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Don’t lead alone — new supts thrive together in seminar series
June 8, 2026
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If you are a new first- or second-year superintendent, New Superintendents’ Seminar Series (NSSS) is the only ACSA professional development designed specifically for you.
In these unprecedented times, the new superintendent cannot and should not navigate alone. Former successful superintendents and directors of NSSS, Dr. Trudy Arriaga and Dr. Jason Peplinski, fully understand the complexity of the superintendent position and the need to have targeted, professional development in a confidential cohort setting for newly appointed superintendents. This professional learning series has successfully assisted first- and second-year superintendents for the past 30 years.
New superintendents will have the opportunity to connect and form lasting relationships with new superintendents throughout the state. This confidential forum allows all new superintendents to learn, share and move forward with confidence in their leadership role. Current and retired superintendents, as well as top leaders in the field will provide timely information in their areas of expertise and share their wisdom and knowledge of navigating this unique position.
“NSSS was exactly what I needed as a new superintendent,” said Sara Stone, superintendent of Albany Unified School District and participant in last year’s cohort. “The opportunity to build deep relationships with colleagues who understood the complexities of the superintendency was invaluable. The experience gave me time to reflect, grow and focus on my own learning as a leader.”
Topics for the sessions will be specific to the unique challenges of these unprecedented times and will include:
  • Collective bargaining.
  • Board/superintendent relations.
  • Superintendent contract & evaluation.
  • Superintendent goal setting.
  • Marketing and branding.
  • Building a strong cabinet.
  • Safety procedures.
  • Budget development.
  • Personnel challenges.
  • Politics of the role.
  • Cultural proficiency.
  • Community relations.
  • Maintaining work-life blending.
  • Program development.
Time is devoted in each session to confidentially discuss the current issues in your districts to ensure that you return with skills, tools and strategies for success.
This upcoming year will be a rewarding yet challenging time to be a new superintendent as you navigate the ever-changing landscape of education. The New Superintendent’s Seminar Series provides the professional development and the support designed for every new superintendent, large or small school district, to thrive and be successful.
FYI
New Superintendents’ Seminar Series
What: Yearlong professional development cohort designed exclusively for first- and second-year superintendents. When: Full day on Fridays with hosted dinner. Half day on Saturdays on the following dates: Aug. 27 (virtual orientation from 4-5 p.m.); Sept. 18-19, Nov 13-14: Jan. 26-27; March 12-13, and April 16-17. Where: All meetings are held at ACSA’s Sacramento office with the exception of Jan. 26-27, which will be held in Monterey as a preconference to the Superintendents’ Symposium. Register: bit.ly/NSSS_26-27 Info: For registration assistance, contact Trish Elmore at telmore@acsa.org. For additional program information, contact Trudy Arriaga at trudyarriaga73@gmail.com.
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