The 2025 CSBA County Board Conference will take place from Sept. 5-7, 2025, at the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa in Monterey, CA. This conference provides a unique opportunity for county board leaders to come together and discuss students' futures in light of domestic policies and global trends. County board members, superintendents and educational partners from throughout the state will come together to gain valuable knowledge and information in three key areas: advocacy, governance and policy; funding, workforce and educational access; student well-being, safety and success.
As the role of county offices of education (COEs) continues to evolve, CSBA is committed to providing COE board members with the necessary tools and information to become effective elected education leaders. The program will feature member-led workshops, micro-trainings, networking opportunities, and more—offering attendees practical strategies, peer-driven insights, and ample chances to connect and collaborate with colleagues from across California. It is a must-attend event for county board leaders!
Registration is now open. Click here to learn more about registration.
This year’s conference will feature sessions and workshops based on the following strands:
Advocacy, Governance and Policy: Leading for Impact
Shaping policy and strengthening systems for student success
This strand focuses on the critical role county board of education members and superintendents play in advocacy, governance and policymaking. Sessions will explore strategies for effective engagement with local, state and federal decision-makers, building coalitions to improve student outcomes and the board’s role in setting long-term educational priorities. Potential topics include:
- Advocacy strategies for securing resources and legislative support
- Strengthening partnerships with elected officials to influence educational policy
- Transitioning from community advocacy to board leadership
- Best practices for effective governance, including board-superintendent collaboration
- Balancing policy oversight with community engagement
Funding, Workforce and Educational Access: Aligning Resources for Success
Maximizing funding and human capital to expand opportunity
This strand delves into funding strategies, workforce challenges and resource allocation to ensure all students, particularly the most vulnerable, receive a high-quality education. Sessions will address how county offices of education can leverage funding streams, improve teacher retention, support special education, and enhance access to specialized programs, such as career technical education (CTE) as well as strengthen the delivery of special education services.
Potential topics include:
- Connecting budget decisions to long-term student success
- Managing special education and legal costs
- Exploring development of workforce housing
- Addressing staffing shortages and teacher preparation
- Expanding career pathways for students through public-private partnerships
- Navigating state and federal funding opportunities for countywide programs
Student Well-Being, Safety and Success: Supporting Vulnerable Youth and the Whole Child
Creating safe, inclusive and equitable learning environments
This strand focuses on comprehensive student support, emphasizing the role of county offices of education in ensuring that all students — particularly those facing housing instability, foster care placement or other challenges — have the environment and services necessary to attain a high-quality education. Sessions will explore policies, programs and partnerships that address key barriers to learning and well-being.
Potential topics include:
- Addressing the unique needs of homeless and foster youth, including enrollment, transportation and stability
- Coordinating with county agencies to provide students with housing support, mental health services and wraparound care
- Expanding school safety policies and community partnerships to create secure learning environments
- Implementing trauma-informed practices in schools to better support at-risk students
- Enhancing student and family engagement through outreach and targeted resources
- Strategies to combat chronic absenteeism, address disengagement and accelerate learning recovery
- Incorporating student voice in defining success and shaping supportive school programs
Location
Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa
400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940
Program
Friday, Sept. 5, 2025: 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025: 7:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025: 7:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Registration Fees
Registration for this conference is now open with the following registration fee schedule:
- Regular rate (June 27 - Aug. 7): $629
- Late rate (Aug. 8 - onsite): $699
- Spouse rate (May 13 - onsite): $99
The spouse/partner registration fee includes a spouse/partner’s invitation to the Friday Networking Reception, breakfast and break offerings throughout the conference. This does not include access to the program in the general session room or any breakout sessions.
A spouse/partner is defined as a significant other who is not affiliated with or employed by a California school district or county office of education (including board members, administrators, teachers or staff). Coworkers or associates are not eligible to use the spouse registration category. If this registration category is used by someone other than a spouse, the registrant will be charged a full conference registration rate for that person.
Housing
Registrants can now book their hotel accommodation online at Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa by clicking here or by calling the hotel directly at 800-334-3999.
If the rooming block at Monterey Plaza is sold out, registrants may book at the nearby Victorian Inn by clicking here or by calling the local number 831-373-8000 or the toll-free number 800-232-4141. CSBA encourages booking a reservation as soon as possible.
The CSBA-negotiated block of rooms has a reservation cutoff date of Aug. 14, 2025, or until sold out. After this date, room reservations will be on a space-available basis, and the special group rate may not be guaranteed. Please note that the hotel requires a valid credit card and advanced deposit of one night’s room and tax will be charged to guarantee the reservation.
Registrants are responsible for securing and, if necessary, cancelling their own housing reservations. Cancellation is 48 hours prior to arrival day to avoid any penalty (1 night fee).
Travel Information
Parking: the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa only offers valet parking at a discounted rate of $30 per vehicle, per night. There is no self-parking available on the property.
Airport: Located just 4.3 miles away, Monterey Regional Airport is the closest airport to the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa—approximately a 10 to 15-minute drive, depending on traffic.
Cancellation Policy
For cancellations received by Thursday, July 10, 2025:
- A full refund will be issued.
For cancellations received prior to 11:59 p.m. (PST) on Thursday, August 14, 2025:
- A 25% processing fee will be applied, and the balance of your registration fee will be refunded.
- Substitutions may be made with another individual within the registrant’s LEA.
For cancellations received after Thursday, August 14, 2025:
- No refunds will be issued.
- Substitutions may be made with another individual within the registrant’s LEA by Tuesday, September 2, 2025. You must email register@csba.org to make changes to your registration.
Sponsor this event
The County Board Conference is scheduled to take place from Sept. 5-7, 2025, at the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa in Monterey, California. This conference is specifically designed for county board members, who attend for professional development and networking opportunities that focus on specific issues and highlight best practices and new ideas that address the unique circumstances of county boards and the students they serve.
Past keynote speakers included California State Board of Education President Linda Darling Hammond, Zoom Founder/CEO Eric Yuan and other dignitaries. The event typically attracts around 150 attendees, including county board members, superintendents, staff and guest speakers.
View the sponsorship guide here or contact CSBA at sponsor@csba.org for more information.
Notices
Please view our event policies by clicking on the Code of Conduct and Event Notices. Direct all cancellation and refund requests to register@csba.org.
Questions
Whether you're looking for details about registration, event logistics, or participation guidelines, please contact countyboard@csba.org.
Accessibility
CSBA is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive experience for all attendees. The following services are available to ensure full participation in the event:
- Wheelchair Accessibility: The venue is fully accessible, including wheelchair access to seating areas, restrooms, and entrances. If additional assistance is needed, please inform us prior to the event.
- Mobility Rentals: Attendees who require a wheelchair or scooter are welcome to rent one from a local provider. Please note that CSBA does not provide, store, or coordinate these rentals. Attendees are responsible for arranging mobility device rentals, including wheelchairs and scooters. CSBA is not liable for storage or security of these devices.
- Local Providers:
- Reserved Seating: Accessible seating for individuals with mobility impairments can be provided. Requests for reserved seating should be made ahead of time to ensure availability.
If you require additional accommodations or have specific needs related to mobility, vision, hearing, or other areas, please contact us at countyboard@csba.org at least 72 hours prior to the event. While we will make every effort to accommodate your needs, please note that late requests may not be able to be fully accommodated. We will provide guidance on how to reserve these services and ensure that necessary arrangements are made to support your participation.
Thank you to our sponsors
Platinum
Capitol Advisors Group, LLC
Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes
PowerSchool
Gold
DCG Strategies
SitelogIQ
Bronze
Edwards, Stevens & Tucker