This most unusual school year has yet to end, but much of the focus on K-12 education has turned toward the summer session and the upcoming school year. The concern over how to execute a proper re-entry to full-time, in-person instruction is understandable. The adjustment facing students, families and staff is the biggest in memory — and school boards have the monumental task of guiding this transition under the watchful eyes of an anxious public.

Because the stakes are so high, it’s critical that school districts have the tools and flexibility required to meet student needs and family preferences this summer, this fall and for years to come. We are facing an inflection point for public schools and we must treat this crisis as an opportunity to re-evaluate and reinvigorate the ways in which we serve students. If we do not face this challenge head-on, public trust in our school system will erode, as will our enrollments.

Historically, Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage month has been met with lesson plans highlighting the accomplishments of AAPI individuals, preparing dishes from different AAPI cultures or reading books and viewing art showcasing the experience or talents of different people of AAPI descent, past and present.

This year — against a grim backdrop that includes a nearly 150 percent spike in hate crimes against those of AAPI descent in the past year found by the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino — there is a stronger sense of urgency to avoid sugarcoating history, and to address the trauma that both students and their families are facing.

School board trustees, state legislators, federal advocates, business leaders and more discussed the critical importance of universal broadband access to the state’s K-12 schools and its economic future during an April 20 CSBA webinar, “Broadband for California: Connecting to Our Promise.”

CSBA CEO & Executive Director Vernon M. Billy said it is unconscionable that that all children still do not have adequate and consistent internet service. Inequitable access to technology is hindering the education of some students, particularly those in low-income or rural areas, and effectively bars families from taking proper advantage of everything from accessing telehealth, online banking and government services.

“The internet is essential for full participation in our modern society,” Billy said. “We’ve had decades to solve this problem but we’ve waited until a time of crisis. We can’t wait any longer — the time for universal broadband access is now.”

The United States Supreme Court has been petitioned in Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L. to decide whether its landmark 1969 decision, Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, applies to student speech that occurs off campus. The question has become more critical in an era of social media, as off-campus student speech can more easily reach the school environment.

Being a California County Boards of Education officer is not only an opportunity to be a strong voice and integral part of CCBE, but it provides county board members the ability to help shape education in California for many years to come.

Nominations are now being accepted for CCBE 2022 President-elect, Vice President and Treasurer. Candidates do not need to be current or previous members of CSBA’s Delegate Assembly or CCBE Board of Directors. Nominations must be received by CCBE no later than Friday, July 31 at 5 p.m.

Do you know a state or federal lawmaker who has gone above and beyond in support of public school students and county offices of education? CCBE encourages county boards to nominate a member of the California State Legislature, the California Congressional delegation or another federal or state elected or appointed official for CCBE’s 2021 Outstanding Legislator Awards program. The award is bestowed upon a state or federal lawmaker who has been actively involved in legislation or legislative activities supporting the work of county offices of education and their programs. Your nomination should include why your nominee is being recognized and share the story explaining how the work they are doing supports COEs and their student populations. The nomination should also photos or supporting articles and/or documentation and information about the problem and solution of the legislation they are supporting.

Registration for the 2021 CCBE Annual Conference opens May 20. The conference planning committee has high hopes that health conditions and proper mitigation strategies will allow for an in-person event Sept. 10–12 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Monterey, Calif. If not, the conference will be virtual.

The planning committee is working to provide a conference that will inspire attendees to enhance their knowledge about the county board member leadership role, make decisions through an equity lens to effectively respond to the diverse needs of students, build leadership skills to become effective agents of change through a high-functioning team, and learn innovative tools and policies that are necessary to support county board members.