CLSBA Unity 2026: Full Schedule

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9:00am PDT

Collaborative Edge: Connecting Boards, Celebrating Success, and Uplifting Communities Presented by the Santa Clara County School Boards Association (SCCSBA)

Saturday August 29, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

Willow Glen 3

Collaborative Edge: Connecting Boards, Celebrating Success, and Uplifting Communities
Presented by the Santa Clara County School Boards Association (SCCSBA)

The Santa Clara County School Boards Association (SCCSBA) is one of the most active and engaged county associations in California, dedicated to improving the lives and educational outcomes of children through meaningful civic participation, advocacy, leadership development, and collaborative action.

This session will highlight how SCCSBA has built a strong culture and practice of engagement among trustees and educational leaders by creating consistent opportunities for learning, advocacy, student voice, and regional collaboration. Participants will explore practical strategies that can be replicated in other counties and organizations to strengthen governance, increase civic engagement, and improve outcomes for students and families.

SCCSBA initiatives include:

Virtual and in-person seminars and professional development opportunities available (at low to no cost) to trustees across the county, focused on timely educational issues, leadership, governance, equity, and student success. Peer-to-peer learning between trustees across school districts is key to improved school board member effectiveness

Fall Dinner: An annual in-person convening that brings together trustees, students, educational leaders, and community partners to discuss diverse and relevant topics impacting public education

Hoffmann Awards: A countywide awards celebration recognizing innovation, leadership, and measurable improvements in student achievement and student outcomes
Monthly virtual evening meetings dedicated to studying, addressing, and raising awareness about the challenges faced by unhoused students, while promoting collaborative regional solutions and advocacy efforts

Lunch and Learns
A highly engaged Legislative Action Committee that convenes monthly organizational and working meetings, maintains regular engagement with legislators, develops advocacy strategies, and advances coordinated action on key public education issues and legislation
Legislative Brunch: An annual legislative forum in which local legislators answer county trustees questions about their perspectives, educational policies and legislative initiatives
A collaborative specifically focused on understanding and meeting the needs of McKinney Vento (housing insecure) students through efforts involving multiple levels of government and non-profit organizations

This workshop will demonstrate how intentional civic engagement and organized regional collaboration can strengthen public education systems, empower trustees and educational leaders, and create meaningful impact for students and communities.

Attendees will leave with:
Practical models for trustee engagement and regional collaboration
Strategies to strengthen advocacy and legislative engagement
Examples of scalable structures that support measurable student-centered outcomes

Speakers:
SCCSBA Chris Norwood
SCCSBA Exec Director Bonnie Mace
SCCSBA LAC Chair Isabel Jubes-Flamerich
SCCSBA Director at Large John Horner

Speakers

Bridget Watson

Board Member, Sunnyvale School District

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 →

John Horner

Board President, Morgan Hill USD

Bonnie Mace

Executive Director, Santa Clara County School Boards Association

Saturday August 29, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Willow Glen 3

Breakout Workshop

1:45pm PDT

Walking in Their Shoes: A Student-Centered Approach to Engagement Through Multilingual Learner Shadowing

Saturday August 29, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT

Willow Glen 3

Student engagement is a key driver of academic success, yet schools often lack opportunities to understand how students experience learning throughout the day. This session introduces the nationally recognized, evidence-based Multilingual Learner Shadowing Protocol, a powerful process that helps educators and leaders view school through the eyes of students.

Participants will learn how shadowing can uncover opportunities and barriers related to engagement, language development, participation, relationships, and belonging. By collecting real-time evidence from a student's perspective, school teams can identify actionable strategies to strengthen student voice, improve learning experiences, and create more responsive and inclusive school environments.

Aligned with the California English Learner Roadmap, this session demonstrates how student shadowing serves as a catalyst for reflection, continuous improvement, and meaningful engagement for multilingual learners and all students.

Speakers

Rubi Flores

Director of Learning, Engagement, Advocacy, and Development, California Association for Bilingual Education

Saturday August 29, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT
Willow Glen 3