Candidates for ACSA VP

Association of California School Administrators

February 7, 2022

ACSA leaders will be voting for the office of ACSA vice president at the May Leadership Assembly, which will be held May 12, 2022. The office of vice president puts the holder in the line of succession to ultimately become the ACSA president, as the following year they will become the president-elect, and subsequently president in 2024-25. The following are statements from the two candidates for ACSA vice president.

Cali Binks, Superintendent, Yucaipa-Calimesa JUSD, Region 12

“Forward momentum,” although oftentimes difficult, is what we as educators strive to achieve. Few organizations support forward momentum as well as ACSA. Continuing to navigate COVID-19 and beyond through ACSA would be my greatest honor in my 32-year tenure in education.

ACSA has been a driving force in education policy, training and support since 1971 and continually grows in value as an association. I look forward to expanding support to our classified leaders and working with the Governmental Relations Team to ensure our lawmakers hear our collective expertise and support change that is good for students. With the pending turnover in State Education Committees, ACSA’s advocacy will only become more crucial as educators lead through staffing shortages and higher demand for specialized programs.

All students will need the best from each of us. I wish for nothing more than to support the growth of our members and celebrate the positive impact we will have collectively for students. Whether it be through professional development, advocacy, or offering support, my heart is with you and with ACSA!

It would be my privilege to serve as ACSA’s vice president and reinforce the amazing work you do for our students. Forward momentum!

Rafael Plascencia, Director of Personnel Services, Tustin USD, Region 17

I am deeply humbled and honored to be nominated as candidate for ACSA Vice President. For almost 30 years I have served in educational leadership supporting our communities, creating access and learning opportunities for students. Now more than ever we need to stand together to advocate on behalf of students to strengthen and light the path of opportunity for their future!

As a champion for students, I have been privileged to serve in ACSA leadership roles at the region and state level as ACSA State Board Member, ACSA Leadership Summit Planning Committee, ACSA UCLA Summer Principals Institute facilitator, Region President, Treasurer, Chair of Region Network Nights, Leadership Conference Planning Committee, and Delegate Representative to State ACSA Leadership Assembly.

For my service as an educational leader, I have been awarded ACSA R17 Principal of The Year. My school sites have been recognized as California Distinguished School, Title I Academic Achievement Award, California Gold Ribbon Award and CSBA Golden Bell Award.

Please stand with me in support of our students and ACSA’s Mission to be “the driving force for an equitable, world-class education system, and the development and support of inspired educational leaders” through legislative advocacy and support of our school districts.