August 2026 ACSA Newsletter

Happy New School Year!

I am honored and excited to serve as the ACSA San Joaquin Charter President for the 2026–27 school year. As we begin a new year, I look forward to continuing to strengthen our charter as a place where educational leaders across San Joaquin County can connect, learn, support one another, and grow together.

This year, we are embracing statewide ACSA's theme: “You Belong Here: Leadership for Every Student.” It is a powerful reminder that belonging matters not only for the students and communities we serve, but for each of us as leaders. Every one of us brings diverse experiences, perspectives, and strengths that make our collective leadership stronger.

I hope you will find opportunities throughout the year to connect with ACSA, build new relationships, and know that you belong here. I’m looking forward to a wonderful year together!

Megan Smith | President

ACSA Region 7, San Joaquin Charter

San Joaquin Charter's goal is centered on three areas: empowerment, collaboration, and advocacy.

• Empowerment: Joining an organization (like ACSA) strengthens the skills and influence of school leaders.
• Collaboration: Being part of a community (like ACSA) fosters the sharing of ideas and best practices.
• Advocacy: Providing a unified voice to champion policies and initiatives that benefit students, schools, and our communities.

These words emphasize the value of leadership, community, and a collective purpose in education. San Joaquin Charter is dedicated to providing opportunities to support school leaders in attaining these values.

On behalf of San Joaquin Charter, we'd like to welcome 18 new members:

• Rachel Alta | Ripon USD
• Michelle Blackwood | Ripon USD
• Benjamin Brown | Lammersville USD
• Kathryn Diederich | Ripon USD
• Norma Elsumri | Ripon USD
• Krista Galvan | Ripon USD
• Rocio Garcia | Tracy JUSD
• Marci Goins | Lammersville USD
• Katie Guido | Linden USD
• Ivygail Henderson | Stockton USD
• Rachel Knoepfle | Banta USD
• Vanessa Martinez | San Joaquin COE
• Cynthia Neutze | River Island Technology Academy
• Dana Phelps | Ripon USD
• Illiana Plascencia | Stockton USD
• Jesus Ramirez | Ripon USD
• Keith Rangel | Ripon USD
• Alisha Vasche | Ripon USD

Know someone who would like to join our charter? Encourage them to visit www.acsa.org/join. Or, forward this email and they can apply using the button below.

Click on this link to access our charter's calendar of 2026-2027 events and meetings. Please check this often as it reflects the most current dates and updates.

ACSA is moving to an online membership renewal system. If your dues are paid by your district or through payroll deduction, please confirm that your accounting or payroll office is aware of the change and prepared to renew your membership through the secure ACSA portal.

ACSA will provide district contacts with instructions once the portal becomes available. If you have any questions, ACSA is here to help at membersupport@acsa.org.

We invite you to share your article as Leadership magazine announces its editorial themes for the 2026-27 publishing year.

Leadership magazine highlights the most important issues facing education leaders today through thoughtful and practical insights. Published five times each year, every issue focuses on a specific theme and features articles written by education leaders and practitioners like you. Your voice and experience can help inform, inspire and support colleagues across the field.

To submit an article, please email Leadership Editor Michelle Carl at mcarl@acsa.org by the deadlines listed for each issue below.

2026-2027 Issue Themes & Deadlines:

• September/October 2026: Early Learning Foundations Deadline closed
• November/December 2026: School Safety Deadline closed
• January/February 2027: Career Technical Education Deadline 10/12/26
• March/April 2027: Staffing Solutions Deadline 12/7/26
• May/June 2027: Classified Leadership Deadline 2/8/27