The 2026 CSBA Counties Conference will take place from Sept. 25-27, 2026, at the Marina del Rey Marriott in California. 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!
Submit your proposals now to present at the conference! Click here to learn more about proposal deadlines and conference strands.
Registration is open for conference and spouse passes. Click here to learn more about registration.
Registration will open for the 2026 CSBA Counties Conference on May 12.
Call for Proposals
CSBA is seeking innovative and engaging ideas for the 2026 CSBA Counties Conference. County trustees are encouraged to submit proposals that will spark meaningful discussions and collaborative learning opportunities. Share your expertise in workshop sessions that dive deep into the specific themes and challenges most relevant to county board members. Proposals are being accepted through Friday, June 12.
Click here to view the submission form.
Proposals should correspond to one or more of the major strands identified for this year’s conference:
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, including school district boards, to influence educational policy
- Balancing community advocacy and board leadership
- Best practices for effective governance, including board-superintendent collaboration and relationships
- Balancing policy oversight with community engagement
- Strengthening community engagement and knowledge of the role of county offices of education in public education
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 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 workforce housing
- Addressing staffing shortages
- 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 access to the services and supports necessary to attain a high-quality education, including a welcoming school environment. Sessions will explore policies, programs and partnerships that address key barriers to student learning and well-being.
Potential topics include:
- Addressing the unique needs of students experiencing homelessness and youth in foster care, including enrollment, transportation and stability
- Coordinating with county agencies to provide housing support, mental health services and wraparound care
- Expanding school safety policies regarding students’ physical, social-emotional and mental health, and initiating or expanding community partnerships to create secure learning environments and improve school culture
- Implementing trauma-informed and/or restorative practices in schools to better support at-promise 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
Marina del Rey Marriott
4100 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Program
Friday, Sept. 25, 2026: 1:30–5:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026: 7 a.m.–4:15 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026: 7:30–11 a.m.
Registration fees
Registration for this conference is open with the following registration fee schedule:
- Early rate (May 13-June 26): $649
- Regular rate (June 27-Aug. 7): $719
- Late rate (Aug. 8-onsite): $800
- Spouse/partner rate (May 13-onsite): $149
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/partner registration category. If this registration category is used by someone other than a spouse/partner, the registrant will be charged a full conference registration rate for that person.
Masters in Governance for County Offices of Education Course 4 registration
CSBA is offering Masters in Governance for COEs, Course 4: Community Relations and Advocacy | Governance Integration as a pre-conference activity prior to the CSBA Counties Conference. This training will take place on Sept. 24, 2026. Registration will open May 12.
Housing
Hotel accommodation are now available to book at the Marina del Rey Marriott online through our dedicated website. We encourage you to make your reservation as soon as possible.
The CSBA-negotiated block of rooms has a reservation cutoff date of Sept. 1, 2026, or until sold out. After this date, rooms may be available on a space-available basis, and the special group rate may not be guaranteed. Please note that the hotel requires a valid credit card in which an advance deposit of one night’s room and tax will be charged to guarantee the reservation.
To make your hotel reservations online, please click here. Alternatively, you can call the hotel directly at 888-236-2427 and specify with the agent that you want to book at Marina del Rey Marriott, the one located at 4100 Admiralty Way, within the California School Boards Association room block.
Registrants are responsible for securing and, if necessary, cancelling their own housing reservations. Cancellation is 72 hours (3 days) prior to the check-in date to avoid being charged the fee of one night’s worth of room and tax.
Travel Information
Parking: the Marina del Ray Marriott 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 6.9 miles away, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the closest airport to the Marina del Rey Marriott – approximately a 20 to 30-minute drive, depending on traffic.
Cancellation Policy
For cancellations received by Thursday, July 30, 2026:
- A full refund will be issued.
For cancellations received prior to 11:59 p.m. (PST) on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026:
- 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, Sept. 3, 2026:
- No refunds will be issued.
- Substitutions may be made with another individual within the registrant’s LEA by Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. You must visit the onsite registration desk to make changes to your registration.
Sponsor this event
The Counties Conference is scheduled to take place from Sept. 25-27, 2026, at the Marina del Rey Marriott, California. This conference is specifically designed for county board members seeking 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, motivational speaker and author Chris Gardner, and other dignitaries. The event typically attracts around 150 attendees, including county board members, superintendents, staff and guest speakers.
View the sponsorship guide 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.
- 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, food sensitivities 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.