California School Boards Association

Join CSBA staff and education leaders at 10 a.m. on Oct. 30 for the webinar “Artificial Intelligence in Schools: Promise, peril, policy and performance,” which will provide a primer for LEAs grappling with the impact of AI. Panelists will examine major considerations for LEAs to help guard against the downsides of AI while leveraging its significant potential for the benefit of students, staff and community and walk attendees through critical policy areas and everyday scenarios related to AI management in schools. Participants will benefit from discussions on the implications of AI for privacy, student performance, accountability, equity, plagiarism, labor relations, due process, security and more. This is essential viewing for governance teams seeking AI policy guidance from a real-world perspective developed specifically for California public schools. Register: https://ow.ly/l40850TL0fH

For as long as he can remember, Harjit Singh has had one passion in life: Helping others. As a board member for Sutter County Superintendent of Schools, he fulfills this passion. "What keeps me going is just the impact that I'm able to have, the individuals that I'm able to meet everyday impact, especially the students, seeing them grow and evolve," Singh said in CSBA's latest What's Your Why video.

President Albert Gonzalez recently visited Santa Barbara Unified School District to learn about its work to support Black students, which includes developing tools and professional development to fit local needs.

CSBA President Albert Gonzalez visited Ventura Unified School District's Sa’Aliyas Ranch, a certified organic farm facility located at Pacific High School, last week and was wowed by what he saw. The project, funded by CTE grants, began during the pandemic and teaches students first-hand about modern day organic farming. The site features hundreds of avocado and citrus trees, an aquaponic system that assists in growing lettuce and herbs for local restaurants and a drone, used apply organic amendments to products. Thank you for a wonderful tour!

The second part of CSBA's "Drowning in Documentation" series is out now! The report explores the impact of the ever-growing list of reporting requirements on LEAs, opportunities for streamlining, local challenges and policy recommendations. Learn more: csba.org/drowningindocs2

October is #NationalBullyingPreventionMonth and CSBA's Safe Schools Toolkit is available to help LEAs gain a better understanding of bullying and cyberbullying, the impact it has on students and how to support children and families. Section five of the toolkit — written by CSBA Principal Research Manager Angela Asch — also offers LEA examples of bullying prevention communications, describes the signs that may indicate a child is experiencing bullying, relevant guidance, resources and more! Check out this section and the rest of the toolkit at https://lnkd.in/gbZ6b4Cv

As educators strive to accelerate student growth and close opportunity gaps, high-impact tutoring (HIT) has emerged as an effective solution to enhance academic achievement and engagement. By aligning personalized tutoring with classroom instruction, HIT offers a path to significant learning gains for all students. Join CSBA Business Affiliate Lincoln Learning Solutions for an Oct. 22 webinar exploring strategies to accelerate student growth through data-driven, personalized learning; identifying research-backed core elements that make HIT an effective strategy; and gaining actionable resources and tools to successfully implement HIT successfully. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how to build a collaborative community of stakeholders to ensure equitable access and support for tutoring initiatives. Register now: https://ow.ly/k5F650TIZmG

As schools nationwide continue to face declining enrollment, the likelihood of school closures is increasing across communities. A recent report from the The Thomas B. Fordham Institute identified almost 500 schools throughout the country that could be potential candidates based on enrollment and achievement factors. Read a recap: https://lnkd.in/grDt-tkD

CSBA President Albert Gonzalez toured several Napa Valley Unified School District schools last week to get a firsthand look at some of the district’s various project-based STEM learning opportunities and wellness centers, which serve as one-stop shops for students to check in with staff, connect with community providers and peer support, and receive support with academic, employment, housing, wellness services and independent living skills. Thank you to all the trustees and administrators involved in making this such a positive experience!

Early registration for the 2025 Coast2Coast Federal Advocacy Trip is now open. The fourth-annual trip to Washington, D.C. hosted by CSBA and the Association of California School Administrators will take place April 28-30. Don’t miss this chance to make an impact and advance the issues affecting the state’s nearly 6 million K-12 students on a national stage! Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/g6G8Y-JR The esteemed gathering unites district and county board members, superintendents and other key officials from across California, offering a unique opportunity to engage with policymakers and influencers in the capital. Over the first two days, participants will attend sessions on federal education policy, network with prominent D.C. figures, as well as engage in briefings with Capitol Hill decision-makers and influencers. The event culminates in face-to-face meetings with California’s congressional representatives.