Program

Date and time

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2026 | 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Location

San Diego Convention Center | San Diego, CA

Overview

This program is a full-day pre-conference activity held in conjunction with CSBA’s Annual Education Conference (AEC) and Trade Show. Created specifically for board presidents and those preparing to serve, this workshop provides the strategies and tools to prepare board leaders to be more effective in their roles.

Program

Board presidents will learn about key topics including:

• The role of the board president
• Exploring your vision for your board
• Strategies to forge an effective team
• Providing focused leadership
• Leading the superintendent evaluation process

Who should attend?

This workshop is designed for current and aspiring board presidents seeking to enhance their skills in leading their boards more effectively.

Registration

Fee includes coffee/tea service, lunch and afternoon snacks. There is limited space for this dynamic program, so sign up early!

Early/Regular Registration: $525
After 11/9: $625

Waitlist and cancellation policy

In the event that the pre-conference activity reaches full capacity and is sold out, a waitlist will be initiated.

• If the waitlist is initiated, it will close on 11/24.
• To join the waitlist, proceed with the registration process and opt for the ‘waitlist’ selection. Note: Joining the waitlist does not guarantee ticket availability.
• Should a vacancy arise, CSBA will promptly send the next individual on the waitlist an invitation to purchase a ticket.
• Should no tickets become available, registrants will receive notification that additional tickets will not be released.

Review the comprehensive cancellation policy here.  For further assistance, please reach out to register@csba.org.

Date and time

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2026

Morning session: 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Afternoon session: 1:30-4 p.m.

Location

San Diego Convention Center | San Diego, CA

Overview

As publicly elected officials, school board members have a legal obligation and public duty to ensure their individual and collective conduct conforms to ethical standards. This program will provide newly elected trustees with critical information to empower them to fulfill this bi-annual training that is mandated by state law.

Program

Attendees will gain insights into the ethical responsibilities required by California law, such as financial conflicts of interest, gift regulations and Form 700 reporting. Led by licensed California attorneys, this training equips board members to manage conflicts of interest and navigate ethical dilemmas effectively, fulfilling the requirements of California Government Code. Participants who successfully complete the course will be awarded a certificate of completion.

Who should attend?

After Jan. 1, 2026, “each local agency official who is a member of the governing board of a school district, a county board of education, or the governing body of a charter school shall receive the training required by paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 53235 at least once every two years.” (Gov. Code §-53235.1).

Registration

Fee includes coffee/tea service, lunch and afternoon snacks. There is limited space for this dynamic program, so sign up early!

Early/Regular Registration: $150
After 11/9: $150

Waitlist and cancellation policy

In the event that the pre-conference activity reaches full capacity and is sold out, a waitlist will be initiated.

• If the waitlist is initiated, it will close on 11/24.
• To join the waitlist, proceed with the registration process and opt for the ‘waitlist’ selection. Note: Joining the waitlist does not guarantee ticket availability.
• Should a vacancy arise, CSBA will promptly send the next individual on the waitlist an invitation to purchase a ticket.
• Should no tickets become available, registrants will receive notification that additional tickets will not be released.

Review the comprehensive cancellation policy here.  For further assistance, please reach out to register@csba.org.

Date and time

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2026 | 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Location

San Diego Convention Center | San Diego, CA

Overview 

The Executive Assistant Program is a full-day pre-conference activity held in conjunction with CSBA’s Annual Education Conference (AEC) and Trade Show. This program is designed to meet the needs of aspiring, new and experienced executive assistants, administrative assistants and secretaries to superintendents and/or the board of education within school districts and county offices of education.

Program 

Executive assistants will expand their professional development, deepen their skill base, and build connections with a diverse community of executive assistants across California. This program will focus on skill development in managing meeting documents, policy update processes and communication techniques.

Who should attend?

This workshop is designed for current and aspiring executive assistants, administrative assistants and secretaries with tools and best practices to support them in their roles.

Registration

Fee includes coffee/tea service, lunch and afternoon snacks. There is limited space for this dynamic program, so sign up early!

Early/Regular Registration: $525
After 11/9: $625

Pre-conference + full conference registration

For just $274 more, executive assistants may have access to the full conference!

Early/Regular Registration: $799
After 11/9: $899

Waitlist and cancellation policy

In the event that the pre-conference activity reaches full capacity and is sold out, a waitlist will be initiated:

• If the waitlist is initiated, it will close on 11/24.
• To join the waitlist, proceed with the registration process and opt for the ‘waitlist’ selection. Note: Joining the waitlist does not guarantee ticket availability.
• Should a vacancy arise, CSBA will promptly send the next individual on the waitlist an invitation to purchase a ticket.
• Should no tickets become available, registrants will receive notification that additional tickets will not be released.

Review the comprehensive cancellation policy here.  For further assistance, please reach out to register@csba.org

Date and time

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2026 | 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Location

San Diego Convention Center | San Diego, CA

Overview 

This program is a full-day pre-conference activity held in conjunction with CSBA’s Annual Education Conference (AEC) and Trade Show.

• Roles and responsibilities
• Basic elements of good governance
• Budget basics
• Developing an action plan for community engagement
• Advocating on student concerns and funding priorities
• Best practices in communication and presenting information to your board

Program 

Student board members will collaborate in small groups and learn about key topics including:

• Roles and responsibilities
• Basic elements of good governance
• Budget basics
• Developing an action plan for community engagement
• Advocating on student concerns and funding priorities
• Best practices in communication and presenting information to your board

Who should attend?

This program is open to all current student board members on district or county office of education boards throughout California.

Registration

Fee includes coffee/tea service, lunch and afternoon snacks. There is limited space for this dynamic program, so sign up early!

Early/Regular Registration: $525
After 11/9: $525

Student board members who want to attend the three-day AEC conference only may purchase a ticket for a registration fee of $300.

Special procedures for student board members

Attending the pre-conference Student Board Member One-Day Program and/or the full AEC requires submitting the Student  Consent and Permission Form, and following the below protocol. 

• Being accompanied by a parent/legal guardian is recommended for students under 18, but not required.
• If they attend, parents/legal guardians (student guests) must register separately.
• The registration fee grants access to the full conference.
• Guests are not admitted to the Student Board Member program.
• Meals are not included in the registration fee.

For full details, please see the Student Board Member Program: Supervision Policy and Frequently Asked Questions.

Waitlist and cancellation policy

In the event that the pre-conference activity reaches full capacity and is sold out, a waitlist will be initiated:

• If the waitlist is initiated, it will close on 11/24.
• To join the waitlist, proceed with the registration process and opt for the ‘waitlist’ selection. Note: Joining the waitlist does not guarantee ticket availability.
• Should a vacancy arise, CSBA will promptly send the next individual on the waitlist an invitation to purchase a ticket.
• Should no tickets become available, registrants will receive notification that additional tickets will not be released.

Review the comprehensive cancellation policy here.  For further assistance, please reach out to register@csba.org

Date and time

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2026 | 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Location

San Diego Convention Center | San Diego, CA

Overview

Newly redesigned for 2026, this program is a full-day pre-conference activity held in conjunction with CSBA’s Annual Education Conference (AEC) and Trade Show. Facilitated by CSBA faculty and staff, this workshop is tailored to meet the needs of new board members and prepare them for their first year of service.

Program

Participants will connect with other newly elected board members and learn about key topics including:

• The four roles of elected school district trustees and boards
• Key considerations for increasing trust and effectiveness between the board and the superintendent
• Clear guidance on preparing for and participating in board meetings
• An overview of CSBA resources, services and structure so that new trustees are aware of the support their association provides.

Who should attend?

The Orientation for New Trustees is designed for newly elected or newly appointed board members. Superintendents are encouraged to attend with their board members and are required to register as participants.

Registration

Fee includes coffee/tea service, lunch and afternoon snacks. There is limited space for this dynamic program, so sign up early!

Early/Regular Registration: $525
After 11/9: $625

Waitlist and cancellation policy

In the event that the pre-conference activity reaches full capacity and is sold out, a waitlist will be initiated.

• If the waitlist is initiated, it will close on 11/24.
• To join the waitlist, proceed with the registration process and opt for the ‘waitlist’ selection. Note: Joining the waitlist does not guarantee ticket availability.
• Should a vacancy arise, CSBA will promptly send the next individual on the waitlist an invitation to purchase a ticket.
• Should no tickets become available, registrants will receive notification that additional tickets will not be released.

Review the comprehensive cancellation policy here.  For further assistance, please reach out to register@csba.org.

Date and time

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2026 | 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Location

San Diego Convention Center | San Diego, CA

Overview

The Legal Symposium for Experienced Board Members is a full-day pre-conference activity held in conjunction with CSBA’s Annual Education Conference and Trade Show. California licensed attorneys will offer the legal perspective on timely and complex issues boards often face. Attendees will learn how to justly handle a variety of common legal situations they may encounter as board members.

Program

The Legal Symposium is a quality investment in your professional development. During this pre-conference session, CSBA, in conjunction with California Council of School Attorneys (CCSA),* will offer a range of sessions on the timely and complex issues boards often face as well as sessions on current topics. Up to 5.75 hours of Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) credit is available for California attorneys.

Who should attend?

This seminar is designed for veteran board members who have a solid understanding of their board role.

Registration

The registration fee is $525, including lunch. Registrations received after Monday, Nov. 9, will be charged the late registration fee of $625. There is limited space for this dynamic program.

Waitlist and cancellation policy

In the event that the pre-conference activity reaches full capacity and is sold out, a waitlist will be initiated.

• If the waitlist is initiated, it will close on 11/24.
• To join the waitlist, proceed with the registration process and opt for the ‘waitlist’ selection. Note: Joining the waitlist does not guarantee ticket availability.
• Should a vacancy arise, CSBA will promptly send the next individual on the waitlist an invitation to purchase a ticket.
• Should no tickets become available, registrants will receive notification that additional tickets will not be released.

Review the comprehensive cancellation policy here.  For further assistance, please reach out to register@csba.org.

*California Council of School Attorneys (CCSA) is a State Bar of California MCLE Provider.

Date and time

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2026 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Location

San Diego Convention Center | San Diego, CA

Overview

New this year, AEC is offering an exclusive opportunity to visit Cajon Valley Union School District, one of California’s leading districts in career-connected learning. Participants will experience firsthand how the district has transformed teaching and learning by integrating career exploration and real-world experiences throughout a student’s educational journey.

This immersive site visit provides a behind-the-scenes look at how innovative educational practices are preparing students for success in college, careers and life.

Program

Members will explore leadership through the lens of an innovative, student-centered school district by:

• Touring Cajon Valley Union School District schools and learning environments.
• Learning how career-connected learning is integrated from kindergarten through high school.
• Hearing directly from district leaders about the vision, planning and implementation of their innovative programs.
• Exploring strategies that can be adapted to support student success in local educational agencies.
• Engaging in discussions with fellow education leaders while experiencing the district’s approach firsthand.

Who should attend?

This site visit is designed for school board members, superintendents and executive assistants interested in innovative instructional practices, career-connected learning and transformational educational leadership.

Registration

Fee includes transportation to and from the district site, lunch and light refreshments.

Space is limited for this exclusive experience. Advance registration is required. Onsite registration will be available only if space remains.

Early/Regular Registration: $200

After 11/9: $240

Waitlist and cancellation policy

In the event that the pre-conference activity reaches full capacity and is sold out, a waitlist will be initiated.

• If the waitlist is initiated, it will close on 11/24.

• To join the waitlist, proceed with the registration process and opt for the ‘waitlist’ selection. Note: Joining the waitlist does not guarantee ticket availability.

• Should a vacancy arise, CSBA will promptly send the next individual on the waitlist an invitation to purchase a ticket.

• Should no tickets become available, registrants will receive notification that additional tickets will not be released.

• Review the comprehensive cancellation policy here.

• For further assistance, please reach out to register@csba.org

Need more information?

Read the Pre-Conference Site Visit FAQ document to learn more.

Overview

New this year, AEC is offering an exclusive opportunity to explore the San Diego County Office of Education Innovation Center. Designed as a dynamic learning environment for students in grades 3–12, the Innovation Center showcases how career readiness and real-world learning can transform student experiences through immersive, hands-on education.

Participants will gain firsthand insight into the vision, partnerships and infrastructure that support innovative learning opportunities while exploring strategies that can be applied within their own local educational agencies.

Program 

Members will explore leadership through the lens of an innovative, student-centered school district by:

• Touring the San Diego County Office of Education Innovation Center.
• Experiencing immersive learning environments designed to prepare students for future careers.
• Learning how real-world learning experiences are integrated into student programming.
• Hearing from SDCOE leaders about the planning, partnerships and implementation behind the Innovation Center.
• Exploring ideas and best practices that support career readiness and student engagement.

Who should attend?

This site visit is designed for county board members, superintendents and executive assistants interested in innovative instructional practices, career-connected learning and transformational educational leadership.

Registration

Fee includes transportation to and from the Innovation Center, lunch and light refreshments.

Space is limited for this exclusive experience. Advance registration is required. Onsite registration will be available only if space remains.

Early/Regular Registration: $200

After 11/9: $240

Waitlist and cancellation policy

In the event that the pre-conference activity reaches full capacity and is sold out, a waitlist will be initiated.

• If the waitlist is initiated, it will close on 11/24.

• To join the waitlist, proceed with the registration process and opt for the ‘waitlist’ selection. Note: Joining the waitlist does not guarantee ticket availability.

• Should a vacancy arise, CSBA will promptly send the next individual on the waitlist an invitation to purchase a ticket.

• Should no tickets become available, registrants will receive notification that additional tickets will not be released.

• Review the comprehensive cancellation policy here.

• For further assistance, please reach out to register@csba.org

Need more information?

Read the Pre-Conference Site Visit FAQ document to learn more.