There’s still time to join superintendents from throughout the state at the 2025 Superintendents’ Symposium.

District and county leaders will once again gather at this conference to review the governor’s January budget proposal and to trade insights with the state’s top educational leaders on how to lead transformation in public schools.

This year’s conference returns to the Monterey Conference Center on Jan. 29-31. The conference planning committee has chosen this year’s theme to be, “Leading with Gratitude & Embracing Our Purpose: Empowering Students and Educators to Thrive.”

“The theme of this year’s conference really reflects how fortunate we are to be in positions where our work and professional goals are aligned with our purpose,” said Janet Schulze, superintendent of Pittsburg USD and chair of this year’s symposium planning committee. “As leaders in public education, we have the opportunity to serve our students and communities. There is a deep gratitude for being in these positions.”

The symposium will provide an opportunity for county and district leaders to share strategies for responding to the many challenges school leaders today face, including closing persistent academic gaps and adjusting to one-time funds and budget reductions due to declining enrollment or a lower Average Daily Attendance rate.

Another topic of great importance for superintendents will be how to support students and communities through the potential changes that may impact them as a result of shifting policies at the federal level of government.

“Many of our students, families, and employees, including those who are immigrants or DACA recipients, are experiencing anxiety over what may happen to them or their family members,” Schulze said. “It is important that we provide clarity on the federal and state laws and do the most that we can to continue to provide the best education for all of our students.”

Schulze said she attended her first Superintendents’ Symposium when she became a superintendent in 2014.

“This particular conference has been incredibly valuable to me every year, as I am able to learn the latest information on policy as well as learn best practices from superintendents around the state,” she said. “I always leave the conference feeling energized and inspired while also being able to apply the latest updates and practices to the district I serve.”

Superintendents’ Symposium provides a vital space for superintendents to connect and learn so they can return to their districts with renewed purpose.

“This conference is essential for superintendents,” Schulze said. “Like anyone, superintendents need to recharge and be able to maintain a strong focus throughout whatever local, state, or national actions are impacting our students and communities.”

New Superintendents’ Workshop All first- and second-year superintendents are invited to attend the New Superintendents’ Workshop, which is offered each year at the Superintendents’ Symposium for California’s newest district superintendents. Formal training is presented by both experienced superintendents and by those who have successfully transitioned through their first year.

The New Superintendents’ Workshop attendees will join the participants of the New Superintendents’ Seminar Series, which will provide a tremendous opportunity for networking, sharing challenges and successes, and building lasting supportive professional relationships. This workshop will be held all day Tuesday and Wednesday morning, prior to the start of the symposium. Tickets for this exclusive workshop are $350 and can be added during registration.