In response to concerns raised by members in early May, CSBA and the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) a letter to Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and the California Department of Education concerning issues in the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS) system. […]
Category: Effective Governance
Effective Governance
California schools awarded federal Green Ribbon status
The U.S. Department of Education on Earth Day (April 22) announced the 2022 U.S. DOE Green Ribbon Schools, District Sustainability awardees, and Postsecondary Sustainability awardees. Across the country, 27 schools, five districts and four postsecondary institutions were honored for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental […]
Surveys show families largely support school boards and several key priorities
Several new and recent polls conducted by Lake Research Partners (LRP), the Public Policy Institute of California and other research groups found that voters nationwide believe that their local school board does the best job addressing issues in public education, and would like to see […]
The growing importance of teacher induction
Teacher burnout, turnover and retention have been at the forefront of the minds of local educational agency leaders for years, but now with increased urgency as the pandemic continues to push many educators to the brink. The six-district Walnut Valley Consortium — comprising Rowland Unified […]
It’s time to go to school on student mental health
By Dr. Susan Heredia, CSBA President There are exceedingly few silver linings to be found in the tragedy of COVID-19. The academic and social disruption our students have experienced is profound. Yet, if there is one welcome development from the pandemic, it’s the increased attention […]
National superintendent survey shows burn out, hope for better times
A new survey of district superintendents shows that the last two years have been challenging enough that almost half — 44 percent — reported considering or are actively planning to leave their role within the next two to three years. That response is tempered, however, […]
California school mask mandate ends March 11
California will change its school masking policy from “required” to “strongly recommended” beginning March 12, according to a joint release in which Gov. Gavin Newsom joined the governors of Oregon and Washington in announcing new masking policies. The decision to sunset the statewide mask mandate was accompanied by […]
It’s all about the base: CSBA urges Legislature and Governor to increase the LCFF base
Budget hearings continue in the Legislature as the 2022 budget cycle moves forward. For schools, a recommitment to the Local Control Funding Formula) through an increase in LCFF base funding beyond the statutorily required cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is paramount and will continue to be a […]
California school board members don’t have surety bonds: a new CPRA request explained
Multiple school districts and county offices of education have recently received California Public Records Act or Freedom of Information Act requests for copies of board members’ “surety bonds.” The request may claim that all public officials, including elected board members, are required to obtain a […]
March 15 layoff notices: What boards should know
As a member of a school board governance team, few situations are more sensitive than a district delivering March 15 layoff notices. The March 15 notice is a formal, written announcement from a school district to employees informing them that they may be released for […]