If you are a new first- or second-year superintendent, New Superintendents Seminar Series is the only ACSA professional development designed specifically for you. In these unprecedented times, the new superintendent cannot and should not navigate them alone.

Former successful superintendents and directors of the New Superintendents Seminar Series, Trudy Arriaga and 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 29 years. Participants will form lasting relationships with fellow new superintendents, creating a network of support that will be with them far into the future.

New superintendents will benefit from a variety of collaborative sessions during the 2025-26 year. This confidential forum allows all new superintendents to learn, share and move forward with confidence in their leadership role. Time is devoted in each session to confidentially discuss the current issues in your districts to ensure that you return to your districts with skills, tools and strategies for success. You will be given virtual access to all resources and presentations and contact information for all presenters.

These testimonials from four of the 39 superintendents in the 2024-25 cohort are the true evidence that this is an essential investment for the new superintendent.

Heather Golly, Bonsall Unified School District: “NSSS has been an incredibly valuable resource in my first year of the superintendency. I appreciate that the topics were all relevant and the training and opportunities to collaborate provided ‘just-in-time’ support throughout the year.”

Mary Kahn, Goleta Union School District: “Thank you NSSS! Not only has NSSS been invaluable in bringing in stellar practitioners to share their expertise in finance, personnel, board relations and more, but NSSS has provided the opportunity for me to connect with other amazing superintendents, providing me with a network that will support me far into the future.”

David Shimer, Burton School District: “NSSS allowed me to connect with superintendents across the state and see that we share in the same challenges as well as rewards of the position. Creating these new connections has helped me build confidence and keep going!”

Loretta Black, Island Union Elementary School District: “NSSS has been one of the best professional development opportunities I have experienced. Being able to be with the same group of people over the course of several sessions is invaluable. The networking and connections made, coupled with new knowledge is something I will always value.”

The role of the superintendent increases in complexity every year. The New Superintendents Seminar Series provides the professional development and the support designed for every new superintendent, large or small school district, to thrive and be successful.