State ACSA President Daryl Camp and President-Elect Rene Rickard joined Region 11 leadership at the SeaCrest Hotel in Pismo Beach on June 8 to kick off the region’s planning retreat.

The group enjoyed hors d’oeuvres on the terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean. On Monday, the group got down to business, making plans for the coming year.

Heather Pilgrim, 2025-26 president, opened the planning retreat by introducing her theme for the year — “Reflect Every Story. Lead With Purpose.”

Leaning into her theme, she brought in Lynette White, co-author of “The Ed Branding Book” to speak to the group. She shared her experiences working within the educational system, highlighting the difference you can make for students, staff and the community when you learn and/or help them tell their story.

A top priority was to set goals and to determine strategies to meet those goals — for the region and the charters. Charters were allowed time to discuss their goals and strategies which were then shared out to the other charters. Attendees left energized and motivated by their president’s theme.

During the Region 7 Spring Conference, attendees gathered for the annual Kentucky Derby Soirée — an eagerly anticipated tradition that brings a spirited touch to the event each year. Dressed in their finest Derby attire, guests enjoyed refreshments while watching the iconic race and participating in the popular Best Derby Hat and Best Dressed Couple contests. Beyond the fun and fashion, the soirée also serves a meaningful purpose by helping to raise funds for student scholarships, supporting the future of the profession.

ACSA Region 18’s Retired Charter held its first luncheon of the new school year in August.

Guest speakers were Dr. Michael McQuary, board of directors at Sister Cities International, and Stephen Tako, CEO of Motivated to Act, an organization dedicated to promoting anti-bullying and antidiscrimination messages to children. They stressed the importance of teaching children self-worth, anti-discrimination, and global understanding of different cultures for a peaceful world. Yokohama, Japan was the first sister city with San Diego in 1957. A delegation from the North San Diego Business Chamber will be visiting Yokohama in October.

Dr. Sandy Clifton, VP of legislative action, also updated the group on the latest legislative news, including the release of $7 billion of federal education funds that were being withheld, and Michael Brogan, treasurer, led attendees in a minute of silence for the victims in the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting.