A word from our President - Dr. Roxane Fuentes
Dear ACSA Region 8,
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the ACSA Equity Institute in Berkeley this past week. It was a powerful and enriching experience, and we are grateful for the opportunity to come together as a community with Regions 5, 6, and others, especially during this challenging federal climate. Thank you to our Co-Chair Trudy Gross, and planning committee members Chery Jordan, Dawnel Sonntag, Daric Jacskon, and Eric Andrew for their time these past few months in ensuring an inspirational experience. As Dr. Joaquin Noguera so aptly reminded us during the Institute, "Equity is not a destination, but a continuous journey. It is our responsibility to build a system that ensures every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunities they deserve to succeed." His words inspire us to keep pushing forward in our commitment to creating inclusive and supportive educational environments.
In these times, it’s more important than ever that we unite to share ideas, support one another, and advance our collective work toward equity and inclusion in education. For those who couldn’t attend, we encourage you to connect with colleagues who were there to learn about the key takeaways and how we can implement those strategies in our own districts.
Thank you for your continued commitment to creating more inclusive and diverse educational environments for all of our students across Santa Clara County. ACSA Region 8 looks forward to representing you this upcoming week in Sacramento for Legislative Action Days. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
In Solidarity,
Dr. Roxane Fuentes
ACSA Region 8 President
March Madness - Eric Andrew, Executive Director
If you think this article is about filling out your bracket, rooting for your favorite college team, or bingeing college basketball games; you are wrong! This article is about finding the energy to sustain the work of profoundly impacting the educational experience of each student in your school/district. March is one of the hardest months of a school year. There are no federal holidays, typically no breaks, and everyone is “tired” and/or waiting for Spring break. That being said; school must go on!
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, you are the driving force behind positive change and nurturing environments that foster growth in both students and educators. The impact of effective school leadership cannot be overstated; it shapes the future of education, influences student outcomes, and creates a thriving school culture. Here’s a few tips that can help you, your students, and your staff thrive during the month of March
It’s March! Prioritize wellbeing! The wellbeing of both students and staff is paramount to a thriving school environment. As a leader, make it a priority to address mental health and emotional wellbeing. Remind yourself and your staff of the importance of mindfulness, resilience, and a healthy work-life harmony. By creating a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and heard, you will not only boost morale but also enhance performance and engagement across the board.
Celebrate Success! Take the time to acknowledge and celebrate both individual and collective achievements within your school. Whether it’s a student’s academic progress, a teacher’s innovative project, or a successful community event, celebrating these milestones fosters a sense of pride and belonging. Acknowledgment motivates everyone to strive for excellence and reinforces the belief that their contributions matter.
And finally…Embrace your role as a catalyst for change, forging a path toward a brighter, more equitable educational landscape. Remember, be efficacious! You have the power to influence, inspire, and ignite a love for learning in every student, staff member, and community member. Let your leadership shine brightly, and together we can create a world where education empowers every individual to reach their fullest potential; even in March!
Membership News - Dr. David Putney, VP Membership
As the spring season arrives with a multitude of colors, we take a moment to appreciate the beauty of Santa Clara County and the importance of our ACSA Region 8. Leading through the presenting challenges is far beyond what most of us ever dreamed would be part of our professional responsibilities. I am amazed everyday by the strength, resilience, and courageous efforts of our ACSA Region 8 members. Thank you all for your perseverance as you guide our schools to thrive.
This coming Friday, March 28th members and interested colleagues are invited to attend our Spring Membership Event at Left Bank Restaurant in Santana Row. Here is the link to register for the event as space is limited. This is a great opportunity to develop new connections, share resources, and renew socially with many of your colleagues.
Spring is a great time to review your ACSA Benefits:
Here are a few additional resources:
To update your profile or renew your membership? Please contact Member Services @ 800-608-2272 or memberservices@acsa.org
If you have Region 8 Membership questions, please feel free to contact me @ dputney@sccoe.org
Thanks so much for your continued participation in ACSA Region 8 and for all you do on behalf of our students and community. We Are Better Together!
Legislative Policy Committee - Cheryl Jordan
Our new One Voice Platform for the current 2-year legislative cycle was ratified during our ACSA Leadership Assembly in February. This Platform guides our advocacy throughout the state as we work together as an organization to elevate and further the needs of our students and school teams in striving for a world class education where every learner is seen and valued.
There are two candidates running for the ACSA state Vice President, one is our Region 8 President, Roxane Fuentes. We look forward to cheering her on at the May Leadership Assembly where the Assembly will elect our next ACSA VP. Terrance Davis is the other candidate running for State VP -- he has formidable competition with our President Fuentes as we all know she is stellar here in SCC, and she illuminates southern CA with her leadership in past roles and as a leader on CALSA.
Jared Hungerford is the candidate running for VP of Legislative Action.
State Budget & ACSA Sponsored Bills --
ACSA summary and response to Governor’s Budget continues to advocate to
Oppose underfunding Prop 98
Support proposed 2.43% COLA in LCFF (CA StateLeg Analysts Office aligned)
Support Discretionary Block Grant intent
Continued advocacy for streamlined reporting & plan accountability on state mandates
FCMAT published this report of Sexual Assault Molestation claims impact and possible financing tools and student safety solutions
AB 1224 bill for Substitute staffing shortage solution allowing for a sub to serve in a general, special, or CTE classroom for 60 days
AB 606 bill to improve state reciprocity for school social workers, counselors, and psychologists to allow for preliminary Pupil Personnel Credential
AB 959 bill for LEA to offer a pathway to administration through an intern credential
AB 962 bill to clarify school plans may continue to limit student use of smartphones
Federal --
Linda McMahon confirmation vote for Federal Department of Education is March 3, 2025. McMahon supports continued federal funding to schools, and supports workforce development including the increase of CTE grants.
US Dept of Ed launched its “End DEI” portal, CA State Superintendent Thurmond states that this will not immediately impact school funding because there is a process for investigations that must be followed, funds can’t be pulled automatically.
$600M in grant funding for teacher prep programs such as those offered by county offices of ed or institutes of higher ed have been pulled back, this is because these funds are not controlled by Congress.
CA Proposed Bills to Support school staff and students in assuring safe learning environments --
* ACSA is working with legal counsel to assure that we can identify areas where further clarification is needed, such as assuring that the legislative proposals include before and after school events
Council of Equity Leaders - Trudy Gross
Sawubona, Equity Warriors. I see you!! The Equity Leaders Council met on March 12, 2025, prior to the start of ACSA’s Equity Institute. The ACSA Government Relations Update from Kordell Hampton focused on current activity in the federal government.
- Mass layoffs at the Department of Education, roughly 2000 staff remain (from 4200). Still takes an act of Congress to fully dismantle a department.
- Threats to withhold federal funding from schools with diversity and gender studies are being opposed as there are well established legal practices to support these efforts: educational institutions may take steps to build student bodies that are meaningful and representative of all.
- Of the $600 million in Teacher Prep Funding that was cancelled, $200 million was restored on March 11.
State level advocacy includes maintaining Prop 98 funding now and in the future as districts must set their budgets into the future.
The Equity Institute reached our goal of 150 with 155 attendees. The opening keynote was by Dr. Cherina Betters with the aptly titled, “Do It Anyway!” Thursday kicked off with ACSA Partner Law Firms sharing timely input. Over the course of Thursday and Friday morning there were 24 workshops to choose from. A panel during Thursday lunch included Milpitas USD Superintendent Cheryl Jordan and Board Member Chris Norwood. The day came to a rousing close with Dr. Vajra Watson and members of Sacramento Area Youth Speaks. On Friday, Dr. Joaquin Noguera brought the institute to a close reminding us of the power of relational connections. A big thanks to Region 8 members who were part of the planning committee: Eric Andrew, Roxane Fuentes, Daric Jackson, Cheryl Jordan, and Dawnel Sonntag. Yebo, Sawubona!
Campbell Union School District Charter - Le Tran
February flew by with the blink of an eye! This past month, our members got to enjoy some Bocce with appetizers and refreshments! March has been a long standing challenging month for all, therefore this next month, we plan to have a Tequila Tasting event!
We are also happy to welcome two new members to the team with this cute welcome gift basket! Please join us in welcoming our new Assistant Superintendent, Melissa Theide and our new Dean of Students at CSI, Megan Noriega!
Morgan Hill Charter - Patrick Buchser, Charter President
- Sites had District PBIS PD meetings and getting ready for TFI site visits.
- Student Services team attended an Aries conference for a student data system and learn all the new functions for Data management.
- Looking to start Saturday Academy to increase ADA. Information went out to teachers to gain interest. The target group of students are students close to 90% truancy. The Saturday academy will have a different approach to be more interactive than traditional Saturday school. More information to come in the future.
- Principals went through professional development, focusing on inclusion and unpacking standards to identify next areas of instruction.
We are so proud of our ACSA Region #8 Awardees
- Dr. Carmen Garcia – Superintendent of the Year
- Reina Gonzalez, HR Supervisor – Classified Leader of the Year
- Franchesca "Frankie" Kellett, Ann Sobrato High – Secondary Co-Administrator of the Year
