CSBA’s Annual Education Conference and Trade Show (AEC) is fast approaching, and student board members are invited to submit a proposal to lead a workshop session for AEC participants. Taking place in the capital city of Sacramento for the first time from Wednesday, Dec. 3, through Friday, Dec. 5, AEC offers a unique platform for student trustees to share the insights, experiences and innovative ideas that can help shape the future of education.

Student board member perspectives are invaluable. The firsthand experience student trustees have in the current educational landscape provides a unique vantage point that can contribute to meaningful discussions and solutions. Topics can include educational equity, digital innovation, student well-being, governance practices and beyond, as they align with one of the major conference strands described below. All trustees should encourage their student board member to voice their ideas and engage with fellow students, educators and trustees in a collaborative and impactful environment at AEC. Proposals are being accepted through Friday, Sept. 12.

• Empowering Students in a Digital World: Highlights the importance of providing students with access to digital technology while providing guidance on how to use it responsibly and thoughtfully. Workshops can explore the opportunities technology offers for personalized learning, collaboration and innovation, while also addressing challenges such as the increasing use of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, privacy, online bullying and legal considerations.
• Fostering Strong Community Partnerships: Focuses on the essential role of school board members in fostering authentic and productive engagement with students, families and community partners that support student achievement, enhance school culture and create long-term positive impacts for students and their families. The strand emphasizes effective collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that the community plays an active role in educational outcomes.
• Holistic Health, Safety and Wellness: Focuses on creating supportive learning environments by addressing the physical, emotional and mental well-being of students and staff. This strand emphasizes the importance of school culture, campus security and wellness programs in ensuring the health and safety of all school community members.
• Pathways to College, Career and Beyond: Demonstrates how decision-making at the board level can create dynamic learning environments that support all students. Through a focus on funding, student achievement and college and career readiness, workshops can explore policies and programs that ensure every student — regardless of background or circumstances — has access to a rigorous and supportive education.
• Strategic Governance for Student Success: Designed to support school district and county board of education members in developing the leadership skills, qualities and strategies needed to foster a productive governance team. It emphasizes the board’s critical role in making informed decisions that align with the goal of student success while advocating for all students’ needs and ensuring equitable educational opportunities.
• Strategies for Financial Resilience: Emphasizes the critical role of the board of education in providing comprehensive financial oversight and collaborating with the superintendent to ensure the effective management of local educational agency resources in support of goals in the Local Control and Accountability Plan, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, benefit from a rigorous, equitable education that prepares them for future success.

Learn more about the criteria for submission and submit a proposal at aec.csba.org/student-call-for-proposals.

Need assistance with your proposal or looking for a co-presenter? Feel free to reach out to CSBA at aec@csba.org for guidance and support.

Selected proposals will be featured at AEC, providing student trustees with a prestigious platform to present their ideas and engage with a diverse audience of education leaders and peers. This is more than just an opportunity to present — it’s a chance to network, gain feedback and contribute to the collective effort of improving education in California.