Helping people realize their strengths so they can provide the best possible education to students — it’s the essence of what school HR administrators do. ACSA’s 2022 Personnel Institute in Sacramento will offer a place for them to come together and discuss strategies for “Empowering Human Capital,” which is this year’s theme.

“There is not a better place to discuss empowering human capital than in our state’s capital, where personnel leaders advocate on behalf of our employees and students,” said Heather Williams, chair of ACSA’s Human Resources Council, which plans this event.

This year, Williams said the institute will focus on how personnel leaders can have a voice through advocacy and enhance their understanding of the legislation process, so they can guide governmental leaders in making the best decisions for schools.

New laws that are passed each year can impact the day-to-day work of personnel leaders. Personnel Institute provides important updates from legal partners that will help personnel leaders navigate these changes in HR law. Hot topics this year include fingerprint guidelines, drug testing, leave laws, bargaining, evaluations, investigations and more.

Labor market changes since COVID have made staffing another pressing issue for HR departments. Williams said presenters will be discussing credentialing options, new requirements for TK and how to hire from out of state.

“We will also discuss new and innovative ways to reach out to employment candidates who have never thought about a career in education,” she said. “The institute will also discuss ways to grow leaders interested in working in personnel, including encouraging more women to gain interest in joining the personnel ranks.”

While Personnel Institute offers valuable information for both new and experienced HR administrators, those who are new to human resources will benefit from special programming, including HR 101, “What to do in the first 100 days,” and a newcomer session where they can have their questions answered by veteran personnel leaders from throughout the state.

“One of the most valuable parts of the institute is the networking that occurs,” Williams said. “The institute is a great way to meet leaders from across the state with whom you can build connections and problem solve the current hot topics of the day.”

Each year during the Personnel Institute, the ACSA Human Resources Council Personnel Institute Committee selects an outstanding human resources or personnel administrator to receive the Ray Curry Award.

If you would like to nominate an outstanding personnel/HR administrator for this award, visit acsa.org/raycurryaward for selection criteria and nomination instructions. Nominations are due August 31, 2022.

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