One of the most important aspects of CSBA membership is the opportunity for involvement it gives board members, administrators, school districts and county offices of education. You and your board are encouraged to actively participate in CSBA governance and programs. In doing so, you benefit your schools, your students and yourself. Take advantage of the many opportunities CSBA has to offer. Get involved in setting the direction for the association and for California public schools.
- Help craft the Policy Platform
- Join the Legislative Action Network
- Online board member profile form
- Run for Delegate Assembly
- Become a regional director or executive committee member
- Participate in professional development
- Attend CSBA’s Annual Education Conference and Trade Show
- Adopt and promote Professional Governance Standards
Help craft the Policy Platform
CSBA’s Policy Platform drives the association’s policy direction and legislative agenda. The Delegate Assembly revises the platform in even-numbered years. The yearlong process involves gathering input from board members throughout the state and continually modifying and refining proposed platform changes until adoption by the Delegate Assembly at its November/December meeting. Communicate with your delegates and regional director to ensure you have the opportunity to contribute to this critical governance process for the association.
Join the Legislative Action Network
Get involved in CSBA’s lobbying efforts by joining the Legislative Action Network and participating in Advocacy INTERACTIVE — CSBA’s Web-based advocacy network. This free service is among the most effective grassroots networks of any organization in California. You’ll get up-to-the-minute alerts on critical legislation and issues, along with background information, resources for taking immediate action and a system for reporting back to CSBA about communications with legislators.
CSBA’s governmental relations chairs serve as an integral part of the Legislative Action Network. Become a GRC and act as the association’s official liaison to the specific state Assembly Members and Senators in your area. While advocating on behalf of California’s K-12 students, you’ll educate legislators on the roles and responsibilities of public school and school boards. You’ll also facilitate positive interaction between fellow governing board members and your assigned legislators. GRCs are appointed by the CSBA president.
Run for Delegate Assembly
Delegates serve as integral members of the policy-making body of CSBA. This important role involves attending two Delegate Assembly meetings and several regional caucuses each year. Delegates craft the Policy Platform, adopt bylaws and establish CSBA’s position on key issues. Local board members elect delegates to be their representatives on the CSBA Delegate Assembly. Districts nominate candidates between November 15 and January 5 each year and CSBA members cast their votes for delegates during one of their spring board meetings.
Become a regional director or executive committee member
Most members of the Board of Directors are chosen by region from among delegates. Participating in at least five meetings a year, directors establish the mission and goals for the association, and ensure CSBA activities and programs remain focused on these goals. In addition, directors are the personal communication link between their regions and CSBA.
The president, president-elect, vice president and immediate past president comprise the Executive Committee. These officers meet approximately once a month, providing direction and leadership for the association and serving as CSBA’s key spokespersons. They are elected by delegates at the Delegate Assembly just prior to the Annual Education Conference.
Participate in professional development
CSBA offers a wide variety of seminars and workshops throughout the year, focusing on state and national issues and trends, curriculum and instruction, federal and state legislation, boardsmanship, board-superintendent relations and fiscal policy. The Institute for New and First-Term Board Members is a highly acclaimed two-day seminar that focuses on budget, personnel and curriculum. In addition, the Masters in Governance program provides board members with an opportunity to complete a comprehensive curriculum of 60 hours of instruction and participation and receive certification upon completion. Those who complete the Masters in Governance program may receive up to six units of equivalency credit toward the completion of a Master of Arts in Governance Leadership through the University of La Verne.
Attend CSBA’s Annual Education Conference and Trade Show
CSBA’s Annual Education Conference and Trade Show contains something for everyone — board members, superintendents, chief business officials, top administrative staff, personnel directors, curriculum directors and vocational education administrators. The conference includes keynote addresses from noted educational, political and social leaders; a multitude of workshops; and a trade show. It’s carefully planned by board members and superintendents from throughout the state, representing districts and county offices of education of all sizes and diversity.
Adopt and promote Professional Governance Standards
Boards are encouraged to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to effective governance by adopting and utilizing CSBA’s Professional Governance Standards. The standards provide a framework for understanding the role of individual trustees, how boards and superintendents work effectively as a governing team, and the critical jobs that boards carry out. Individual board members play a valuable role in promoting effective governance for public education and preserving local board decision-making authority by promoting the standards in their communities.