Overview
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2025-26 Academy Program
ACSA is Your Career Partner
The Association of California School Administrators provides a full range of academies, in eight leadership specializations, to meet your needs as a school administrator, confidential employee or classified manager.
Because ACSA represents all members of the district management team, we can help you build the administrative and leadership skills needed in your current job, while preparing you to take advantage of career advancement opportunities.
ACSA's job-specific academies provide a solid foundation of training in the application of leadership and management fundamentals for administrators who are new or aspiring to advanced leadership positions. The academies are seen as the "fast track" to your career as a superintendent, principal, business manager, curriculum and instruction or personnel administrator, special education or pupil services director, confidential employee or classified manager.
In the ACSA academy program, in every leadership specialization, effective professional learning plays a vital role in expanding participants' capacity for equity- minded leadership. We invite you to take advantage of these exceptional high-quality professional learning opportunities as ACSA continues to innovate to better meet your needs.
ACSA's Aspirations for You
ACSA Academy Program participation distinguishes you as an educational leader who intentionally seeks to expand your professional learning, skills and networking with a statewide community of learners. ACSA holds the following aspirations for your maximum benefit from, and contribution, to the Academy program:
- Engage consistently, meaningfully and actively throughout the Academy.
- Actualize your Academy commitment through responsibility, accountability, motivation and grit.
- Share and apply what you are learning in the Academy with colleagues in your job and organization.
- Expand your curiosity for learning, your compassion for yourself and others, and your professional network.
- Earn your Academy Certificate of Completion at the end of the Academy year.
Academies continue to evolve
ACSA is grateful and honored to be an integral part of your professional learning, networking and career advancement.
Academy commitments
As you consider registering for an Academy cohort, please think carefully about the commitment you would need to make regarding each of the following:
Registration and Cancellation Information:
Enrollment is limited to the first 30 registrants.
To avoid registration cancellation, an appropriate form of payment must be received no later than three weeks before the scheduled Academy start date. Registrants may re-register with appropriate form of payment.
Cancellations must be in writing a minimum of 15 days prior to the program date to be eligible for a refund. A service fee is charged for all cancellations. The following scale will be used for all cancellation requests. NOTE: Each cancellation notice received will be reviewed on an individual basis.
30 days prior - Full refund less $75 service fee
15 days prior - 50% refund
14 days or less - No refund
2025-2026 Academy Catalog
2025-2026 Academies At-A-Glance
Not an ACSA member yet? Complete the online membership application form to trigger the ACAD25 ($2/day) promotional rate* (*based upon eligibility)!
Join Now!FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of academy participation?
Academies offer a number of distinctive professional learning benefits including:
- Sustained, job-embedded professional learning that is supported by extensive materials and resources, and extended professional networking.
- ACSA Academy Certificate of Completion: highly respected statewide for premier professional development for school administrators.
- Academy hours may be used toward satisfying professional development requirements for the clear administrative services credential (see additional credentialing information on page 7 of the 2025-26 Academy catalog).
Note: Academies are not an independent clear administrative services credential pathway.
What are ACSA's aspirations for you?
Your participation in the ACSA Academy Program distinguishes you as an educational leader who intentionally seeks to grow in your professional knowledge, skills and connections. As a community of learners, Academy participants engage in professional learning and networking with fellow educational leaders statewide. ACSA holds the following aspirations for your maximum benefit from and contribution to the Academy program:
- Engage consistently, meaningfully, actively throughout the Academy.
- Actualize Academy commitment through responsibility, accountability, motivation and grit.
- Share and applying what you are learning in the Academy with colleagues in your job and organization.
- Expand your curiosity for learning, your compassion for yourself and others, and your professional network.
- Earn your Academy Certificate of Completion at the end of the Academy Year.
What are your Academy commitments as a participant?
As you consider registering for an Academy, please think carefully about the commitment you would need to make regarding each of the following:
- Academy meeting dates. Calendar and prioritize meeting dates, including those on selected holiday weekends, to attend all Academy sessions as scheduled.
- Academy program design. Honor the investment of the Academy directors and presenters to plan, coordinate and delivery an in-depth Academy experience that is articulated, consistent within each leadership specialization, and rich in practical resources and networking.
- Academy norms. Support and contribute to the culture and atmosphere for professional learning and networking.
- Community of learners. Make learning meaningful for your yourself and fellow participants, and engage with presenters.
- Attend to being prepared, being prompt and providing feedback for every Academy sessions.
- Anticipate and look forward to the benefit, impact and possibility of every Academy weekend.
ACSA is grateful and honored to be an integral part of your professional learning, networking and career advancement.
What time do the Academy sessions meet?
Academy Weekends include 10 hours of professional learning and networking. Generally, you can expect an Academy weekend to convene on Fridays from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please note that meeting times may vary slightly for individual academy cohorts.
How many Academy specializations are there?
Academies range in duration from 70 to 100 hours and offer 10 hours of professional learning on each of seven to ten academy weekends (see individual academy descriptions for additional details).
Academies range in duration from 70 to 100 hours. Academies meet for 10 hours of professional learning on each
of 7 to 10 Academy weekends (see individual academy descriptions for additional details).
What Academy program formats are offered?
The academy program will continue to expand opportunities statewide for enhancing job-embedded professional learning by offering multiple program formats:
What is ACSA's Equity lens in the Academy program?
At ACSA, we believe that every child deserves access and opportunity to quality teaching and learning every day, regardless of ZIP code or family income. Socioeconomic conditions, race, gender, ethnic background, and other factors should not be barriers for educational attainment.
How do I register?
Each participant must register themselves by logging into their ACSA member account, or create a non-member account, to begin the registration process. Pre-registration is required for all ACSA academies. Space is limited, so early registration is a must.
To register for an ACSA academy, choose the tab with the Academy specialization that you would like to attend and click on Register Now. You will be directed to the Academy Summary, please review then click to Register. You will be prompted to log into your ACSA member account or create a non-member account. You may register with a credit card, purchase order or you may set up a monthly installment plan to pay the registration fee in three consecutive monthly installments using a credit card.
How many cohorts can I register for?
Participants may register for one Academy cohort per year.
How much are Academy registration fees?
Academy registration fees are based upon the number of hours and cohort format.
Will I be notified that my registration has been received?
ACSA will email you confirmation of registration and enrollment upon receipt of your completed registration which needs to include one of the following: Payment in full; payment of the first of three installments; or provision of a valid Purchase Order number.
Please go to www.acsa.org/academies to register for Academy cohorts with space still available.
What if I have to cancel at the last minute?
Cancellations must be in writing a minimum of 15 days prior to the program date to be eligible for a refund. A service fee is charged for all cancellations. The following scale will be used for all cancellation requests. NOTE: Each cancellation notice received will be reviewed on an individual basis.
- 30 days prior...................Full refund less $75 service fee
- 15 days prior...................50% refund
- 14 days or less................No refund
How are Academy scholarships available?
ACSA academy scholarship funding is available for regular ACSA members who have a commitment to educational quality, student achievement, and professional growth, and who can demonstrate a financial need. Please see the Scholarships tab for more information.
What if a cohort is cancelled?
Sometimes, due to insufficient enrollment or other circumstances, ACSA must cancel an academy. Should that occur, we will transfer each registrant’s registration to another academy of his/her choice or immediately process a full refund.
Which academy should I attend?
The chart below lists which academies should be attended by administrators in specific job categories — as well as by administrators who aspire to attain a position in a job category other than their own. Use the chart and the academy calendar to plan professional learning for your career development for the upcoming school year.
Scholarships
Academy Scholarships
ACSA offers academy scholarship funding for members with financial need to attend job-specific academies. Academy scholarships are awarded exclusively for academy participation.
Who is eligible?
Regular ACSA members who have a commitment to educational quality, student achievement and professional growth, who can demonstrate a financial need, and who have not previously been awarded an Academy scholarship.
What is the scholarship amount?
Eight $500 scholarships and one $1,000 scholarship (for Superintendents only) will be awarded to recipients selected by the Academy Scholarships Selection Committee.
What is the deadline?
Applications and related materials must be submitted directly to state ACSA through the 2025-26 Academy Scholarship Application link by Monday, July 14, 2025. Recipients will be notified in writing by July 31, 2025. Please email Trish Elmore with any questions.
Be sure to read additional Academy scholarship details on page 6 of the
2025-26 Academy Catalog.
2025-26 Academy Scholarship Application
Deadline to apply: Monday, July 14, 2025
Region Scholarships
We encourage members to check with your local region for the availability of professional development scholarships.
Curriculum &
Instructional Leaders
Curriculum & Instructional Leaders Academy
Intended Audience
Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents of Instruction; Project Directors, Curriculum Directors, Intervention Specialists; Site Administrators; District and County Office Administrators including those aspiring to central office curriculum and instructional leadership; School Board Members
The ACSA Curriculum and Instructional Leaders Academy introduces participants to a variety of strategies for developing effective instructional practices based on current student learning and assessment theories. Presentations and discussion sessions are conducted by an experienced faculty of current practitioners.
This academy enables new or aspiring curriculum and instructional leaders to experience and begin to develop fundamental skills needed to address standard-based reforms including assessment, curriculum, and monitoring and evaluation of instructional programs for their schools and districts within the context of local control accountability planning and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).
For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.
Specific themes include:
- Quality instruction for all.
- Meeting diverse student needs.
- Leading system change and transition.
- State and federal mandates and accountability.
- Personalizing learning in standards-based systems.
- Instructional materials selection (traditional, online, electronic, open-source).
- Meeting student needs with coordinated funding (Local Control and Accountability Plan – LCAP).
- Implementation of the California State Standards for ELA, ELD, Math, History-Social Science, and Next Generation Science.
- Student assessments: formative and summative (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium – SBAC).
- Literacy in core content areas.
Academy sessions are particularly useful for educators managing changes that lead to the successful implementation of standards, assessment and accountability. The extensive course syllabus and materials each participant receives are exceptional resources for ongoing reference.
2025-2026 Meeting formats
Participants experience 80 hours of professional learning over eight extended Academy weekends in a Virtual/Online meeting format for 10 hours per weekend.
The academy meets on Fridays, 5:00-8:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.*
*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.
2025-2026 Curriculum & Instructional Leaders Academy Registration
ACSA Members - Virtual Cohort: $1,500
Non-Members - Virtual Cohort: $3,000
Register with Credit Card, Purchase Order or 3 Month Installment Payment Plan
- Payment will be due in full with a credit card or
- A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment.
- Under extenuating circumstances, you can setup a 3 month installment payment plan and pay in three consecutive monthly installments using a credit card
C & I Leaders - Costa Mesa
Virtual/Online format
Director: Darlene Messinger
Dates:- September 12-13, 2025
- October 10-11, 2025
- November 14-15, 2025
- December 12-13, 2025
- January 9-10, 2026
- February 6-7, 2026
- March 6-7, 2026
- April 3-4, 2026
C & I Leaders - Torrance
Virtual/Online formatDirector - Scott McDowell
Dates:- September 26-27, 2025
- October 24-25, 2025
- November 14-15, 2025
- December 5-6, 2025
- January 23-24, 2026
- February 20-21, 2026
- March 20-21, 2026
- April 24-25, 2026
Equity
Administrators
Equity Administrators Academy
Intended Audience
District and site administrators including Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Equity Administrators; County Office Administrators; those responsible for LCAP implementation, interested in educational equity, and in closing achievement gaps in their schools and districts; School Board Members
The ACSA Equity Administrators Academy is designed to build leadership capacity and oversight for the development and advancement of systemic strategies. The Academy focuses on understanding policies and academic strategies that close the achievement gap through efforts to implement promising and proven strategies in the district.
Participants learn how to conduct internal review and evaluation of existing resources and programs established to support underserved students. The academy helps participants learn how to build and embed continuous improvement processes in their own local context to support LCAP implementation. The academy is designed for administrators or individuals responsible for leading and coordinating reform efforts focused on addressing achievement gaps and implementing equitable practices to effectively address diverse student needs. Practical tools and tips are incorporated in every session.
The academy focuses on intentional and strategic efforts to provide relevant support that can be applied effectively to serve all marginalized groups. The academy is excellent preparation for administrators who are leading equity and for those pursuing equity leadership positions within districts and counties offices of education that have resulted from LCFF/LCAP initiatives. All students and student groups fall under the scope of this work: English Learners, socioeconomically disadvantaged pupils, foster youth, homeless youth, students with disabilities, racial/ethnic groups.
For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.
- Building cultural proficiency to advance educational equity.
- Leading and designing for equity in complex systems for setting goals and planning actions in LCAPs (Local Control and Accountability Plan) and SPSAs (Single Plan for Student Achievement).
- Using data as an equity engine to set goals, plan actions, and leverage resources to meet those goals to improve student outcomes.
- Creating a strategic plan and vision for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
- Developing continuous improvement systems for aligning local, state and federal priorities, and for allocating and leveraging resources.
- Engaging family and community partners for Equity and Excellence.
2025-2026 Meeting format
Participants experience 70 hours of professional learning over seven extended Academy weekends in a Virtual/Online meeting format for 10 hours per weekend.
The academy meets on Fridays, 5:00-8:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.*
*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.
2025-2026 Equity Administrators Academy Registration
ACSA Members: $1,350
Non-Members: $2,700
Register with Credit Card, Purchase Order or 3 Month Installment Payment Plan
- Payment will be due in full with a credit card or
- A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment.
- Under extenuating circumstances, you can setup a 3 month installment payment plan and pay in three consecutive monthly installments using a credit card
Equity Administrators
Virtual/Online format
Directors- Cherina Betters & Marcie Poole
Dates:- September 12-13, 2025
- October 10-11, 2025
- November 14-15, 2025
- December 12-13, 2025
- January 9-10, 2026
- February 6-7, 2026
- March 6-7, 2026
Personnel
Administrators
Personnel Administrators Academy
Intended Audience
Superintendents; Assistant Superintendents and Directors of Human Resources; district and county office personnel administrators and managers; certificated and classified personnel staff; Site Administrators
The ACSA Personnel Administrators Academy offers thorough training for new or aspiring personnel managers, human resource directors, and personnel staff. The comprehensive curriculum also gives superintendents and other top-level district administrators an excellent legal and operational foundation for managing employees. Presentations and discussion sessions are presented by experienced personnel administrators from throughout California. Participants develop the fundamental skills required for effective school personnel management and discover the resources needed to succeed on the job within the context of local control accountability planning and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).
For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.
Specific themes include:
- Role of the personnel manager.
- Organizing the certificated/classified personnel office.
- Technology in human resource management.
- Job description/reclassification/compensation.
- Evaluating employees.
- Staffing needs and recruitment.
- Employee counseling techniques.
- Employer-employee relations.
- Budget, salary, benefits.
- Due process.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).
- State and federal laws and regulations.
- Layoff and termination.
- Troubleshooting special personnel problems.
- Professional advancement opportunities.
- Induction, orientation.
2025-2026 Meeting formats
Participants experience 70 hours of professional learning over seven extended Academy weekends in a Virtual/Online or Hybrid meeting format for 10 hours per weekend.
The academy meets on Fridays, 5:00p.m. - 8:30p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30am-3:30pm*
*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.
2025-2026 Personnel Administrators Academy Registration
ACSA Members - Virtual Cohort: $1,350
ACSA Members - Hybrid Cohort: $1,449
Non-Members - Virtual Cohort: $2,700
Non-Members - Hybrid Cohort: $2,898
Register with Credit Card, Purchase Order or 3 Month Installment Payment Plan
- Payment will be due in full with a credit card or
- A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment.
- Under extenuating circumstances, you can setup a 3 month installment payment plan and pay in three consecutive monthly installments using a credit card
Personnel Administrators - Azusa
Hybrid format
Azusa USD, Board Room, 546 S. Citrus Avenue, Azusa, CA 91702
Director - Corey James
Dates:- September 19-20, 2025
- October 10-11, 2025
- November 14-15, 2025
- January 9-10, 2026
- February 6-7, 2026
- February 27-28, 2026
- March 27-28, 2026
NOTE: All Fridays will convene online and all Saturdays will convene in-person.
Personnel Administrators - Costa Mesa
Hybrid format
Newport-Mesa USD, Board Room, 2985 Bear Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Directors- Leona Olson & Shoshana Nakano
Dates:
- September 12-13, 2025
- October 3-4, 2025
- October 24-25, 2025
- December 5-6, 2025
- January 23-24, 2026
- February 20-21, 2026
- March 20-21, 2026
NOTE: All Fridays will convene online and all Saturdays will convene in-person.
Personnel Administrators - Dublin
Hybrid Format
Dublin USD, Board Room, 7471 Larkdale Ave., Dublin, CA 94568
Directors- Sherri Beetz & Heather Campos
Dates:Dublin USD, Board Room, 7471 Larkdale Ave., Dublin, CA 94568
Directors- Sherri Beetz & Heather Campos
- September 19-20, 2025
- October 3-4, 2025
- October 24-25, 2025
- November 14-15, 2025
- December 5-6, 2025
- January 23-24, 2026
- February 20-21, 2026
NOTE: All Fridays will convene online and all Saturdays will convene in-person.
Personnel Administrators - Ontario
Virtual/Online format
Directors - Michael Lin & Sam Buenrostro
Dates:- October 3-4, 2025
- November 14-15, 2025
- December 5-6, 2025
- January 16-17, 2026
- February 20-21, 2026
- March 13-14, 2026
- April 10-11, 2026
Personnel Administrators - Roseville
Virtual/Online format
Director - Colleen Slattery
- September 12-13, 2025
- September 26-27, 2025
- October 10-11, 2025
- November 14-15, 2025
- December 5-6, 2025
- January 9-10, 2026
- February 6-7, 2026
Personnel Administrators - San Diego
Virtual/Online format
Director - Cindy Frazee
Dates:- October 17-18, 2025
- November 14-15, 2025
- December 5-6, 2025
- January 9-10, 2026
- January 23-24, 2026
- February 20-21, 2026
- March 20-21, 2026
Personnel Administrators - Stockton
Virtual/Online formatDirector - Christina Torres-Peters
Dates:- September 12-13, 2025
- October 10-11, 2025
- October 24-25, 2025
- November 21-22, 2025
- December 12-13, 2025
- January 16-17, 2026
- February 20-21, 2026
Principals
Principals Academy
Intended Audience
New and aspiring Principals; Assistant and Vice Principals; Academic Coaches and new district or county office administrators responsible for supporting principals
The ACSA Principals Academy, for new or aspiring principals, is designed to build the capacity of the next generation of principals to become transformational leaders who can identify critical paradigm shifts, create a guiding and unifying vision through inspiration, and execute essential change with site staff. Presentations and interactive sessions are presented by experienced school administrators from a variety of departments involved in school and district operations, and experienced practicing school principals.
The intensive academy focus is on developing and refining applied leadership and management skills required of principals at the elementary, middle grades and high school levels within the context of local control accountability planning and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).
For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.
Specific themes include:
- Principal leadership.
- Leading the implementation of the California State Standards.
- High quality instruction.
- Learning assessments.
- Change and growth.
- Leadership in challenging times.
- School climate and culture.
- Social Emotional Learning.
- Finance.
- Personnel/school law.
- Communication.
The extensive course syllabus and materials provided to participants are exceptional resources for ongoing reference and career planning.
2025-2026 Meeting format
Participants experience 80 hours of professional learning over seven extended Academy weekends in a Virtual/Online meeting format for 10 hours per weekend.
The academy meets on Fridays, 5:00p.m.- 8:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.*
*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.
2025-2026 Principals Academy Registration
ACSA Members - Virtual Cohort: $1,500
Non-Members - Virtual Cohort: $3,000
Register with Credit Card, Purchase Order or 3 Month Installment Payment Plan
- Payment will be due in full with a credit card or
- A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment.
- Under extenuating circumstances, you can set up a 3 month installment payment plan and pay in three consecutive monthly installments using a credit card
Principals - Rancho Cucamonga
Virtual/Online format
Director - Charles "Derrick" Lawson
Dates:
- September 26-27, 2025
- October 17-18, 2025
- November 14-15, 2025
- December 12-13, 2025
- January 9-10, 2026
- January 30-31, 20266
- February 20-21, 2026
- March 13-14, 2026
Principals - Sacramento
Virtual/Online format
Directors - Julie Braun Martin & Karen Sakata
Dates:- September 19-20, 2025
- October 3-4, 2025
- November 14-15., 2025
- December 5-6, 2025
- January 9-10, 2026
- February 6-7, 2026
- March 6-7, 2026
- March 27-28 2026
Pupil
Services
Pupil Services Academy
Intended Audience
Assistant/Associate Superintendents of Student Services; (general and Special Education) district administrators including coordinators and directors responsible for child welfare and attendance; district and county office pupil services administrators; site administrators; school counselors; school psychologists; those aspiring to pupil services leadership; school board members.
- organization and cultural environment,
- dynamics of strategic issues management,
- ethical and reflective leadership,
- analysis and development of public policy, and
- management of information systems and human and fiscal resources
For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.
Specific themes include:
- Enrollment Processes.
- Equity and Due Process.
- Leadership in Interagency Coordination and Community Outreach.
- Accountability and Evaluation.
- School Attendance and School Attendance Review Board (SARB).
- Alternatives to Discipline and Behavior Issues
- Safe Schools
- Suspension and Expulsion.
- School Placements, Transfers, and Appeals.
- Student Records, Confidentiality, and Custody Issues.
- Home and Hospital Instruction.
- Section 504 Issues.
- Intervention: Pre-Referral through Referral Process.
- Advocacy for Students.
- Registration Pupil Services.
2025-2026 Meeting format
Participants experience 70 hours of professional learning over seven extended Academy weekends in a Virtual/Online meeting format for 10 hours per weekend.
The academy meets on Fridays, 5:00p.m. - 8:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30a.m. - 3:30 p.m.*
*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.
2025-2026 Pupil Services Academy Registration
ACSA Members - Virtual Cohort: $1,350
Non-Members - Virtual Cohort: $2,700
Register with Credit Card, Purchase Order or 3 Month Instalment Plan
- Payment will be due in full with a credit card or
- A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment.
- Under extenuating circumstances, you can set up a 3 month installment payment plan and pay in three consecutive monthly installments using a credit card
Pupil Services - Walnut Creek
Virtual/Online format
Director - Steven France
Dates:- September 12-13. 2025
- October 24-25, 2025
- December 12-13, 2025
- January 23-24, 2026
- February 20-21, 2026
- March 27-28, 2026
- April 10-11, 2026
School
Business
School Business Academy
Intended Audience
Superintendents and Cabinet members; newly appointed and aspiring Chief Business Officials; Educational Services and Human Resources administrators, Principals, and other district staff seeking an in-depth introduction to school business operations; School Board Members
The ACSA School Business Academy provides a comprehensive, concentrated curriculum tailored to the unique demands of business management in the education setting.
The academy is the only source of specialized training in all facets of school business operations available to new or aspiring school business administrators. Presentations and discussion sessions are led by seasoned professionals who use practical examples of effective business management techniques. The School Business Academy focuses on building the practical skills and understanding of organizational principles required for today’s administrators within the context of local control accountability planning and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).
This Academy is not part of a certification pathway. Administrators seeking Chief Business Official certification are encouraged to complete the Business Executives Leadership Program, in its entirety, with the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO).
For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.
Specific themes include:
- Selection, training and supervision of staff.
- Superintendent, CBO, board relations.
- Strategic planning.
- Legislation and advocacy.
- Leadership and relationships.
- Collective bargaining.
- Collaboration and internal controls between business services and human resources departments.
- Communications within school business department.
- Legal provisions and restrictions.
- Estimating attendance, enrollments, income and expenditures.
- Budget, calendar planning and development.
- Development of the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP).
- Managing school district budgets including site-based and curriculum-driven budgets with an equity lens.
- Fiscal oversight.
- Standard account code structures.
- History of school finance.
- Financing alternatives.
- Understanding the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).
- Special Education funding, programs and efficiency.
- Purpose of auditing.
- Attendance accounting.
- Associated Student Body (ASB)/Booster group accounting.
- Facilities planning, and financing.
- Purchasing and contracts.
- Pupil transportation.
- Food services.
- Technology and information management.
- Risk management.
- Maintenance and operations.
2025-2026 Meeting format
Participants experience 100 hours of professional learning over seven extended Academy weekends in a Virtual/Online meeting format for 10 hours per weekend.
The academy meets on Fridays, 4:00-7:00 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.*
*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.
2025-2026 School Business Academy Registration
ACSA Members - Virtual Cohort: $1,770
Non-Members - Virtual Cohort: $3,540
Register with Credit Card, Purchase Order or 3 Month Installment Payment Plan
- Payment will be due in full with a credit card or
- A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment.
- Under extenuating circumstances, you can set up a 3 month installment payment plan and pay in three consecutive monthly installments using a credit card
School Business - Riverside
Virtual/Online format
Director - Candace Reines
Dates:- September 19-20, 2025
- October 3-4, 2025
- October 24-25, 2025
- November 14-15, 2025
- December 12-13, 2025
- January 23-24, 2026
- February 6-7, 2026
- February 27-28, 2026
- March 13-14, 2026
- April 10-11, 2026
Special
Education
Special Education Academy
Intended Audience
Assistant Superintendents and Directors of Special Education or Student Services; program coordinators, intervention specialists; county office, charter, district and site administrators responsible for special education at the school, district or SELPA levels; aspiring special education administrators; those seeking to improve their knowledge and skills in service to students
The ACSA Special Education Academy provides current and relevant training for successful administrators at all levels and areas of responsibility related to special education programs and services. Participants are provided essential information and resources through a consistent academy focus through the lenses of equity, leadership, communication, prevention and intervention, partner involvement, and fiscal responsibility. The academy integrates:
- principles of organization and cultural environment,
- dynamics of strategic issues management,
- ethical and reflective leadership,
- analysis of public policy, and
- management of information systems, and human and fiscal resources
in consideration of the larger implications of funding and accountability relevant to special education, and to local control accountability planning and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).
The academy highlights legal and practical implementation features related to special education topics and themes, and provides a firm foundation for working within the educational services realms of general education and special education at the site and district level.
For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.
- Historical and statewide perspective of special education.
- Section 504 and ADA regulations and requirements.
- Multi-Tiered System of Supports and Universal Design for Learning for all students.
- Assessment and procedural safeguards for ensuring a quality IEP.
- Alternative Dispute Resolution.
- Mediation and Due Process hearings.
- Disciplinary protections for students with disablilities
- Curriculum, instruction and California State Standards for special education students.
- State and Federal laws affecting special education.
- Disproportionality and Significant Disproportionality.
- Emerging multilingual and multicultural learners.
- Advocacy for students with disabilities.
- Current issues facing special education, including legal hot topics.
- Funding and budget development.
- Human resources, credentialing and staffing, and evaluation of special education programs.
- Educational reform inclusive of special education.
- Expansion of early learning programs.
- State and Federal accountability and evaluation.
- Special education transitions.
2025-2026 Meeting Formats
Participants experience 70 hours of professional learning over seven extended Academy weekends in a Virtual/Online format for 10 hours per weekend.
The academy meets on Fridays, 5:00-8:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.*
*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.
2025-2026 Special Education Academy Registration
ACSA Members - Virtual Cohort: $1,350
Non-Members - Virtual Cohort: $2,700
Register with Credit Card, Purchase Order or 3 Month Installment Plan
- Payment will be due in full with a credit card or
- A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment.
- Under extenuating circumstances, you can set up a 3 month installment payment plan and pay in three consecutive monthly installments using a credit card
Special Education - Arcadia
Virtual format
Directors - Jennifer Yales & Katherine Mahoney
Dates:
- September 26-27, 2025
- October 24-25, 2025
- November 14-15, 2025
- December 12-13, 2025
- January 23-24, 2026
- February 27-28, 2026
- March 27-28, 2026
Special Education - Redwood City
Virtual format
Directors - Mary Yung & Shelly Ota
Dates:
- September 26-27, 2025
- October 17-18, 2025
- November 14-15, 2025
- December 19-20, 2025
- January 23-24, 2026
- February 20-21, 2026
- March 20-21, 2026
Special Education - Riverside
Virtual format
Director - Barbara Sorter
Dates:
- September 19-20, 2025
- October 10-11, 2025
- December 12-13, 2025
- January 9-10, 2026
- February 20-21, 2026
- March 20-21. 2026
- April 17-18, 2026
Superintendents
Superintendents Academy
Intended Audience
New Superintendents and Superintendent/Principals; Assistant Superintendents and Cabinet Members; principals responsible for district operations; district and county office administrators including those aspiring to the superintendency
The ACSA Superintendents Academy offers an excellent, intensive forum for new or aspiring superintendents to develop the fundamental skills needed to effectively lead a California school district within the context of local control accountability planning and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF). Presentations and discussion sessions are conducted by an experienced faculty of superintendents who blend leadership and management theory with practical applications and examples.
For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.
Specific themes include:
- Leadership role of superintendents.
- Managing the change process.
- Ethical and reflective leadership.
- Challenges facing new superintendents.
- Keys to personal advancement.
- Equity-minded leadership.
- School district organization.
- Management skills.
- Community partnerships.
- Developing a positive district climate.
- Strategic planning.
- Instructional/management team building.
- Shared decision making and restructuring.
- Board/superintendent relations.
- Negotiations and collective bargaining.
- Personnel management, evaluation and employee relations.
- Staff development.
- Improving and evaluating instructional programs.
- Instructional materials selection, censorship and critical curriculum issues.
- Educational technology uses in management and instruction.
- Superintendent contracts.
- California law and the superintendency.
- School finance and budgeting.
- Implementing the Ed Code and other state regulations.
The ACSA Superintendents Academy is widely regarded as the “fast track” into the superintendency. The academy helps participants avoid pitfalls, learn practical tips from seasoned superintendents, and build a resource network of colleagues. The extensive course syllabus and materials provided to each participant are exceptional resources for ongoing reference.
2025-2026 Meeting format
Participants experience 70 hours of professional learning over seven extended Academy weekends in a Virtual/Online or Hybrid meeting format for 10 hours per weekend.
The academy meets on Fridays, 5:00-8:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.*
*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.
2025-2026 Superintendents Academy Registration
ACSA Members - Virtual Cohort: $1,350
ACSA Members - Hybrid Cohort: $1,449
Non-Members - Virtual Cohort: $2,700
Non-Members - Hybrid Cohort: $2,898
More learning opportunities like this:
New Superintendents Seminar Series
ACSA offers two premier professional learning programs for Superintendents. The Superintendents Academy for new and aspiring Superintendents and the New Superintendents Seminar Series for 1st and 2nd year Superintendents.
Please click here to review a side by side comparison of both programs.
Register with Credit Card, Purchase Order or 3 Month Installment Payment Plan
- Payment will be due in full with a credit card or
- A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment.
- Under extenuating circumstances, you can set up a 3 month installment payment plan and pay in three consecutive monthly installments using a credit card
Superintendents – Los Angeles
Virtual/Online format
Director – Mary McNeil
Dates:- October 3-4, 2025
- November 14-15, 2025
- December 12-13, 2025
- January 9-10, 2026
- February 20-21, 2026
- March 13-14, 2026
- April 17-18, 2026
Superintendents – Sacramento
Hybrid format
ACSA, 3rd Floor Conference Room, 1029 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Director – Ron Carruth
Dates:- September 26-27, 2025
- October 24-25, 2025
- December 12-13, 2025
- January 23-24, 2026
- February 20-21, 2026
- March 20-21, 2026
- April 10-11, 2026
Note: All Fridays will convene online and all Saturdays will convene in-person.
Superintendents – Santa Barbara
Virtual/Online format
Director – Holly Edds
Dates:- October 17-18, 2025
- November 14-15, 2025
- December 12-13, 2025
- January 23-24, 2026
- February 27-28, 2026
- March 20-21, 2026
- April 24-25, 2026
ACSA wishes to acknowledge Lozano Smith for their support of the Superintendents Academies.
