ACSA Region 15

Today, ACSA Region 15 was proud to participate in Day 1 of the ACSA Leadership Assembly, engaging in meaningful conversations about leadership, governance, strategic alignment, and the continued work of strengthening our association in service of California’s students and educational leaders.

A special highlight was celebrating Dr. Natalie Taylor Barbiera for her leadership and service as ACSA Region 15 President, 2025–2026. Her dedication, vision, and commitment to Region 15 have made a lasting impact, and we are grateful for the many ways she continues to lead with purpose and heart.

The Leadership Development Committee also shared important work connected to ACSA’s structure, bylaws, strategic plan implementation, council and committee development, and ongoing efforts to build leadership capacity across the state.

Region 15 continues to step up, lead forward, and support the mission of ACSA.

ACSA Region 15 Board Planning Meeting ⚾️

ACSA Region 15 came together on a Saturday for our Board Planning Meeting under the direction of incoming Region 15 President Dr. Kevin Despard. Centered on the theme “Step Up to the Plate,” the meeting served as a meaningful reflection on the important work of educational leaders who consistently step up to ensure that students and staff have the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.

It was a time for collaboration, visioning, and preparing for the important work ahead as we continue to lead with purpose and service.

A very special thank you to outgoing President Dr. Natalie Taylor Barbiera for her outstanding leadership and the many contributions she made during her presidency. Her dedication, heart, and service have left a lasting impact on Region 15.

Here’s to building on that strong foundation and continuing to step up to the plate for those we serve.

Registration for our Women in School Leadership Forum is open NOW! This annual conference is a powerful, multi-day experience designed to inspire, connect and empower women across all levels of education.

Whether you're an established leader or an emerging changemaker, this inclusive gathering centers on leadership, diversity and purpose.

Join us September 23-25 in Indian Wells! Register today: https://bit.ly/2026_ACSA_WomenLeadership

ACSA Region 15 was proudly represented in Sacramento for ACSA Legislative Action Days on April 20 and 21. Led by Jazmin Chavez-Diaz, Region 15 Vice President of Legislative Action, our delegation met with lawmakers to advocate for the needs of California students, educators, and schools.

Region 15 joined ACSA leaders from across the state in urging support for full funding of public education, legislation allowing substitutes to remain in classrooms for up to 60 days, meaningful accountability reforms, and other priorities that strengthen schools and support student success.

Thank you to Jazmin Chavez-Diaz and our Region 15 leaders for elevating the voices of our region and continuing to advocate on behalf of all students.

Real Solutions for School Principles June 22–26 | University of La Verne

Proud to see ACSA Region 15 in action at ACSA Legislative Action Days in Sacramento!

The week kicked off Monday with opening remarks from ACSA State Vice President of Legislative Action Jared Hungerford and Executive Director Edgar Zazueta, along with valuable Advocacy 101 tips from Dorothy Johnson and Kordell Hampton to help prepare advocates for legislative meetings. Attendees also had the opportunity to take part in a special fireside chat with Assembly Education Chair Dr. Darshana Patel.

On Tuesday, ACSA regions, led by their Vice Presidents of Legislative Action, met with lawmakers at the State Capitol to advocate for full funding of public schools, legislation to allow substitutes to remain in classrooms for up to 60 days, accountability reforms, and other key priorities impacting students and schools across California.

Thank you to everyone who represented Region 15 and all of the other regions who helped elevate the voice of public education. Great job, advocates!

Big win for ACSA today! The Assembly Education Committee voted to pass AB 2490 (Assemblymember Avelino Valencia), which seeks to provide continuity to students by allowing the use of 60-day substitutes for both general education and special education settings.

ACSA Region 9 VPLA Dr. Dawn Hubble testified before the Assembly Education Committee to support the bill, stressing the importance of consistency in the classroom for all students, especially those with disabilities.

"(We need to) take care of our students with disabilities and ensuring they have continuity of care, continuity of instruction," said Chair Darshana Patel. "It's not okay for our students with autism to constantly experience change every few weeks."

At 11 a.m. April 7, we invite all ACSA members to join us for a virtual candidate forum for ACSA state vice president. Our candidate is Diego Ochoa, superintendent of San Mateo-Foster City School District.

Join us and submit questions for the candidates! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IspoynJA5pw

We continue the journey, CALSA Familia.

Next in our High Road Leadership Book Study, we explore Chapter 5: Give More Than You Take — centering leadership as service, generosity, and lifting others along the way.

We’re honored to welcome Dr. Roxane Fuentes, Past President, as this week’s facilitator.

✨ Growth doesn’t require starting from the beginning—just showing up.

📅 Monday, March 30 | 5–6 PM (Zoom)
🔗 bit.ly/CALSABOOKSTUDY