ACSA held its first governance meeting of the year Oct. 7-9. Around 140 ACSA leaders representing each of the association’s 19 regions gathered for the October Leadership Assembly in Anaheim to conduct the association’s business.

Attendees heard reports from ACSA President Dr. Rene Rickard and ACSA Executive Director Dr. Edgar Zazueta on the association’s outlook.

Zazueta welcomed Richard Barrera, ACSA’s endorsed candidate running for state superintendent of public instruction, for a special conversation touching on school funding, accountability and changes to the SPI role.

The slate of candidates running for two seats on ACSA’s executive board in 2027-28 was also announced by the 2027 Nominating Committee. Candidates for ACSA vice president are:

Candidates for ACSA vice president for legislative action are:

• Dr. Ben Churchill, superintendent, Poway Unified School District.
• Daric Jackson, director, Instructional Leadership & Intervention, Cupertino Union ESD.

ACSA’s Governmental Relations team presented a legislative update and a panel discussion with members addressed pressing topics in the field.

In a new activity, delegations from each region were invited to the stage for a “parade of regions” where they showcased the unique characteristics from their area. ACSA leaders wore sunglasses, cowboy gear and even dressed up as wine bottles to show their region pride.

Selected regions also had an opportunity to share their successes during a new agenda item called Region Spotlight, which celebrates regional accomplishments and gives leaders an opportunity to build upon successful practices across ACSA.