This column reports on the activities of ACSA’s 21 Councils and Committees. Committees/councils respond to and develop activities and resources related to board adopted issues and ACSA’s mission and vision, and they also act on issues specific to and the committee/council itself. Want to get involved? Contact the chairpersons below or visit acsa.org/committees-councils for more information. Purpose: To identify and study issues in the areas of higher education, administrator preparation and licensing, professional development providers, and legislation for the purpose of building collaboration and informing policy. To work collaboratively to identify issues and concerns of higher education and K-12 public education, professional preparation and development, and partnerships among school districts, institutions of higher education, and professional development providers. To influence and contribute to the education research agenda. To identify issues and make recommendations regarding increasing diversity and membership in the ranks of education administrators and professors of educational administration.   Membership: The committee is comprised of nine ACSA members plus one co-chair, and nine CAPEA members plus one co-chair. ACSA members are practicing administrators appointed by ACSA’s president. CAPEA members are professors of education appointed by CAPEA.  2020-21 Co-chairs: Leisa Winston (ACSA) and Susan Belenardo (CAPEA).  Priorities: This year’s theme will be based on the work of Amy Edmondson, “The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth.” This theme was selected because of the vulnerability leaders are feeling due to the challenges of 2020 from COVID-19 and equity. Work will begin with a book study and discussion as it relates to the work of leadership in the field as well as higher education.    “As always we learn from each other through the process and the rich discussion that occurs,” Belenardo said. “We always seek ways to share with the greater ACSA and CAPEA network as well as with the CTC around the experience with the CalAPA both in our university programs and by our candidates working in the field.”  Meeting dates: The committee will meet three times in 2020-21: Nov. 4, 2020; Feb. 3, 2021; and April 21, 2021.  Contact: Leisa Winston, Assistant Superintendent, HR, Laguna Beach USD, (949) 497-7700 ext. 5232, .

Purpose: To recruit, retain and recognize members. To identify trends and issues with membership categories that may require changes or adjustments. To support and help grow ACSA’s Partner4Purpose program in order to further meet the needs of members. To monitor and ensure that region and charter bylaws align with state ACSA bylaws and that region and charters are in compliance with these regulations.   Membership: 20 members, plus chair  2020-21 Chair: Rebecca Cook, Ed.D., Director of Personnel, Leadership Development, Desert Sands Unified School District.  Priorities: “Our team is committed to increasing the engagement of ACSA members and contributing to ACSA’s work on equity,” Cook said. “Our committee purpose includes not just recruiting members, but also retaining members and to that end, our priority this year is to find ways to more meaningfully engage.”  Throughout this year, the committee will be collaborating on strategies to increase engagement of all ACSA members. In addition to quarterly meetings, the committee will be holding monthly check-ins. The goal of the check-ins is to keep committee members present and to support one another in the work for the committee.  “Our diverse committee is comprised of incredibly talented, engaged and caring leaders from site principals to district directors in Personnel, Educational Services and Special Education,” Cook said. “I am enthusiastic about my new role as the committee chair for Member Services.” Senior Director of Member Services Margarita Cuizon-Armelino added, “I am excited about Dr. Cook’s leadership of the Member Services Committee. She is vocal about her passion for ACSA and her energy is unmatched. Her desire to collaborate with my department in bringing even more relevant opportunities of engagement for the average ACSA member is a testament of her commitment to ensuring that membership maintains its value.”  Meeting dates: The committee will meet five times in 2020-21: July 1, 2020; Oct. 7, 2020; Jan. 6, 2021; April 7, 2021; and June 2, 2021.  Contact: Rebecca Cook, Director of Personnel, Leadership Development, Desert Sands USD, 760-777-4200 Ext. 18720, .