California’s response to federal policies affecting schools was a focus of ACSA’s Virtual Leadership Assembly on Feb. 13.

The online governance meeting of ACSA’s voting leaders was open to all administrators across the state to share valuable information with a wider audience of school leaders.

ACSA Executive Director Edgar Zazueta acknowledged that schools have been affected by the first few weeks of the Trump administration, which has seen executive orders about immigration enforcement and transgender individuals that have raised fears in school communities.

“We can talk policy ... but that fear that many of our families have is something that we have to take very seriously,” Zazueta said.

State Attorney General Rob Bonta joined the meeting and assured school leaders that state protections for undocumented residents don’t change despite federal executive actions.

“I want to say to our immigrant communities in California and beyond, and education leaders like all of you who support them and lift them up, that I see you. I value you. I will fight for you,” he said.

A panel discussion on immigration policies in schools featured Adam Clark, superintendent of Mount Diablo USD; Sloan Simmons, attorney with Lozano Smith; and Stephanie Graves, CEO of the Lee Andrews Group, who shared key insights on legal considerations and student protections.

Attendees also gained tips for wellness from Rebecca Branstetter, CEO of The Thriving Students Collective. Her presentation “10 Microhabits to Avoid Burnout, Boost Collaboration and Thrive!” provided practical tips to support school leaders’ well-being.

ACSA President Rafael Plascencia also spoke about breaking down stigma surrounding school leaders’ mental health. Plascencia’s openness in talking about his brother Moises, an administrator who died by suicide in 2022, has encouraged other school leaders to talk about mental health. He implored school leaders who are struggling to find help.

“There’s a lot of love out there. You may not feel it right now. But you are surrounded by educators who love you, by practitioners who will provide support,” he said.