Region News
March 10, 2025
R11: West Kern Charter’s Learning Summit a success
West Kern Charter’s Annual Learning Summit took place on Jan. 23 at the Bakersfield Country Club. Steve Ventura, president and lead consultant at Advanced Collaborative Solutions, was a guest speaker. Leaders from several Kern County school districts brought their leadership teams, who enjoyed dinner and the opportunity to network with fellow educators, before Ventura’s presentation.
Many thanks go out to Joost DeMoes, president of NextGen Math, which sponsored the evening, and to charter members Lauren Mawson, Becky Rocha and Michelle Davidson who organized the event.
Taft UHSD Executive Cabinet took part in West Kern Charter’s annual Learning Summit. From left, Jason Hodgson, Steve Ventura, Shastine Arias, Suzy McKean, Teri Thomas, Stacey Stansberry, Mary Alice Finn and Josh Bryant.
A group from Fruitvale School District.
A group including attendees from Bakersfield City School District.
Mid-State Conference held March 21-23 in SLO
The 10th annual ACSA Mid-State Conference is scheduled for March 21-23 at the San Luis Obispo Embassy Suites. This year’s theme, “Celebrating 10 Years: Forging the Path to Future Success,” reflects a decade of growth and innovation in educational leadership.
Hosted by ACSA Regions 9, 10, 11, and 13, the conference will feature dynamic keynote speakers, engaging breakout sessions, and a range of networking opportunities.
Friday night dinner and general session: Creative Technologist Christian Jackson will deliver an inspiring keynote on the role of artificial intelligence in education. Jackson, CEO of Edapt Schools Incorporated, specializes in AI-driven professional development for K-12 educators.
Saturday Legislative session: A live panel discussion will address current governmental and educational policy issues.
Sunday morning Affinity Panel and general session: Donya Ball, superintendent, author and national keynote speaker, will present insights from her books, “Against the Wind: Leadership at 36,000 Feet” and “Adjusting the Sails: Weathering the Storms of Administrative Leadership.”
Student Leadership Panel: The California Association of Student Councils will facilitate a discussion with student leaders on the future of education and leadership.
Equity Panel Discussion: Representatives from the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA), California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA), and California Association of Asian and Pasifika Leaders in Education (CAAPLE) will explore pressing equity issues in education.
The ACSA Mid-State Conference will offer a diverse range of breakout sessions focused on key areas in educational leadership and development, including:
- Addressing Bias-Based Beliefs with Restorative Approaches.
- Administrators: What Does It Really Take to Fix the Reading Problem in Schools?
- Better Together: Parent and Family Engagement Strategies and More!
- Happier & Healthier Leaders Lead Better: Surviving & Thriving Through the Storms of Leadership.
- Happy Schools, Thriving Students: The Power of Positive Culture.
- Leading Small, Thinking Big: Strategies for Small School Districts to Thrive in Challenging Times.
There will also be over 20 exhibitors showcasing innovative products and services. There will also be door prizes and sponsor giveaways throughout the event.
Registration is $274 for ACSA members, $354 for the conference and pre-conference bundle. Friday night dinner and Saturday’s lunch are included.
To register for the conference, visit: tinyurl.com/82sj92cb. To book a hotel reservation, visit: tinyurl.com/38e5jyxd.
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