Much of Teresa Plascencia’s work unfolds behind the scenes of Fresno Unified School District. Still, Plascencia — ACSA’s 2026 Confidential Employee of the Year — manages to impact every corner of the district by resolving complaints, interpreting policies and advocating for students.

Plascencia is the executive director of the Constituent Services Office, which serves the district’s Board of Education and responds to the needs of parents and community members by connecting them to resources and information. Plascencia’s responsibilities include managing public records, audits, compliance reviews and governmental relations.

She has modernized complaint tracking through Power BI by creating a data-driven system for timely responses and consistent documentation. She also established protocols for Public Records Act requests, helping the district process more than 380 requests in 2025-26 with 100 percent compliance.

Her influence extends to schools. This year, she assisted more than 70 principals to interpret policy questions, challenges and community concerns, enabling them to stay focused on teaching and learning. By acting as the Board of Education’s governmental relations liaison, she monitored more than 140 bills during last year’s legislative session, helping district leaders respond proactively and advocate effectively for initiatives benefiting students.

Plascencia has been an ACSA member since 2012. She has served as the vice president of legislative action for Region 9 and is a member of the Legislative Policy Committee.

“She is a quiet force — steadfast, principled, and deeply respected by those who work with her,” said Ambra O’Connor, chief of staff of Fresno USD. “Her leadership helps foster a culture of responsiveness within our district, and her contributions have had a lasting impact on our ability to serve our community effectively.”

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? The best advice I ever received is to treat others the way I would want to be treated and to never forget to always extend a helping hand to those coming up behind you. These guiding principles are how I strive to show up every day in my work, my relationships and the way I support others.

What are some life hacks that you would recommend for a new administrator? One of the most valuable life hacks I would share is the importance of trusting your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right or you find yourself uncertain, don’t hesitate to reach out to a colleague, mentor or supervisor. Taking a moment to seek another perspective can provide clarity, highlight angles you may not have considered, and offer helpful context. In leadership roles especially, pausing to connect with others can really make a difference in making confident decisions.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? People are often surprised to learn I am the child of teenage parents who made the intentional decision to enroll me in Head Start. That early opportunity played a pivotal role in my development and ultimately led me to become the first in my family to graduate from a university. During my time in college, I served as president of my sorority, where I had the privilege of advocating for Head Start to become our statewide philanthropy.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome in your current position? One of the biggest challenges in my role has been establishing myself as a balanced and student-centered leader who brings together the perspectives of both the district and the families we serve. It can be a delicate position, but through consistency, transparency, and thoughtful action, I have been able to build trust with my colleagues. That trust has been key in strengthening our collaboration and ultimately improving how we support our students and families.

How has ACSA supported you in your career? ACSA has supported my career by providing meaningful opportunities for growth, connection, and innovation. The organization offers a wide range of resources that have helped me navigate new initiatives and evolving mandates. Equally important are the safe spaces it fosters for asking questions, exploring new ideas, and experimenting with different approaches. These opportunities have been instrumental in strengthening my skills and advancing my professional development.

The theme for this year’s Leadership Summit is “You Belong Here: Leadership for Every Student.” What does belonging look like for you, your staff or your students? Belonging means creating an environment where every student, staff member, and family feels seen, heard, and valued. It shows up in our daily actions, building trust, listening with intent, and including diverse perspectives. For staff, it’s having support to grow; for students, it’s feeling safe, represented, and supported. At its core, belonging is about ensuring everyone knows they have a place and a voice.