Region News
November 16, 2026
R14: Equity Roundtable asks three essential questions
Holding steady. That was the theme, and it was the room.
ACSA Region 14 leaders gathered at The Grand in Long Beach recently for Equity Roundtable 2026, which had the theme “Holding Steady: Keeping Equity Commitments through Cuts, Conflict, and Change.” Featured speaker Sharon L. Shelton, (Institute for Nonviolence Los Angeles, Days of Dialogue) set the tone. A panel moderated by Kim Decatrel, Region 14 Council of Equity Leaders representative, responded to questions about how to protect what matters, keep the trust, and lead through disagreement.
Panelists were Dr. Raul Carranza, executive director, Global Education Collaborative; Dr. Allison Wilson Leggett, director of Fieldwork and Student Teacher Placements; Dr. Xiomara Mateo-Gaxiola, director of Community Engagement, USC Rossier; Dernard D. Newell, DEI strategy and action planning; and Dr. Xochitl Ortiz, principal, Columbus High School (Downey Unified).
Tables then held three rounds of dialogue, discussing three essential questions:
- What are you refusing to let go of, and what is it costing you to hold it?
- What has kept a vulnerable family connected to your school this year?
- What is a disagreement you are in the middle of, and what is the next conversation you need to have.
The panelists joined the tables, and conversations got specific fast. Participants were provided with space for note taking in a program booklet. Dialogue facilitators encouraged them to capture their own takeaways from each round of dialogue.
Each participant left with one move — a commitment to take back to their district. Everyone also went home with a copy of Zaretta Hammond’s “Rebuilding Students’ Learning Power” to participate in The Breakfast Book Club that will start Nov. 16.
Participants at ACSA Region 14’s Equity Roundtable 2026.
The panel discussion at Region 14’s Equity Roundtable.
Moderator Kim Decatrel and Region 14 President Dr. Christine Balbuena.
R7: CEL Dinner attracts more than 900 classified employees
ACSA Region 7 held its annual CEL Dinner at the DoubleTree in Modesto on Oct. 14. Selling out in just 48 hours, this record-breaking event brought together 943 classified employees and administrators for an unforgettable evening of celebration, professional development, networking, and raffle prizes.
Keynote speaker Phil Boyte delivered a powerful message that resonated with those in attendance, while ACSA President Dr. Rene Rickard kicked off the evening with a meaningful reminder to classified employees and administrators: “You belong here.”
One of the evening’s highlights was recognizing the districts that came ready to celebrate with noisemakers, pom-poms, and incredible enthusiasm, bringing extra energy, excitement, and school spirit to the event. The event was made possible through the generous support of Grand Canyon University.
Keynote speaker Phil Boyte with state ACSA and Region 7 leaders.
Attendees cheer when their district’s name is called during Region 7’s annual CEL Dinner.
Attendees cheer when their district’s name is called during Region 7’s annual CEL Dinner.
Attendees cheer when their district’s name is called during Region 7’s annual CEL Dinner.
State ACSA and Region 7 leaders at the CEL Dinner Oct. 14.
Keynote speaker Phil Boyte.
Do you have Region News and photos to share? Submit your news items for possible inclusion in an upcoming issue of EdCal.
Submit