District and county superintendents are invited to stretch the limits of their leadership at the 2026 Superintendents’ Symposium, held Jan. 28-30 in Indian Wells.

This year’s planning committee selected the theme “Leading Beyond Limits: Shaping Education’s Future” to reflect the unique leadership realities facing California’s school districts.

“‘Leading Beyond Limits’ was chosen because it captures several statewide imperatives shaping the work of superintendents right now,” said Dr. Darin Brawley, chair of the planning committee and superintendent of Compton USD. “This theme encapsulates the moment California school leaders are living in, where the demands on leadership exceed normal expectations of the superintendency and where the future belongs to those who innovate, adapt, and push systems to achieve more than anyone believes possible.” There are many opportunities for school leaders, but there are also many demands. Right now, superintendents are facing challenges on multiple fronts, including:

Financial: Budget instability; declining enrollment; expiring ESSER funds; and rising SPED/pension costs.

Student well-being: Chronic absenteeism; persistent post-pandemic disengagement; inconsistent attendance patterns; student mental health needs; and increased anxiety, trauma, and behavioral challenges.

Academic performance: Stagnant or uneven academic recovery; widening gaps in ELA, math, EL performance; accountability demands; Dashboard scrutiny; and higher performance expectations.

Human resources: Workforce shortages; difficulty hiring/retaining teachers, principals, counselors, and SPED staff; aggressive bargaining climates; and tension over compensation vs. programs.

Governance: Community polarization; governance conflicts; misinformation; and politically charged environments.

Operations: Aging buildings; climate impacts; safety expectations; and modernization costs.

The Superintendents’ Symposium is a unique opportunity to engage in discussions about these challenges and trade insights with the top educational leaders in the state.

“My previous experiences at the Superintendents’ Symposium have consistently pushed me to expand my thinking and lead with greater clarity,” Brawley said. “Hearing from innovative district leaders, engaging in honest conversations about the challenges we face, and learning new approaches to complex problems have all strengthened my ability to innovate. The Symposium has provided clarity, inspiration, and a professional network that has helped me lead beyond the operational demands and focus on long-term transformation for my school district.”

First- and second-year superintendents attending the conference are also invited to attend the New Superintendents’ Pre-conference Workshop, a 1.5-day learning experience tailored to the needs of new superintendents. This preconference will be held all day Tuesday and Wednesday morning preceding the Symposium. First- and second-year superintendents can add the preconference to their conference registration for $375. The new year will undoubtedly bring more challenges and opportunities for school leadership. Superintendents will not want to miss this chance to come together and plan for what lies ahead.

“This conference is essential because it gives superintendents the space, insight, and tools to lead with clarity in a rapidly changing environment,” Brawley said. “It brings together the state’s top leaders to share real solutions, strengthen our collective capacity, and prepare us to drive innovation, accelerate student achievement, and lead beyond the limits of traditional systems.”