New superintendents – Don’t navigate these times alone

Association of California School Administrators

NSSS is the only ACSA PD designed for first- and second-year supts

July 11, 2022

The role of the superintendent increases in complexity every year. This upcoming year will be one of the most challenging yet rewarding times to be a new superintendent as you rebuild, reinvent and reimagine.

The New Superintendents Seminar Series provides the professional development and the support for every new superintendent, large or small school district, to thrive and be successful. Former successful superintendents and directors of the series, Trudy Arriaga and Bob Fraisse, fully understand the complexity of the role and the need to have targeted, professional development in a confidential cohort setting.

Form your network

This unique professional development series will give you the opportunity to connect and form lasting relationships with new superintendents from throughout the state. This confidential forum allows all new superintendents to learn, share and move forward with confidence in their leadership role. Successful current and retired superintendents will lead discussion in their areas of expertise and share their wisdom and knowledge of this unique position. Participants — you are guaranteed to receive their contact information should you need their experience and expertise as you face the challenges and opportunities that arise.

Topics covered

Topics for the sessions will be specific to the unique challenges of these unprecedented times and will include: Collective bargaining, negotiations, board/superintendent relations, board governance, virtual learning, superintendent contracts, evaluation, values and ethics, marketing and branding, building a strong cabinet, emergency procedures, budget development, cultural proficiency, community relations, balance and the role of the superintendent in LCAP and LCFF, professional learning communities, program development and digital literacy.

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.

Meeting format

New superintendents will benefit from a variety of collaborative sessions during the 2022-23 year. NSSS has strategically planned the 2022-23 schedule to ensure that meetings are accessible to all superintendents, regardless of your district location. Should it become necessary to alter the schedule to a virtual format, organizers are prepared to do so. The January meeting has been scheduled as a one-and-a-half-day pre-conference to coincide with the Superintendents’ Symposium in Monterey to facilitate your opportunity to attend this essential professional development venue.

What they’re saying

The testimonials from three of the 37 superintendents in the 2021-22 cohort are the true evidence that this is an essential investment for the new superintendent:

“The New Superintendents Seminar Series has been nothing short of a tremendous experience. The topics and content learned have prepared me for many of the challenges and opportunities I have encountered during my first year as superintendent. The speakers and presenters are experts, and each session has increased my understanding. The opportunity to build relationships and expand networks with other new superintendents has been extremely valuable and rewarding. Being part of NSSS has been incredibly productive and irreplaceable.” —Superintendent Joseph Clevenger, Bonsall Unified School District

“I’ve had the pleasure of participating in the New Superintendents Seminar Series provided by ACSA. I really value the advice and mentorship from experienced superintendents along with the opportunity to learn from other first-year superintendents who are in similar situations. The camaraderie and conversation with the other high-quality superintendents has been very valuable. I would highly recommend participating in this opportunity to grow and connect. It has been a fantastic experience.” — Superintendent Kimberly McGrath, Reed Union School District

“The ACSA New Superintendents Seminar Series has been an amazing space of learning, inspiration and networking. Dr. Trudy Arriaga and Dr. Bob Fraisse have brought together veteran superintendents and expert speakers who have provided invaluable strategies and resources to help us develop as first-year superintendents. I am grateful for their heart of building capacity and providing tools for success, all in an environment where we can partner with other new superintendents to support each other. “ — Superintendent Daisy Morales, Live Oak School District

FYI

New Superintendents Seminar Series

What: The only professional development series specifically designed for the first- and second-year superintendent. When: Five sessions beginning Sept. 16-17 Where: In person Cost: $2,500 early bird (ends Aug. 31); $1,899 for returning cohort (2nd year) ACSA members Register: bit.ly/3y6rNWR Info: For registration assistance, contact Jazmine Dawson at jdawson@acsa.org. For questions, contact co-chairs Trudy Arriaga, trudyarriaga73@gmail.com, or Bob Fraisse, rdfraisse@hotmail.com. Session Dates (Full day on Fridays with hosted dinner; half day on Saturdays.) Sept. 1: Virtual Orientation and Program Overview Sept. 16-17: ACSA Sacramento Office Oct. 28-29: ACSA Sacramento Office Jan. 24-25: Monterey (pre-conference to Superintendents’ Symposium) March 10-11: ACSA Sacramento Office April 28-29: ACSA Sacramento Office

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