CLSBA Unity 2026: Full Schedule

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7:00am PDT

Morning Flex Time & Breakfast on Your Own

Friday August 28, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am PDT

Enjoy a relaxed start to your day! Use this time for a morning workout, a nice walk, breakfast on your own or with friends, or simply some quiet time to get centered and ready for the day.
Coffee will be available at 8:00 AM as we get ready to start the day together.

Friday August 28, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am PDT

Hospitality

7:45am PDT

Unity Registration Open

Friday August 28, 2026 7:45am - 4:00pm PDT

Main Ballroom

Pick up your badges.

Friday August 28, 2026 7:45am - 4:00pm PDT
Main Ballroom

Registration

8:00am PDT

Coffee and Exhibit Visits

Friday August 28, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am PDT

Main Ballroom

Friday August 28, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am PDT
Main Ballroom

Meal

9:00am PDT

Evolving MTSS: Lessons Learned in Building Responsive Systems for Student Success

Friday August 28, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

San Carlos

Improving attendance and engagement is a continuous process of learning, adaptation, and growth. In this session, leaders will explore an 11-year evolution of attendance and engagement efforts within a school district, highlighting how systems and structures have been refined over time to address the changing needs of students, staff, families, and the community. Presenters will share lessons learned, key data trends, and practical strategies for building coherent systems that promote connection, belonging, and student success. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to simplify processes, leverage data, and strengthen sustainable practices that increase attendance and engagement for all students.

Speakers

Juan Cuz

Superintendent, Franklin-McKinley School District

Limary Trujillo

Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Franklin-McKinley School District

Friday August 28, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
San Carlos

Breakout Workshop

9:00am PDT

From Voice to Action: Building Civically Engaged Students through Purposeful Schoolwide Practices

Friday August 28, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

Willow Glen 2

How can School Boards/Districts/Schools move beyond isolated programs to ensure 100% of students engage in meaningful civic learning? This session highlights an award-winning school-wide model embedding civic engagement across instruction, leadership, and partnerships that improves engagement, climate, and achievement. Participants will learn how governance teams can support systems that shift classrooms from teacher-directed instruction to student-driven inquiry, where students lead discussions on real-world issues, participate in simulations of democratic processes, and influence school decision-making. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to implement scalable, low-cost civic engagement structures in their own districts.

Highlights
This session highlights the board’s role in setting priorities that elevate student voice and civic engagement, aligning efforts to LCAP goals, and ensuring equitable access for all students. It addresses policy considerations related to student leadership, student engagement, civic learning, and community partnerships. Budget implications are minimal, leveraging existing staff, collaboration time, and grants, demonstrating how boards can support high-impact, sustainable initiatives.

Key Takeaways/Call to Action:
1. Build systems that ensure 100% student engagement in civic learning. 2. Shift from teacher-directed instruction to student-driven inquiry and leadership. 3. Take action: align policies, leverage existing resources, and implement scalable civic practices across your district.

Speakers

Dr. Elida MacArthur

Superintendent, Mount Pleasant Elementary Sch. Dist

r. Elida MacArthur was selected as Superintendent by the Mount Pleasant Elementary School District’s Board of Trustees in August of 2020. With more than two decades of service to the District, she began her career as a Kindergarten Dual Language Immersion Teacher and worked her... Read More →

Melissa Got-Lopez

Vice President, Mount Pleasant Elementary Sch. Dist

Raquel Topete

Principal, Mount Pleasant Elementary Sch. Dist

Friday August 28, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Willow Glen 2

Breakout Workshop

9:00am PDT

Puentes al Éxito: Strategic Governance and the Power of K-16 College Partnerships

Friday August 28, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

Theme: Community-Centered Governance & Leadership

Session Description
How can school board leadership transform a traditional K-12 district into a powerhouse of collegiate opportunity? This session explores a comprehensive framework for building high-impact partnerships between school districts and higher education institutions. Participants will move beyond basic dual enrollment to discover how "Community-Centered Governance" can create a seamless pipeline for both students and staff.

We will dive into the mechanics of establishing a Middle College model, allowing students to earn an Associate’s Degree concurrently with their high school diploma, and discuss the governance required to offer robust Summer School partnerships that cover enrichment, intervention, and credit recovery.

Furthermore, this session highlights a visionary approach to workforce stabilization by leveraging college partnerships to provide academic and financial support for district staff—empowering our educators to advance their own credentials while remaining rooted in the community. Attendees will leave with a roadmap for navigating MOUs, aligning fiscal resources, and advocating for policies that dismantle barriers to higher education.

Speakers

Dora Delgado

Interim Superintendent, ERUSD

Jazmin Chavez-Diaz

Director, El Rancho Unified School District

Friday August 28, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

Breakout Workshop

9:00am PDT

Transforming Comprehensive High School Sites to Full-Scale Early Colleges

Friday August 28, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

Willow Glen 1

McFarland Unified School District is leading the state in a bold new effort to expand equitable access to college credit opportunities to high school students. The new McFarland Dual Enrollment Hub will support K-12 districts from across the state in implementing “wall-to-wall” dual enrollment pathways that enable all students to graduate with at least 12 college credits. This session will showcase the initiative’s comprehensive implementation model, including dedicated implementation support, statewide convenings, pathway design coaching, student recruitment strategies, and systems-level planning to integrate dual enrollment into the regular school day. Presenters will discuss strategies for scaling equitable access for historically underserved students and provide practical tools for district and college leaders seeking to build sustainable dual enrollment systems. Attendees will gain insight into timelines, staffing structures, partnership development, and outcome goals designed to increase successful expansion of dual enrollment opportunities.

Speakers

Aaron Resendez

Superintendent, McFarland Unified School District

Dario Diaz

Principal, McFarland Unified School District

Kylie Campbell

Educational Services & Support Division, California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office

Friday August 28, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Willow Glen 1

Breakout Workshop

9:00am PDT

Undacamented Teachers: From Credential to Classroom

Friday August 28, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

Willow Glen 3

The California Faculty Association is the nation's largest faculty union. This workshop addresses legislative challenges facing undocumented students at California State University (CSU). Utilizing a racial-justice lens, the session examines the issues facing undocumented students who complete a teaching credential but who, upon graduation, can not teach in K-12 districts. The workshop analyzes current educational barriers that prevent undocumented graduates from teaching in K-12 districts. Participants will engage in structured discussions regarding the complexities of policy reform. The session will also outline advocacy strategies implemented in the legal profession. This interactive workshop explores possible approaches for advocacy and mobilization. By the conclusion of the session, participants will be equipped to identify current legislative challenges impacting undocumented CSU students and to evaluate advocacy strategies consistent with CFA legislative priorities.

Speakers

Dr. Theresa Montano

Trustee, Los Angeles COE

Friday August 28, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Willow Glen 3

Breakout Workshop

10:00am PDT

Creating Multilingual School Districts: The Schools we Need for a Multilingual California

Friday August 28, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

Willow Glen 2

Preparing all students to thrive and lead in a global world, and closing gaps for our culturally and linguistically diverse students requires visionary and strategic leadership. Creating multilingual school districts that reflect, embrace, and support our diverse communities is the critical next step for California. Come hear from school board members and superintendents at LEA and County Office levels who are working on the cutting edge to implement a vision of multilingual education, and learn about an exciting statewide campaign to establish multilingual education as a signature feature of California schools. In this session you’ll hear about the rationale and research behind this movement to scale multilingual education for every student in our state. Attendees will gain actionable leadership strategies and concrete tools to move their own districts forward—including sample board policies—and learn how to join with forward-looking leaders across the state in this groundbreaking campaign. implement multilingual education for every student in our state, learn about leadership strategies, gain tools to move your own district forward (including sample board policies), and consider joining with forward-looking school board members throughout California in this ground-breaking campaign. We need schools that reflect, embrace and support our diverse communities! As with the State Seal of Biliteracy, our English Learner Roadmap, Global California 2030, and development of dual language immersion models, California is once again paving the way for the nation. Join us.

Speakers

Elodia Ortega-Lampkin

Superintendent, Woodland Joint School District

Superintendent Elodia Ortega-Lampkin possesses a diverse range of experience throughout her 31-year career in education. Her career began as a student-teacher at Dingle Elementary School and she served in the California Mini-Corps Program as a tutor/para educator at Grafton Elementary... Read More →

Izela Jacobo

Senior Director, San Diego County Office of Education

Izela Jacobo is an Executive Leadership Coach for the San Diego County Office of Education Multilingual Education and Global Achievement Department. She's also a lecturer for the San Diego State University Dual Language and English Learner Education Program. Previously, Izela was... Read More →

Dr. Yolanda Rogers

Assistant Superintendent, SDCOE

Alicia Muñoz

School Board Member, San Diego County Office of Education

Dr. Gloria Ciriza

Superintendent, San Diego County Superintendent of Schools

Claudia Rodriguez Mojica

Board Trustee, Woodland Joint School District

Friday August 28, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Willow Glen 2

Breakout Workshop

10:00am PDT

Cultivating Excellence: How Board Governance Catalyzed Student Achievement

Friday August 28, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

Willow Glen 3

This proposal highlights the successful partnership between the Newhall School District (NSD) Governing Board and Newhall Elementary School to drive significant academic growth. By shifting from a compliance-based model to one of "Collective Inquiry" and strategic resource allocation, the district has seen a positive trajectory in CAASPP scores and foundational literacy. The session will explore how the Board uses data-driven systems to support site-level instruction while maintaining high-level fiscal and policy oversight. The Newhall Elementary School District success story demonstrates that when a Governing Board is a "true partner" in the work—participating in audits, professional development, and rigorous data analysis—the result is a strong community of success for both staff and students. This session provides a step-by-step roadmap for other school board members to implement similar governance strategies in their home districts.

Speakers

Suzan Solomon

Governing Board President, Newhall School District

Suzan Solomon has lived in the Newhall School District Community since 1986. She moved to the area with her husband Eskel because of the small town feeling of Santa Clarita, and its highly acclaimed school districts. Not only have they found Santa Clarita a wonderful place to raise... Read More →

Leticia Hernandez

Superintendent, Newhall School District

Friday August 28, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Willow Glen 3

Breakout Workshop

10:00am PDT

From Voice to Influence: Developing Student Leaders through School Board Governance and Superintendent's Advisory Council

Friday August 28, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

San Carlos

From Voice to Influence: Developing Student Leaders through School Board Governance and Superintendent's Advisory Council
Student voice is most powerful when it moves beyond participation and becomes meaningful influence. This engaging session will explore how school districts can intentionally develop student leaders through Student Board Member programs and Superintendent's Student Advisory Councils. Participants will learn practical strategies for creating authentic opportunities for students to provide input, shape decisions, and serve as thought partners in district governance.
Through real-world examples from Riverbank Unified School District, attendees will discover how empowering students to engage in policy discussions, strategic planning, school culture initiatives, and district priorities strengthens both leadership development and organizational decision-making. The session will highlight structures, protocols, recruitment strategies, and lessons learned in building student leadership systems that foster confidence, civic engagement, and a sense of belonging.
Join us to learn how districts can move students from simply having a voice to becoming influential leaders who help shape the future of their schools, communities, and beyond. After all, today's student leaders are tomorrow's community leaders.

Speakers

Dr. Constantino Aguilar

Superintendent, Riverbank Unified School District

Friday August 28, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
San Carlos

Breakout Workshop

10:00am PDT

Human-Centered AI: Building Ethical and Equitable AI Systems in Public Education

Friday August 28, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

Guadlupe

Sunnyvale School District will share how it developed a human-centered framework for Artificial Intelligence that prioritizes equity, professional judgment, student safety, and instructional excellence. Participants will learn how the district created AI guidance, established guardrails, engaged stakeholders, and developed phased implementation plans aligned to district values and strategic priorities.

Speakers

Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Ph.D

Superintendent, Sunnyvale School District

Dr. Gudiel R. Crosthwaite has dedicated over 30 years to public education, championing equity, mentorship, and student success. He began his career in 1994 as a classroom teacher and has since served in leadership roles at every level—elementary, middle, and high school.In 2025... Read More →

Friday August 28, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Guadlupe

Breakout Workshop

10:00am PDT

Leveraging Municipal, County, and Community Partnerships for Shared Governance and Accountability

Friday August 28, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

Willow Glen 1

Share how leveraging municipal, county, and community board relationships are essential to ensure shared governance and accountability while leveraging community capital

Speakers

Cynthia Salas

Board Member, Oxnard School District

Friday August 28, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Willow Glen 1

Breakout Workshop

11:00am PDT

Ambassador Student Leadership and Civic Engagement

Friday August 28, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

Willow Glen 1

The Ambassador Program at Buena Park School District empowers at-promise students to effectively use their voices by building communication and leadership skills that foster confidence, personal growth, and a commitment to civic engagement. Emphasizing student leadership, voice, agency, and advocacy, this program equips students to make meaningful contributions to the district and community. Now in its third year, the program is replicable and can be scaled for size or adjusted for age level.

Speakers

Jerry Frutos

Board President, Buena Park School District

Dr. Julienne Lee

Superintendent, Buena Park School District

Friday August 28, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Willow Glen 1

Breakout Workshop

11:00am PDT

Community Schools You Can Measure - Turning Student Voice Into Pillar-Level Evidence

Friday August 28, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

Willow Glen 3

Speakers

Dr. Francisco Escobedo

CA State Board Member

Dr. Leticia Bhatia

Superintendent, John Sweet USD

Dr. Joshua Arnold

Co-CEO, Impacter Pathway

Russell Coronado

Former Board Member of Chula Vista ESD & Executive Director, SDCOE South County SELPA

Friday August 28, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Willow Glen 3

Breakout Workshop

11:00am PDT

Effective Communication Between Board and Superintendent

Friday August 28, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

Willow Glen 2

Effective Communication Between Board and Superintendent

Speakers

Dr. Jesus Vaca

Superintendent, Somis Union School District

Cynthia Salas

Board Member, Oxnard School District

Friday August 28, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Willow Glen 2

Breakout Workshop

11:00am PDT

Empowering Our At-Promise Students Through Alternative Education ¡Con Ganas y Poder!

Friday August 28, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

San Carlos

This session will examine how the AUHSD Community Schools framework transforms alternative education from a deficit-based "last resort" into an asset-based powerhouse that unlocks student potential through the six community school pillars.

Speakers

Jose Lara

Coordinator, Anaheim Union High School District

Jessica Guerrero

President, Anaheim Union High School District Board of Trustees

Friday August 28, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
San Carlos

Breakout Workshop

11:00am PDT

From Collaboration to Collective Cognition: Leadership Practices That Drive Student Achievement

Friday August 28, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

Guadlupe

Schools collaborate constantly, yet achievement gaps often persist. This session challenges leaders to move beyond surface-level collaboration toward generative collaboration that produces deeper thinking, equitable decision-making, and measurable impact on student learning. Grounded in cultural proficiency and cognitive coaching practices, participants will examine how leadership teams can redesign systems, redistribute voice, and strengthen community-centered leadership practices that improve outcomes for all students. Practical tools and real-world applications will support leaders in building sustainable cultures of inquiry and achievement.

Speakers

Roberto Núñez, Ed.D

Director, Monterey COE

Friday August 28, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Guadlupe

Breakout Workshop

12:00pm PDT

Welcome Lunch: The Future of California: Education, Opportunity & Power

Friday August 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm PDT

Main Ballroom

Unity Voices: Education, Opportunity & the Future of California
Experience a powerful midday gathering that brings culture, connection, and big ideas to the heart of Unity.
We’ll begin with live music and a special First Nations belonging ceremony, creating a meaningful moment to honor the land, community, and connections that bring us together.
Then, join Dr. Iliana Perez of Immigrants Rising for an engaging fireside conversation with visionary leaders Julian Castro, Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, and Eloy Ortiz Oakley as they explore the future of education, economic opportunity, higher education, and the changing landscape of California.
Come for the culture. Stay for the conversation. Leave inspired about what’s possible for our students, communities, and California.

Speakers

Dr. Carmen Garcia

Superintendent, Morgan Hill USD

Dr. Carmen García was born in Tepatitlán, Jalisco, México, and grew up in Southern California where she took full advantage of her K-12 education. Subsequently, she attended the University of San Diego where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History... Read More →

Julian Castro

CEO, Latino Community Foundation

Julián Castro serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Latino Community Foundation, the nation’s largest Latino-serving foundation.Julián’s deep commitment to the future of this nation is woven into his DNA. Raised by his mother Rosie Castro, a civil rights and Chicana activist, and his grandmother, Victoria Castro, on the westside of San Antonio, Texas, Julian grew up with a profound understanding of what... Read More →

Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson

President, California State University, San Jose

Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson became President of San José State University in January 2023, taking the helm of California’s first public university and the founding campus of the California State University system. As the first Latina president in SJSU’s history, she is leading... Read More →

Dr. Iliana Perez

CEO, Immigrants Raising

Iliana G. Perez, Ph.D.
An esteemed leader in the field of immigrant entrepreneurship, Dr. Perez (she/her) brings over a decade of experience as a researcher and advocate for immigrant rights to her role at Immigrants Rising. She has pioneered initiatives to empower and support undocumented entrepreneurs... Read More →

Eloy Ortiz Oakley

CEO, College Futures Foundation

Eloy Ortiz Oakley is an American educator, leader, and advisor and is widely regarded as a leading voice on improving equity in higher education and positioning institutions to respond to global shifts in the workforce and the future of learning.Oakley was appointed president and... Read More →

Friday August 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm PDT
Main Ballroom

General Session

1:45pm PDT

Board Members Drive Impact for Multilingual Students: Adopting High-Quality Instructional Materials

Friday August 28, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT

Willow Glen 2

Overview:
The time for bold leadership for multilingual students is now. California’s current math curriculum adoption and ELA/ELD/SLA cycles offer a critical opportunity to improve instruction for over 5 million students, including 1.1 million multilingual learners (MLLs). With two-thirds of students performing below basic proficiency on the Nation’s Report Card and only 10% of English learners meeting California math standards, the urgency for change is clear.

Join us to explore ELSF’s Curriculum Adoption Toolkits and MLL-inclusive RFP language. These resources are designed to help districts ensure that selected materials align with the CA EL Roadmap Policy and state initiatives to close achievement gaps for MLLs. We will highlight how leaders can take action to support local education agencies (LEAs) throughout the adoption and implementation process and share more about ELSF’s professional learning services.

What You’ll Gain:

- Action Steps: Guidance for board members and leaders to collaboratively create plans with district leadership.
- Equity and Access: Clarity on how to center equity throughout the curriculum adoption and implementation process.
- Concrete Tools: Sample RFP language and MLL-centered reviews of materials aligned with the 2023 California Math Framework.
- Professional Learning: Awareness of ELSF’s offerings to support math adoption and implementation across LEAs.

Speakers

Benito Aranda-Comer

Email Title to [email protected] for badge, The Education Trust–West

Dr. Renae Skarin

Senior Advisor, ELSF

Renae Skarin has almost 30 years of experience working with English learner and minoritized populations through research, advocacy, and program development and implementation with educators nationwide and abroad. She currently serves as the Senior Advisor for Content at the English... Read More →

Friday August 28, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT
Willow Glen 2

Breakout Workshop

1:45pm PDT

California Administrators’ Equity Alliance: Affinity Panel

Friday August 28, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT

Willow Glen 3

Join us for a powerful panel conversation where affinity groups come together to elevate shared priorities in education. In partnership with the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), the California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA), the California Association of Asian Pacific Leaders in Education (CAAPLE), and the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA), we will highlight how collective advocacy, professional learning, and a commitment to student achievement are shaping meaningful outcomes across California. This session offers an opportunity to engage with leaders who are driving change for students, families, and educators statewide and to explore how collaboration across communities strengthens our collective voice.

Moderator
Association of California School Administrators (ACSA)
Mr. Anthony Robinson
Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Innovative Learning
[email protected]

Panelists
Association of California School Administrators (ACSA)
Dr. Edgar Zazueta
Executive Director
[email protected]

Dr. Rene Rickard
President
[email protected]

California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA)
Dr. Antoine Hawkins
President
[email protected]

California Association of Asian Pacific Leaders in Education (CAAPLE)
Dr. Tracie Noriega
Senior Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, & Professional Learning, (ACSA)
[email protected]

California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA)
Dr. Juan Manuel Santos
President
[email protected]

Jessica Ochoa
Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]

Speakers

Mr. Anthony Robinson

Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Innovative Learning, Association of California Sch. Administrators

Dr. Edgar Zazueta

Executive Director, Association of California School Administrators (ACSA)

Edgar Zazueta served as the ACSA Senior Director of Policy and Governmental Relations beginning in 2015, and was appointed as Executive Director in 2022.

Prior to joining ACSA, Zazueta served as the Chief of External Affairs for Los Angeles Unified School District. In this capacity, he represented the superintendent and board of education before community organizations and led legislative advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels... Read More →

Dr. Antoine Hawkins

Superintendent, Evergreen School District

Dr. Tracie Noriega

Sr Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Professional Learning, Association of California Sch. Administrators

Jessica Ochoa

Chief Executive Officer, California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA)

Dr. Rene Rickard

President, Association of California School Administrators (ACSA)

Dr. Juan Manuel Santos

President, California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA)

Friday August 28, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT
Willow Glen 3

Breakout Workshop

1:45pm PDT

Expanding Access to the State Seal of Biliteracy in California

Friday August 28, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT

Willow Glen 1

This workshop will focus on the expansion of the State Seal of Biliteracy (SSB) and actions that governing board can take to increase access. It will be an opportunity for school board members to learn about the SSB and reflect on strategies to ensure that more students have an opportunity to attain it. Strategies will focus on both supporting students in high school and on creating multiple pathways to biliteracy from PK-12th grade, including through expanding dual language programs and implementing the multilingual pathway recognition awards.

Speakers

Manuel Buenrostro

Email Title to [email protected] for badge, Californians Together

Friday August 28, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT
Willow Glen 1

Breakout Workshop

1:45pm PDT

From Access to Outcomes: Transforming Systems to Ensure Every Student Thrives

Friday August 28, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT

Guadlupe

Sunnyvale School District will share how it used a districtwide systems analysis to identify barriers to student success and build a more coherent, equity-centered improvement strategy. Participants will learn how district and board leadership aligned around student outcomes, instructional coherence, access to rigorous coursework, and stronger Tier 1 systems to better serve historically underserved students.

Speakers

Isabel Jubes-Flamerich

President, California Association of Latino Leaders in Education (CALLE)

Isabel Jubes-Flamerich is an education leader, elected school board trustee, architect, designer, and longtime advocate for educational equity, sustainability, and student success. Originally from Venezuela, Isabel brings her experience as an immigrant, parent, educator, and community... Read More →

Peggy Shen Brewster

Board President, Sunnyvale School District

Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Ph.D

Superintendent, Sunnyvale School District

Friday August 28, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT
Guadlupe

Breakout Workshop

1:45pm PDT

From Research to Action: Expanding Bilingual Education Access in California Schools

Friday August 28, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT

San Carlos

California's Multilingual Learner achievement gap persists in part because bilingual educational opportunities remain concentrated in formal program models, out of reach for most Multilingual Learner students. New WestEd research conducted in Silicon Valley documents the current state of bilingual program access, resource investment, and family engagement in the region — and identifies concrete levers board members and district leaders in any region of the state can pull to expand those opportunities systemwide. In this session, WestEd researchers will present key findings from the study alongside a district practitioner who will speak to the on-the-ground realities of implementing these strategies — from deploying bilingually authorized staff beyond dedicated bilingual programs to building the school-community relationships that research shows are essential to Multilingual Learner program success. A representative from a community-based organization will also participate, and speak to the barriers multilingual families face in accessing bilingual programs and the critical role family liaisons and community partners play in connecting families to the schools and services they need. Attendees will leave with actionable information and recommendations for their local context, regardless of whether they are in Silicon Valley or not, and an understanding of where policy can expand or constrain progress toward equitable bilingual education access at scale.

Speakers

Alex Jacobson

Research Manager, WestEd

Friday August 28, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT
San Carlos

Breakout Workshop

2:45pm PDT

Coffee, Sweets and Exhibit Visits

Friday August 28, 2026 2:45pm - 3:15pm PDT

Main Ballroom

Friday August 28, 2026 2:45pm - 3:15pm PDT
Main Ballroom

Meal

3:15pm PDT

Unity: Celebrating Leadership, Impact & Our Future

Friday August 28, 2026 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT

Main Ballroom

Close out an incredible day of Unity with an afternoon celebrating the leaders, educators, and advocates who are shaping the future of California education.
Hear from Dr. Margarita Berta-Ávila, President of the California Faculty Association, as she shares her perspective on the issues and opportunities facing California educators.

Help shape CALLE’s legislative priorities through an interactive priorities survey.
The highlight of the afternoon will be the presentation of the Latino/a Educational Advancement & Distinction (LEAD) Awards, recognizing outstanding individuals and school districts making a meaningful difference in education and their communities.
LEAD Honorees:
• Buena Park School District
• Heber Elementary School District
• McFarland Unified School District
• Dr. Steve Martinez
Celebrate the leaders. Shape the priorities. Inspire the future.

Friday August 28, 2026 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT
Main Ballroom

General Session

4:45pm PDT

Healing Drum Circle

Friday August 28, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT

Main Ballroom

Maggie Steele has been inspiring and empowering Mendocino County and
neighboring communities for more than 30 years. A dynamic speaker, educator, and
community leader, she has delivered impactful trainings, presentations, youth programs,
and school assemblies in Ukiah, Willits, Round Valley, and beyond—leaving lasting
impressions wherever she goes.
Cultural Leadership and the heART of Wellness is a powerful and engaging
experience that brings culture, leadership, and wellness to life through storytelling,
teachings, and interactive activities. Rich cultural stories are woven together with
meaningful examples and vivid metaphors that illuminate wisdom, healing, resilience,
and well-being. Participants are invited into an energizing leadership activity that helps
them discover their unique strengths while expanding their vision of leadership,
teamwork, and collaboration. Teachings about the drum offer a profound reflection on
connection, life, death, transformation, and the rhythms that unite us all. The experience
concludes with a community healing art graphic that powerfully captures and reinforces
the day’s shared lessons.

Speakers

Maggie Steele

Founder, 7 th Generation Warriors for Peace

Maggie Steele is the founder of 7 th Generation Warriors for Peace an organization dedicated to
working with tribes, communities, organizations, adult and youth detention facilities, in cultural
leadership, healing and empowerment. She has implemented leadership programs and youth
e... Read More →

Friday August 28, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT
Main Ballroom

Breakout Workshop

6:00pm PDT

Dinners on your own

Friday August 28, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT

Hospitality

8:30pm PDT

Unity Bienvenida: Noche Norteña, Live Music By Dinastia Imparable

Friday August 28, 2026 8:30pm - 11:30pm PDT

Market Street Room at Marriott

Kick off Unity Conference with an unforgettable Noche Norteña! Join us for an evening of great company, a Western-inspired atmosphere, and live music by Dinastía Imparable. Come connect, celebrate, and enjoy the first night of Unity together!

Friday August 28, 2026 8:30pm - 11:30pm PDT
Market Street Room at Marriott

Reception

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