CLSBA Unity 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

Strong governance requires more than policy adoption—it requires meaningful impact. This session highlights how boards and leadership teams work in partnership with their communities to align policy, practice, and resources to improve student outcomes. Participants will explore real examples of increased graduation rates, reduced absenteeism, and strengthened family engagement, demonstrating how community-centered leadership drives measurable and sustainable results.

The transition from elementary to middle school is a pivotal moment in a student's educational journey. Camino al Éxito (Path to Success) is a cross-age mentoring program designed to support fifth-grade students by connecting them with trained high school mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. Through meaningful relationships, interactive activities, and exposure to their future school community, students develop the confidence and skills needed to navigate this important transition successfully.
What You Can ExpectParticipants will:

• Learn how to design and implement a cross-age mentoring program that supports students during key school transitions.
• Explore strategies for fostering belonging, confidence, and positive peer relationships.
• Review program structure, mentor training, and implementation timelines.
• Examine pre- and post-program data demonstrating the program's impact on student confidence and school connectedness.
• Hear lessons learned, best practices, and recommendations for sustaining and expanding the program.
• Leave with practical tools and resources that can be adapted to support student transition efforts in their own schools or districts.

Latino school board members and governance teams are uniquely positioned to lead on one of the most urgent issues facing California schools: building and sustaining a fully prepared, diverse educator workforce that reflects and serves our students and communities.

This session centers a board resolution toolkit informed by real examples from California districts, highlighting how local leaders are advancing innovative solutions. To support effective use of the toolkit, participants will reflect on statewide workforce data trends and research and consider the role of school boards and governing teams in aligning policy, budget, and accountability to strengthen educator recruitment and retention.

Participants will engage directly with key questions: How can school boards use resolutions to drive meaningful change in educator workforce outcomes? What does it look like to align policy, investment, and accountability to recruit and retain a fully prepared, diverse educator workforce?

Participants will engage in reflection and small group activities to adapt sample language, identify next steps, and plan for local action. Participants will leave with practical tools, sample language, and a clearer action plan to move from commitment to action.