Are you a first- or second-year superintendent figuring out where to begin? Look no further than ACSA’s New Superintendents Seminar Series, which is designed exclusively for first- and second-year superintendents. Join a robust cohort of new superintendents to tackle current issues in a confidential and supportive setting with the guidance of successful superintendents and educational partners.

Now is the time to secure your spot as the series starts on Sept. 19 and has filled to capacity in recent years. The cohort meets in person on four weekends (full day Friday and half day Saturday) during the 2025-26 school year at the ACSA office in Sacramento. An additional session will be held as a pre-conference to the ACSA Superintendents’ Symposium, which will be held in Indian Wells in January 2026.

For 29 years, ACSA has recognized the benefit and the necessity for first- and second-year California superintendents to receive training, support and interaction via a professional cohort through the New Superintendents Seminar Series. The series focuses on the challenges and opportunities which are commonly encountered by a first- or second-year superintendent. This is the only professional development offered by ACSA specifically for new superintendents.

As co-leaders of the program, Dr. Jason Peplinski and I bring our enthusiasm and respect for the importance of the position and over 22 years of combined experience as district superintendents. The topics, discussions and presentations have been thoughtfully planned to align with each season of the school superintendent’s first/second year. The sessions will be timely, relevant, interactive and designed to help each member of the cohort achieve a high level of success in their first two years and prepare for longevity and success in the future.

Covered topics that directly impact the success of the superintendent include goal setting, superintendent contract and evaluation, board-superintendent relationships, governance, collective bargaining, human resources, student performance, fiscal accountability, and building a strong district team and culture. Each topic is covered in depth in this confidential setting led by expert presenters to include current and past superintendents and exceptional leaders in the field of education.

NSSS also provides you with a cohort of colleagues in this confidential setting as we navigate and celebrate the unique role of the superintendent. As one former NSSS superintendent said, “If you can only choose one professional development, choose NSSS!” We hope that you consider joining this year’s group of NSSS colleagues, all of whom share the unique opportunity and responsibility of executive leadership in a year where leadership will be needed and appreciated more than ever before.

For registration assistance, contact Trish Elmore at telmore@acsa.og. For additional program information, contact Trudy Arriaga at trudyarriaga73@gmail.com.

Hope to see you in NSSS!