leads supported by a structured professional learning calendar. The presentation offers a replicable roadmap for districts seeking to integrate AI responsibly while strengthening instructional practice and organizational capacity.

Speakers

Shevonne Swanson

Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District

Shevonne Swanson is an accomplished educational leader with extensive experience spanning classroom instruction, coaching, early learning, curriculum leadership, and district administration. She has dedicated her career to serving students, staff, and families in the Cutler-Oros... Read More →

Yolanda Valdez

Superintendent, Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District

Yolanda Valdez is a seasoned educational leader with more than 35 years of experience spanning classroom instruction, school administration, and district leadership. She has served as the Superintendent of the Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District in Tulare County, California... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Fern Pine 4

Workshop

9:00am PDT

Nunca solas: Sisterhood and the Power of Sustaining Latine Leadership

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Live Oak 2

This session is grounded in the lived experiences of two sisters—both Latina administrators in public education— shaped by family, culture, and generational identity. Together, they bring a deeply personal lens to how first-generation, 1.5 generation, second-generation, and multigenerational identities influence the way we show up as leaders: how we use our voice, how we navigate authority, how we advocate, and how we build relationships within our systems.At the heart of their journey is a shared truth: none of us get here alone. Across generations, our paths have been shaped not only by opportunity, but by the mentors, allies, and trusted colleagues who saw us, guided us, and reminded us that we belonged in spaces that were not always designed with us in mind. We will unpack our collective responsibility to lift up others as we climb, and move beyond stereotypes within our Latine community to focus on the families and students we serve.This interactive session invites participants into a space of reflection, connection, and comunidad. Through storytelling, dialogue, and structured activities, this session emphasizes the importance of representation, intentional mentorship, and collaborative problem-solving in developing strong leadership pipelines. By fostering environments where leaders support one another through reflection and shared learning, educational systems can cultivate leaders who are resilient, connected, and empowered to lead with purpose.

Speakers

Vanessa Fortney

Principal, Pittsburg Unified School District

Vanessa Fortney is an educational leader specializing in secondary education, with a strong commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all scholars. She currently serves as Principal of Rancho Medanos Junior High in Pittsburg Unified School District, where she... Read More →

Cristina Urbano

Senior Program Director, Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Pedagogy, Alameda County Office of Education

Cristina Urbano is an educational leader with deep commitment to advancing culturally and linguistically responsive education. She has served as a Spanish bilingual elementary teacher, an English Language Development Curriculum Specialist, an Instructional Coach for language and literacy... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Live Oak 2

Workshop

10:15am PDT

Bridging Equity in Special Education: Rethinking Assessment Practices for Multilingual Learners

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

Live Oak 1

Disproportionate identification of multilingual learners in special education, particularly within the category of Specific Learning Disability (SLD), continues to challenge school systems striving to ensure equitable access and opportunity for all students. Although federal law requires multidisciplinary teams to rule out exclusionary factors such as limited English proficiency, lack of appropriate instruction, and environmental influences, these factors are not always consistently or systematically analyzed during the eligibility decision-making process.
This session focuses on how educational leaders can strengthen district and site-level systems that support more equitable referral and evaluation practices. Participants will explore common systemic patterns that contribute to disproportionality, including inconsistent implementation of pre-referral intervention systems, limited documentation of instructional opportunities, and the absence of structured protocols for analyzing cultural, linguistic, and environmental context during evaluations.
Grounded in research and leadership practice, this session introduces culturally responsive tools designed to help multidisciplinary teams systematically analyze contextual factors prior to determining eligibility. Participants will explore practical implementation resources for districts, including referral review protocols for administrators, eligibility meeting facilitation guides for psychologists, and structured reflection tools that support teams in examining instructional access, language development, and environmental influences.
Through discussion and applied examples, participants will consider how leaders can align MTSS practices, evaluation procedures, and team decision-making processes to strengthen equity in assessment. Educational leaders will leave with practical strategies and tools to support multidisciplinary teams, improve referral and eligibility systems, and build structures that promote more equitable decision-making for multilingual learners and students from diverse backgrounds.

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Live Oak 1

Workshop

10:15am PDT

Co-Creating a Framework for the Future: How Salinas Union High School District Engaged Every Voice to Build a Portrait of a Graduate

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

Fern Pine 4

What does it look like when a school district truly listens—to students, families, teachers, principals, and board trustees—before charting its future? This session tells that story.
Salinas Union High School District (SUHSD), one of California's largest and most diverse high school districts, embarked on a multi-year, community-centered process to develop its Framework for the Future and Portrait of a Graduate. Serving over 15,000 students in the heart of the Salinas Valley—where the children of farmworkers sit beside the children of engineers—SUHSD's work required a process as bold and inclusive as the community it serves.
In this session, district leaders will share how they moved from aspiration to action: designing a co-creation process that centered student voice, elevated family wisdom, and built ownership across every layer of the organization. Attendees will leave with a replicable process, practical tools, and the inspiration to launch their own community-driven visioning work.

Speakers

Dr. Teresa López Alonzo

Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Salinas Union High School District

Dr. Teresa López Alonzo is a transformative educational leader with over three decades of experience advancing equity and excellence in California's K-12 schools. Currently serving as Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services at Salinas Union High School District—California's... Read More →

Dr. Zandra Jo Galván

Superintendent, Salinas Union High School District

Dr. Zandra Jo Galván is a respected bilingual Superintendent with over 30 years of service as an educator, leader, and innovator in California public education. A proud Central Coast native, she earned an A.A. from Hartnell College, a B.A. and teaching credential from CSU Fresno... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Fern Pine 4

Workshop

10:15am PDT

From Resource Access to Educational Ecosystems: How Family Resource Centers Strengthen Student, Family, and Community Partnerships

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

Honey Locust 1

Caring for the whole child means caring for the whole family. Leaders from Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD), a diverse urban community, will present on how the district expanded its comprehensive network of five Family Resource Centers (FRCs) to strengthen the entire educational ecosystem for students and their families. This initiative, rooted in the Community Schools Framework and the California English Learner (EL) Roadmap, showcases how schools can act as vital hubs of opportunity. In these hubs, families, students, educators, and community partners work together to eliminate barriers and increase access to academic and wellness supports. Through this focused collaboration, GGUSD successfully created a coordinated system of care that provides expanded access to academic supports, wellness resources, and basic needs services, ensuring students can fully engage in their education.
Presenters will explain how the district's commitment to safe, welcoming, and inclusive schools is supported by the GGUSD Board of Education’s vision and Resolution 20, which helped secure sustainable funding and strategic alignment for this work. Participants will see how the FRCs function as true hubs of partnership, where schools and the community join forces to remove obstacles, elevate family voice, and cultivate environments where students and families feel valued, supported, and empowered.
Attendees will gain practical strategies for developing partnership models that go beyond traditional family engagement. These models create integrated systems of support that build trust, expand opportunities, and establish families as essential, active partners in student success.

Speakers

Tanya N. Avina

Director, English Learner Programs, Garden Grove Unified School District

Tanya Avina, Director of English Learner Programs in the Office of K-12 Educational Services at Garden Grove Unified School District, oversees multilingual pathways, including dual language immersion, heritage language programs, and English Learner assessment/reclassification. She... Read More →

Dr. Lorena Luna Sanchez

Assistant Superintendent of K–12 Educational Services, Garden Grove Unified School District

Dr. Lorena Luna Sanchez is currently in her first year as Associate Superintendent, following eight years of service as Assistant Superintendent in the Office of K–12 Educational Services at Garden Grove Unified School District. Dr. Sanchez embodies a deep dedication to educational... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Honey Locust 1

Workshop

10:15am PDT

Rising Together: Leadership Lessons Earned Through a Principal–Superintendent CALSA Mentorship

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

Honey Locust 2

In this session we will share real-world leadership lessons from a first-year principal and her superintendent mentor. Each lesson highlights a critical leadership move, the mentor action that made it possible, and a practical artifact participants can take back to their sites. While grounded in the experience of a new principal, these lessons are applicable to leaders at any stage who are stepping into new roles or navigating new challenges.
The session also highlights how intentional mentorship accelerates leadership readiness through real-time coaching, accountability, and strategic guidance during critical decision-making moments. Participants will explore how a structured mentor–mentee partnership supports leaders in navigating complexity with confidence while also serving as a scalable model for building leadership capacity across a school or district. By strengthening systems of support, this approach reduces the isolation often experienced by leaders in transition and creates pathways for developing future leaders through intentional, relational practices.

Speakers

Norma Martínez

Superintendent, Centralia School District

Ms. Norma E. Martinez has served the Centralia Elementary School District since 2010 and has been honored to lead as Superintendent since 2015. She oversees an award-winning district serving Anaheim, Buena Park, and La Palma, with schools recognized as National Blue Ribbon, California... Read More →

Jessica Salcedo

Principal, Santa Ana Unified School District

Jessica Salcedo is the proud Principal of Manuel Esqueda TK–8 School in the Santa Ana Unified School District, currently serving in her second year as principal. Her experience spans roles as a math and science teacher, district specialist, and innovative school builder, bringing... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Honey Locust 2

Workshop

10:15am PDT

The Principal Effect: Leading with Purpose, Impact, and Influence

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

Fern Pine 3

This powerful and reflective presentation centers on one essential truth: principals matter, deeply and measurably, in the success of schools. Designed for educational leaders, the session elevates the role of the principal from manager to transformative leader, highlighting how their actions shape school culture, teacher effectiveness, and ultimately, student outcomes.
Grounded in research and real-world leadership experiences, this session emphasizes that principals are second only to classroom instruction among school-based factors influencing student achievement . Participants will explore how effective principals can accelerate student learning by several months within a single school year and create conditions where both adults and students thrive .
Through engaging visuals, stories, and structured reflection, the presentation examines the principal’s role in building a strong instructional focus, fostering a positive school climate, and developing collaborative, high-performing teams. It also highlights how leadership decisions impact teacher retention, professional growth, and overall school improvement.
Participants will be invited to reflect on their own leadership practices and consider how they influence culture, expectations, and outcomes across their campuses. The session balances inspiration with practical application, offering actionable strategies that leaders can immediately implement.
This presentation is both affirming and challenging—reminding leaders of the profound influence they hold and equipping them to lead with clarity, purpose, and impact in today’s complex educational landscape.

Speakers

Marco A. Villegas, Ph.D.

Interim Superintendent, AESD

Dr. Marco A. Villegas is an award-winning educational leader with more than three decades of experience transforming schools and guiding systems toward lasting improvement. A former superintendent, associate superintendent, and long-serving principal, he has successfully led school... Read More →

Ursula Estrada Reveles

Executive Director of the School of Education, Riverside County Office of Education

Dr. Ursula Estrada-Reveles is a seasoned educational leader and Executive Director of the School of Education at the Riverside County Office of Education, where she leads a comprehensive educator preparation system, oversees a $15 million budget, and supports more than 5,500 teacher... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Fern Pine 3

Workshop

11:15am PDT

Transition & Networking

Thursday June 25, 2026 11:15am - 11:45am PDT

Take this time to connect with fellow attendees while transitioning to the mainstage session.

Thursday June 25, 2026 11:15am - 11:45am PDT

11:45am PDT

Opening Leadership Luncheon & Legacy Panel (Meal Included)

Thursday June 25, 2026 11:45am - 1:45pm PDT

Chula Vista Ballrom 4-6

Join us for the opening Mainstage Luncheon featuring Opening Remarks from Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza and Dr. Fabi Bagula, followed by CALSA’s Legacy Panel — a conversation with visionary leaders whose impact continues to shape the future of educational leadership. The session will conclude with the Mentoring Program Cohort #21 Commencement celebration.

Legacy Panelists:
Moderator
Roxanna Bautista Villaseñor
Director of School Leadership, South San Francisco Unified School District

Featured Panelists
Dr. Carmella S. Franco
Retired Superintendent & Governance Consultant
Senior Associate, Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates

Dr. Maria G. Ott
Irving R. and Virginia A. Melbo Chair in Education Administration
Professor of Clinical Education, USC Rossier School of Education

Dr. Darline P. Robles
Associate Dean for the Office of Equity and Community Engagement
Professor of Clinical Education, USC Rossier School of Education

Moderators

Roxanna B. Villaseñor

Director of School Leadership, South San Francisco Unified School District

Speakers

Dr. Carmella S. Franco

Senior Associate, Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates

Dr. Maria G. Ott

Irving R. and Virginia A. Melbo Chair in Education Administration, University of Southern California

Dr. Darline P. Robles

Associate Dean for the Office of Equity and Community Engagement, University of Southern California

Dr. Fabi Bagula

Superintendent, San Diego Unified School District

Dr. Fabi Bagula, Superintendent for the San Diego Unified School District, advances dynamic, large-scale change initiatives that improve outcomes for students and educators in public TK-12 systems. Her bicultural upbringing and experiences on the San Diego border have informed and... Read More →

Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza

San Diego County Superintendent of Schools, San Diego County Office of Education

Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza is the San Diego County Superintendent of Schools, where she has been instrumental in advancing the goal of the San Diego County Office of Education to building belonging through public education.

She has been a teacher, a principal, a central office le... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 11:45am - 1:45pm PDT
Chula Vista Ballrom 4-6

General Session

2:00pm PDT

"From Pathways to Power: Building Leadership Pipelines that Last"

Thursday June 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Fern Pine 4

In this session, participants will explore the strategies and systems needed to develop strong, equitable leadership across every level of education. Attendees will gain actionable insights to strengthen their leadership impact and build sustainable pipelines that prepare the next generation of school leaders.

Key Learning Objectives:

Understand organizational dynamics and leverage formal and informal structures.
Cultivate influence through relationships, credibility, and equity-focused decision-making.
Identify and develop emerging leaders through mentorship, stretch opportunities, and leadership pathways.
Build systems and structures that sustain leadership beyond individual roles.
Reflect on leadership legacy and actionable steps to grow the next generation.
Format & Approach:
Engaging keynote with sectioned slides, actionable strategies, reflection prompts, and steps for immediate application. Includes tools for leadership reflection, pipeline creation, and long-term leadership growth.

Speakers

Christina Hirales

Principal, Westminster School District

Christina Hirales – Veteran Title 1 Principal Equity & Leadership Advocate
Christina Hirales leads DeMille My Viet Language Academy, WSD, the state’s first Vietnamese Dual Language Immersion school. Under her leadership, the school has earned multiple honors, including the CABE Seal of Biliteracy, CABE Visionary & Legacy Board Award, OCDE IMPACT School... Read More →

Michelle Watkins

Chief Academic Officer, Westminster School District

Michelle Watkins is a K-12 educator with over 25 years experience. She currently serves the students in the Westminster School District as the Chief Academic Officer. She has served as teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, Director, and Chief Academic Officer. She is passionate... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Fern Pine 4

Workshop

2:00pm PDT

Co-Architecting the Bridge to Access: Transforming Special Education Through Family, Student, and Community Partnership

Thursday June 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Honey Locust 1

This session centers on transforming special education systems into spaces of access, empowerment, and belonging by leveraging the collective power of families, educators, and community partners. Grounded in the belief that students and families are co-architects of their educational experiences, participants will explore actionable strategies to better support students with diverse learning needs while equipping families, particularly those from historically underserved communities, with the knowledge and confidence to navigate complex special education processes.

Aligned to a collaborative, community-driven approach, this session highlights how educational leaders can serve as bridges between schools, families, and broader support systems by demystifying processes, strengthening communication, and fostering authentic partnerships. Participants will engage with practical tools that not only support individualized student success, but also elevate family voice, promote advocacy, and create inclusive environments where students are empowered as active contributors to their learning journeys.

Through an equity lens, the session will address common barriers families face, including language access, trust, and systemic inequities, while offering concrete, partnership-driven solutions to remove those barriers. Emphasis will be placed on culturally grounded family engagement, intergenerational collaboration, and shared leadership between students and adults to shape school culture and practices.

Participants will leave with ready-to-implement strategies that expand access to resources, strengthen home-school connections, and build thriving, inclusive educational ecosystems where every student and family feels seen, valued, and empowered to lead and transform their educational experience.

Speakers

Dra. Brenda García Castro

Assistant Principal, Century Community Charter School

Dr. Brenda Garcia Castro is a dedicated educator, scholar and advocate. With over two decades of experience dedicated to fostering inclusive, equitable, and student-centered learning environments she has served her community in various capacities. As an assistant principal, she actively... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Honey Locust 1

Workshop

2:00pm PDT

Empower, Inform, Protect: A Countywide Response to Immigration Policy Impacts in Schools

Thursday June 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Honey Locust 2

This session highlights how the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) developed and implemented a countywide strategy to support school districts serving students and families impacted by changes in immigration policy. Central to this effort was the creation of a cross-division Immigration Taskforce, which brought together leaders from student services, mental health, legal counsel, and community partnerships to design a coordinated, rapid-response system of support. The taskforce aligned messaging, resources, and training priorities to ensure consistency across all 80 school districts in Los Angeles County.
Through this structure, LACOE launched a comprehensive training initiative delivered virtually and in community-based settings to educators, families, and community partners. Using tools such as Supporting School Staff: A Multi-Tiered Guide to Immigration-Related Stress and Legal Protections for Immigrant Students , the county provided guidance on staff wellbeing, student rights, trauma-informed practices, and school responsibilities under current laws. These trainings were intentionally designed to be accessible, culturally responsive, and grounded in real-time policy updates.
The strategy also centered student engagement and empowerment. Schools implemented student-facing lessons, peer-led discussions, and informational campaigns to ensure students understood their right to a public education regardless of immigration status and felt equipped to advocate for themselves and their families.
By leveraging cross-sector collaboration, community partnerships, and a multi-tiered system of supports, LACOE created a scalable, equity-centered model that strengthens school systems, builds trust with families, and ensures safe, inclusive learning environments during times of uncertainty.

Speakers

Vibiana Andrade

General Counsel, Los Angeles County Office of Education

Vibiana M. Andrade previously served as a Los Angeles deputy city attorney. Prior to that, she was with the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, serving as the attorney in charge of legal programs, public policy and community outreach. She also has worked as a lawyer... Read More →

Selena Barajas-Ledesma, MSW Ed.D.

Director II, Community Schools, Los Angeles County Office of Education

Dr. Selena Barajas-Ledesma has over 20 years of experience supporting the students and families of Los Angeles County. She started her career in public service at the Department of Public Social Services and supporting families experiencing homelessness in the community of Boyle Heights... Read More →

Fredy Ruiz

Immigrant Relations Coordinator, Los Angeles County Office of Education

With over 20 years of experience, I have had the privilege of working alongside families in Los Angeles County from underserved communities in various capacities. Currently, I serve as an advocate for immigrant communities in my role as the Immigrant Relations Coordinator at the Los... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Honey Locust 2

Workshop

2:00pm PDT

Inclusion by Design: Building Coherent Systems That Bridge Access, Belonging, and Achievement

Thursday June 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Live Oak 1

This session explores how school systems can be intentionally designed to ensure that all students experience coherence, access, and belonging. In many districts, curriculum and instruction, special education, and student services operate in parallel, each addressing important aspects of the student experience but often without full alignment. This fragmentation can lead to inconsistent expectations, reactive supports, and gaps in how students experience school.

Participants will examine inclusion as a systems design challenge rather than a program or placement decision. The session centers on the idea that inclusion is created through the alignment of instruction, behavior systems, and student supports. When these elements are coordinated, students experience predictable expectations, consistent adult responses, and access to high-quality learning across settings.

Using Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) as an organizing framework, the session highlights how academics, behavior, and wellness can be integrated into a unified system that supports both students and educators. Practical examples will illustrate how strengthening Tier 1 instruction, aligning practices across departments, and building leadership capacity can reduce fragmentation and improve outcomes.

Participants will engage in structured reflection to identify areas of misalignment within their own systems and consider actionable next steps. The session is designed for district and site leaders seeking to move from isolated initiatives to coherent, sustainable systems that better support diverse learners and the adults who serve them.

Speakers

Dr. Julie Aguirre-Jacinto

Director of Elementary Education, Morgan Hill Unified School District

Dr. Aguirre-Jacinto leads systemwide efforts to align curriculum, instruction, special education, and student services into a coherent approach that supports every student. She partners with district, site, and teacher leaders to strengthen Tier 1 instruction, integrate MTSS as a... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Live Oak 1

Workshop

2:00pm PDT

Supporting School Staff to Counteract Immigration-Related Stress

Thursday June 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Fern Pine 3

This session, Supporting School Staff: A Multi-Tiered Guide to Immigration-Related Stress, equips school and district leaders with practical strategies to address the growing impact of immigration-related stress on educators and school communities. Grounded in a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, the session highlights how immigration policy changes contribute to secondary trauma, disrupted workplace trust, and feelings of helplessness among staff, ultimately affecting school climate and student support systems .
Participants will explore how administrators can proactively build a culture of collective wellness by embedding universal supports into daily practice, such as structured check-ins, community-building circles, and micro-wellness strategies. The session also addresses targeted interventions, including informational workshops and resilience-building opportunities that empower staff with knowledge and coping tools. For staff experiencing acute distress, leaders will learn how to implement intensive supports, including crisis response protocols and referral systems to professional mental health services.
A key focus of the session is clarifying the administrator’s role in supporting staff wellbeing through the “notice, normalize, and refer” approach, while maintaining professional boundaries and psychological safety. Through reflection and discussion, participants will assess their current systems and identify opportunities to strengthen implementation within their school communities.
Ultimately, this session provides actionable, equity-centered strategies to help educational leaders sustain staff wellbeing, foster resilience, and maintain supportive school environments during times of sociopolitical stress.

Thursday June 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
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Workshop

3:15pm PDT

Artificial Intelligence in Education – Navigating New Technologies in Schools

Thursday June 25, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

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Join us as we discuss current issues educational institutions face surrounding artificial intelligence, including: (1) The intersection of artificial intelligence with the California Public Records Act; (2) The use of AI-powered notetakers in meetings; and (3) Wearable AI (smart glasses). We will discuss how to prepare yourself to address these key developments in your agency.

Speakers

Dustin Stroeve

Senior Associate, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud, & Romo

Dustin Stroeve represents school districts, community college districts, and county offices of education in labor and employment law and in general education matters. Mr. Stroeve provides representation, advice, and counsel on a wide variety of matters, including school board governance... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Fern Pine 3

Workshop

3:15pm PDT

Coherence Under Pressure: Leading Schools Through Fiscal Crisis with Transparency and Trust

Thursday June 25, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Honey Locust 2

Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) faced a compounding crisis marked by deep budget reductions, staff layoffs, school closures, and stagnant student achievement data. During this period of heightened anxiety for staff, students, and families, district leadership made a deliberate and consequential choice: to lead with radical transparency rather than minimize or obscure the challenges.

In this session, the Superintendent and Director of Communications will share how VCUSD stabilized and reshaped its organizational culture during systemic disruption by pairing honest communication with a clear, student-centered decision-making framework. Central to this approach was the introduction of “Think VCUSD First”—not as a slogan, but as a system-wide lens guiding leadership, management, and daily practice.

Presenters will highlight how, through aligned leadership and intentional messaging, accountability was reframed from a top-down mandate into a shared responsibility rooted in student outcomes. This shift enabled the district to move from a culture of fear and scarcity toward one of collective commitment and purpose.

Attendees will leave with practical strategies for leading through fiscal crisis, aligning middle management, and maintaining community trust—while keeping students at the center of every decision.

Speakers

Matt Chamberlain

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Vallejo City Unified School District

Ruben Aurelio

Superintendent, Vallejo City Unified School District

On July 1, 2024, Ruben Aurelio took over as superintendent of the Vallejo City Unified School District, bringing with him a wealth of educational experience and a track record of success. Aurelio's commitment to education is evident in his diverse roles and responsibilities across... Read More →

Celina Baguiao

Director of Communications, Vallejo City Unified School District

Celina Baguiao is the Director of Communications for the Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD), where she leads districtwide strategy for internal communications, crisis response, community engagement, and storytelling. In a year marked by budget reductions, accountability... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Honey Locust 2

Workshop

3:15pm PDT

Restoring Comunidad: Where Belonging, Safety, and Care Drive Latino Student Success

Thursday June 25, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

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The era of "punish and push out" is over. To meet the needs of today’s Latino students, schools must pivot from reactive exclusion to responsive restoration, positioning discipline as a vital component of wellness, academic identity, and student joy. This community schools approach is grounded in a healing-centered lens that moves beyond "managing behavior" to intentionally setting the conditions for radical belonging and psychological safety. By prioritizing "Other Means of Correction" and elevating student voice, we transform discipline from a bureaucratic hurdle into a powerful bridge for connection, ensuring schools are spaces where Latino students feel a deep sense of cultural pride and the fundamental right to thrive.
Through the collaborative perspectives of board members, site principals, and district leaders, this session highlights lessons learned in interrupting bias and rebuilding trust with families historically impacted by exclusionary practices. You will leave with actionable strategies to implement a high-support, high-accountability model that honors the cultural assets of our community. This is a call to co-create systems where discipline is no longer something done to a student, but a process of growth and healing built with them.

Speakers

Vanessa Fortney

Principal, Pittsburg Unified School District

Anthony Molina

Assistant Superintendent, Pittsburg

Anthony Molina has dedicated 28 years to serving the Pittsburg community in a variety of educational roles, rooted in a steadfast commitment to equity, restorative practices, and student success. A lifelong resident and proud product of Pittsburg Unified School District, Anthony... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Live Oak 1

Workshop

3:15pm PDT

SEEDS of Transformation: Advancing Equity Through the Community Schools Blueprint

Thursday June 25, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

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What does it take to move from fragmented initiatives to a coherent, equity-centered system that truly responds to students, families, and communities? This session introduces the Community Schools Blueprint through the SEEDS framework, Sustainable Transformation, Equity in Action, Empowerment & Roots, and Co-Created Innovation, as a living, adaptive approach to systems alignment and community-centered design.
Grounded in an ecological lens, the Blueprint recognizes schools as part of a broader, interconnected system where students, educators, families, and community partners co-construct the conditions for thriving. Participants will explore how the SEEDS domains serve as both anchors and drivers for continuous improvement, supporting districts in aligning programs, strengthening shared leadership, and building coherence across initiatives.
Rather than presenting a one-size-fits-all model, this session creates space for reflection and sense-making. Through examples and guided dialogue, participants will examine how to leveraging data, community voice, and cross-sector collaboration to deepen impact and sustain meaningful change. The session will also highlight connections to key California frameworks, including the California Community Schools Partnership Program and the CA English Learner Roadmap.
Participants will leave with practical tools, reflection prompts, and entry points to support their own community schools efforts, whether initiating or refining, while staying grounded in equity, responsiveness, and collective ownership.

Speakers

Natalie Nunez

Assistant Director of Learning, Engagement, Advocacy, and Development (LEAD), California Association for Bilingual Education

Natalie Núñez grew up in Lynwood, California, and is the daughter of Mexican Immigrants. Natalie is bilingual and biliterate as a result of her family’s efforts to retain their native language and culture. She believes in the power of creating intentional spaces within formal... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Fern Pine 4

Workshop

3:15pm PDT

The Power of Alisal: Families + Students + Community = Transformation

Thursday June 25, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Honey Locust 1

What if families were not just participants, but powerful partners? What if students were not just learners, but leaders shaping the future of our schools?
In today’s evolving educational landscape, schools must move beyond traditional family engagement models to cultivate authentic, intergenerational ecosystems of leadership. This session highlights the transformative work of the Community Schools model and the Community Engagement Initiative (CEI) within Alisal Union School District, where families, students, educators, and community partners collaborate as co-architects of student success.
Participants will explore how culturally grounded practices and relationship-centered strategies shift engagement from participation to true partnership. Through real-world examples, this session will showcase how authentic family connections drive meaningful engagement, strengthen trust, and expand access to academic, social-emotional, and wellness supports.
This presentation will also center student voice as a critical component of system transformation. Attendees will learn how students are empowered to lead, share their experiences, and influence school culture and decision-making alongside adults—creating a shared responsibility for educational innovation and equity.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will:

Understand the core components of Community Schools and the Community Engagement Initiative (CEI) as drivers of equitable systems
Identify strategies to build authentic, trust-based relationships with families that lead to sustained engagement
Explore models of intergenerational leadership where students, families, and partners collaborate to shape school culture and outcomes
Learn how to elevate student voice and leadership as essential to continuous improvement and innovation

Session Format:
This session will showcase the wins, challenges, and adaptations from Alisal Union School District’s implementation of Community Schools and the Community Engagement Initiative (CEI). Presenters will share authentic examples from their journey, highlighting lessons learned, barriers encountered, and the responsive strategies used to deepen engagement and partnership. Participants will engage in reflection and dialogue to consider how these insights can inform and strengthen their own practices.
Target Audience:
School leaders, district administrators, community school coordinators, family engagement leaders, and community-based partners
Impact:
This session will inspire educators and leaders to reimagine engagement as a shared leadership model—one that honors the voices of families and students, strengthens community partnerships, and builds sustainable systems where all stakeholders are empowered to lead. By highlighting the Alisal experience, participants will leave with practical tools and a renewed vision for creating inclusive, community-driven schools that respond to the needs and strengths of their communities.

Speakers

Julio Castro

Director of Family and Community Engagement, Alisal Union School District

Julio Castro is the Director of Family and Community Engagement for the Alisal Union School District in Salinas, California. In this role, he leads the implementation of the district-wide Community Schools strategy and oversees critical support initiatives, including the Family Resource... Read More →

Sylvia Perez

Community School Coordinator, Alisal Union School District

Sylvia Perez is a dedicated Community School Coordinator serving the Alisal Union School District, where she works to build meaningful bridges between schools, families, and the broader community. As a mother of four, Sylvia brings both professional expertise and lived experience... Read More →

Thursday June 25, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
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Workshop

6:00pm PDT

Evening Partner & Sponsor Networking

Thursday June 25, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT

TBA

Details coming soon. Join us for an evening of connection at the hotel, bringing together attendees, partners, and sponsors to build relationships and strengthen our collective impact.

Thursday June 25, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
TBA

Evening Celebration

7:00pm PDT

Evening Dinner On Your Own

Thursday June 25, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm PDT

Dinner on Your Own
Take the evening to explore nearby dining and connect with colleagues.

Thursday June 25, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm PDT

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