2026 ACSA Personnel Institute

2026 ACSA Personnel Institute

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9:15am PDT

DWK - Best Practices on CalSTRS/CalPERS, Employment Agreements, CBAs and Related Brown Act Issues

Thursday September 17, 2026 9:15am - 10:45am PDT

Changing laws and regulations have altered CalSTRS’ and CalPERS’ views on reportable compensation, salary schedules, and spiking. CalPERS and CalSTRS have strictly applied the law and regulations when reviewing contract language in employment agreements, collective bargaining agreements and salary schedules. This session will provide guidance on the requirements, offer tips and pointers, and provide best practices to help you avoid audit findings of misreported compensation.

Key Takeaways:
(1) More knowledge about CalSTRS and CalPERS requirements, audits and consequences for districts;
(2) Learn how to comply with such requirements in employment agreements and collective bargaining agreements; and
(3) Learn how to help the governing board comply with related Brown Act requirements.

Speakers

Ellen Wu

Attorney at Law, Dannis Woliver Kelley

Ellen C. Wu is a Shareholder in the Long Beach and San Diego offices and is Chair of the firm’s Labor, Employment and Personnel Practice Group. Ellen has over ten years of experience in the area of labor and employment law, and she represents and advises school and community college... Read More →

Jenell Van Bindsbergen

Attorney at Law, Dannis Woliver Kelley

Jenell Van Bindsbergen is Of Counsel in the Fresno office and a member of the Labor, Employment and Personnel practice group. She has extensive experience with labor and employment matters related to the Americans with Disabilities Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, harassment, and... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 9:15am - 10:45am PDT
Regency B

Concurrent Session

Company AB 1997 (STRS) Creditable compensation regulations / Classifications
Audience Intermediate

9:15am PDT

F3 - The Classification Playbook: Avoiding Costly Certificated and Classified Errors

Thursday September 17, 2026 9:15am - 10:45am PDT

Whether certificated or classified, misidentifying your employees can have significant implications for school employers. Is this employee temporary, probationary, or permanent or something else? What does this mean in the land of layoffs, employee transfer rights, promotional opportunities, evaluation, discipline, even compensation? Attendees will learn the key factors that determine employee status, review organizational best practices and common classification pitfalls, and explore real-world examples involving job duties, credentials, assignments, and bargaining unit implications.

Key takeaways:
- Learn how to properly identify certificated and classified employee statuses and understand the legal and operational implications tied to each classification.
- Recognize common classification mistakes involving assignments, credentials, compensation, and bargaining unit placement that can expose districts to risk.
- Gain practical strategies and best practices for managing employee classifications consistently across hiring, transfers, evaluations, discipline, and layoffs.

Speakers

Jordan Bilbeisi

Partner, F3 Law

Jordan Bilbeisi is a partner at F3 Law and chair of the firm’s Labor and Employment practice group. He advises K-12 and community college districts on a wide range of employment issues, including labor relations, negotiations, investigations, employee discipline, classifications, and accommodat... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 9:15am - 10:45am PDT
Theater

Concurrent Session

Company Personnel Commissions
Audience Intermediate

9:15am PDT

LS - Certificated Discipline: Documenting Employee Misconduct and Dismissals (Part One)

Thursday September 17, 2026 9:15am - 10:45am PDT

This session equips school administrators with the knowledge and tools needed to legally and effectively document certificated employee misconduct. Participants will learn how to conduct personnel investigations, prepare meaningful performance evaluations, and implement progressive discipline in a manner that is fair, consistent, and defensible. The presentation will walk through best practices for identifying misconduct, selecting appropriate levels of discipline, and creating documentation that supports sound employment decisions. Administrators will leave with practical strategies to strengthen their documentation practices and reduce legal risk.

Speakers

Gabriela Flowers

Attorney, Partner, Lozano Smith

OverviewGabriela D. Flowers is a Partner in Lozano Smith's Sacramento office and is co-chair of the firm's Labor andEmployment Practice Group. Ms. Flowers also specializes in the Student and Litigation aspects of education law.Ms. Flowers routinely assists clients through both Certificated... Read More →

Aislinn Kiyomi Roberts

Associate, Lozano Smith

Overview
Aislinn Kiyomi Roberts is an Associate in Lozano Smith’s San Luis Obispo office and co-chair of the firm’s Labor and Employment Practice Group. Her legal practice is focused on the labor and employment, investigations, and governance aspects of public agency law.

Exper... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 9:15am - 10:45am PDT
Regency A

Concurrent Session

Company Discipline, documentation, and employee misconduct
Audience Intermediate

11:00am PDT

"He put the desk where!?

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT

Join retired Superintendent/Chief of Human Resources, Dr. Rob Martinez, and Carrie Wells, Assistant Superintendent HR of Brentwood USD, as they shares some strategies and processes to prepare yourself for the times when employee misbehavior will occur. We will discuss ways to support your Administrators and Supervisors with evidence collection, capturing witness statements, and preparing for the potential long and involved process of employee dismissal.

Speakers

Dr. Rob Martinez

Retired Superintendent/Chief Human Resources Officer, Retired / Antioch Unified School District

Dr. Robert A. Martinez retired as the Superintendent and Chief of Human Resources for the Antioch Unified School District. He previously served as Superintendent/CEO of Griffin Technology Academies, and the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. He was the Assistant Superintendent of... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
Saddleback

Concurrent Session

Company Egregious misconduct
Audience Intermediate

11:00am PDT

AALRR - Trifecta: Negotiations, Layoffs, and Strike Preparation

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT

Being a SMART communicator pays huge dividends as districts navigate negotiations, prepare for certificated and classified layoffs, and face the possibility of a strike. Participants will learn how these three integral processes require a SMART communication framework; clarity regarding who is on the communication team and what the key issues are, preparing key messaging points in advance, anticipating misinformation and escalation of issues, all while remaining clear, objective and empathetic to all audiences. Participants will not only leave with a solid communication framework, but will have time to interact with the principles preparing them to immediately be a SMART communicator in any and all situations.

Speakers

Jodee Brentlinger

ESS Consultant

With over 35 years in public education, Jodee Brentlinger has held positions ranging from classroom teacher; elementary principal; Director, Teacher Development; Executive Director, Personnel Services; Assistant Superintendent, Personnel Services; Assistant Superintendent, Education... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
Saddleback

Concurrent Session

11:00am PDT

BWS - Deciphering The Education Code: Translating Laws Into Sound Personnel Practices For Certificated And Classified Employees

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT

It has been noted that “entry into the Education Code is painful” and “large parts of the Education Code are not meant to be understood” – and this was the California Court of Appeal speaking. This session will break down the otherwise indecipherable provisions of the Education Code as it relates to the fundamental rules of certificated and classified employment. Targeted for both emerging and advanced HR practitioners, we will cover fundamentals such as how the Education Code establishes the certificated and classified services, as well as advanced scenarios, such as the subtle yet significant distinctions in how the Education Code treats topics such as employee classifications, leaves of absences, seniority, permanent status, rehire rights, layoffs, and bumping with respect to certificated and classified personnel, as well as the interplay between Education Code rights and the collective bargaining process.

Speakers

John Yeh

Partner, Burke, Williams & Sorensen

John Yeh has been practicing law in California since 1991. A California public school product and parent, and UC/CSU parent, he specializes in representing and advising school districts in charter school oversight, labor and employment, and litigation. He also has experience in... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
Regency B

Concurrent Session

11:00am PDT

F3 - Classified Reporting: Compliance, Accuracy, and Effective Documentation under the School Employee Misconduct and Child Abuse Prevention Act (SB 848)

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT

This session provides an overview of the requirements of the School Employee Misconduct and Child Abuse Prevention Act (SB 848). Participants will examine common reporting challenges, including inconsistencies in documentation, legal ambiguity, and the risk of internal and external communication breakdowns between school sites and districts. The session will also highlight best practices for ensuring reports are timely, complete, and aligned with district expectations, particularly in contexts involving personnel actions and investigations.

Key Takeaways:
• Understanding how SB 848 supports compliant and defensible personnel processes, and its impact on HR documentation
• Strategies for improving accuracy, consistency, and documentation standards across departments and sites
• Practical tools to strengthen SB 848 reporting and ensure consistency and legal compliance
(including AB 2534/SB 848 Compliance) - needs to add these as well

Speakers

L. Carlos Villegas

Partner, F3 Law

Carlos Villegas advises school districts across Southern California on labor and employment issues, including collective bargaining, employee discipline, investigations, and board governance. He represents districts before PERB, state and federal agencies, and in Superior Court. Carlos... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
Theater

Concurrent Session

Company Personnel Commissions
Audience Intermediate

11:00am PDT

LS - Certificated Discipline: Documenting Employee Misconduct and Dismissals (Part Two)

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT

Building on Part One, this session provides a detailed roadmap of the certificated termination process from start to finish. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the statutory framework governing dismissal, including the filing of charges, Skelly rights, suspension procedures, and the formal hearing process before the Office of Administrative Hearings (“OAH”). The presentation will outline the roles of district administrators and witnesses, expected timelines, and the financial and operational considerations involved in pursuing dismissal. Attendees will leave with a comprehensive view of what certificated termination entails and how to prepare themselves and their teams for each stage effectively.

Speakers

Gabriela Flowers

Attorney, Partner, Lozano Smith

OverviewGabriela D. Flowers is a Partner in Lozano Smith's Sacramento office and is co-chair of the firm's Labor andEmployment Practice Group. Ms. Flowers also specializes in the Student and Litigation aspects of education law.Ms. Flowers routinely assists clients through both Certificated... Read More →

Aislinn Kiyomi Roberts

Associate, Lozano Smith

Overview
Aislinn Kiyomi Roberts is an Associate in Lozano Smith’s San Luis Obispo office and co-chair of the firm’s Labor and Employment Practice Group. Her legal practice is focused on the labor and employment, investigations, and governance aspects of public agency law.

Exper... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
Regency A

Concurrent Session

Company Discipline, documentation, and employee misconduct
Audience Advanced

2:00pm PDT

AALRR - Managing Title IX Issues: An HR Perspective

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT

Human Resources professionals play a critical role in supporting Title IX compliance while balancing employee relations, investigations, and institutional responsibilities. This session provides a practical overview of the HR issues that arise under Title IX, including responding to reports of sex discrimination and harassment, coordinating with the Title IX Coordinator, maintaining appropriate documentation, managing employee concerns, and navigating confidentiality. Attendees will also receive updates on recent legal developments and practical strategies to help ensure compliance while fostering a safe and equitable educational environment.

Speakers

Mellissa Gallegos

Partner, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo

Mellissa Gallegos represents and advises California school districts, community college districts, and county offices of education in all education and employment law matters, including bargaining, employee evaluation, discipline and dismissal, reasonable accommodation, interactive... Read More →

Ashlee Reece-Walker

Senior Counsel, AALRR

Ashlee Reece-Walker provides counsel and representation to California public school districts, county offices of education, and other public entities in a wide variety of employment and education law matters. In addition to personnel-related counseling, Ms. Reece-Walker conducts investigations... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT
Theater

Concurrent Session

2:00pm PDT

Hire Fast, Keep Longer: 4 High-Impact HR Focus Areas

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT

Is your HR team spending too much time on paperwork and not enough on people? It’s time to refocus. This high-energy session identifies the four levers HR leaders must pull to drastically improve recruitment and retention outcomes. We’ll dive deep into Systems, Recruitment, Branding, and Retention, providing you with actionable frameworks to streamline your operations and amplify your culture. Whether you are a team of one or lead a large department, you’ll walk away with a practical roadmap to modernize your practices and prove HR’s value to the bottom line.

Speakers

David Robertson

Retired: Assistant Superintendent of HR, 2025 Ray Curry Award from ACSA, Retired

David Robertson a recently retired Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. He has been a long standing member with ACSA and was the most recent Ray Curry Award winner from ACSA He has presented at ACSA and nationally at AASPA numerous times, where he contributed significantly... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT
Saddleback

Concurrent Session

Company Onboarding & Orientation
Audience Intermediate

2:00pm PDT

LS - Employee Free Speech, Including Union Speech

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT

Now more than ever, school districts are faced with employees engaging in controversial speech occurring in and out of the classroom. When can employees criticize the administration or speak out about political events? Where does an employee’s expression of their views on a controversial topic cross the line and potentially impact their employment? This workshop will discuss the district’s need to balance a respect for employee viewpoints while ensuring that employee speech does not disrupt the workplace or violate the rights of others. This high-level workshop will equip attendees with a framework of legal considerations and supportive measures designed to collaboratively address sensitive topics.

Speakers

Kara Walton

Attorney, Partner, Lozano Smith

OverviewKara R. Walton is a Partner in Lozano Smith's San Diego office. Ms. Walton represents public school district clients on labor and employment issues, and advises school boards on a wide variety of governance matters.

ExperienceMs. Walton frequently represents school districts in personnel matters for both certificated and non-certificated employees, including labor union relations and grievances. She also regularly serves as general counsel to districts, advising and assisting with litigation matters and... Read More →

Selina Ayala Patlán

Senior Counsel, Lozano Smith

Overview
Selina Ayala-Patlán is Senior Counsel in Lozano Smith’s Monterey Office. Ms. Ayala-Patlán's practice focuses on assisting public agency clients in labor and employment, investigations, and governance matters.

Experience
Ms. Ayala-Patlán assists clients with matters related to employee relations, labor negotiations, investigations, Public Records Act, and Board governance. An Association of Workplace Investigators Certificate Holder (AWI-CH), she brings specialized training in conducting impartial... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT
Regency A

Concurrent Session

2:00pm PDT

When Accommodations Get Complicated: Real Scenarios & Practical Strategies for School HR Leaders

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT

School HR leaders are managing increasingly complex accommodation requests involving mental health, leaves, remote work, attendance, and employee performance concerns. Through real-world scenarios and interactive discussion, this session explores practical approaches to Interactive Process facilitation, documentation, and communication that help districts navigate difficult situations while maintaining compliance and operational effectiveness.

Speakers

Tomas Chavez

Former Executive Director of Human Resources

Dr. Tomas Chavez is a former school district Human Resources Executive Director and school principal with over 15 years of leadership experience in K-12 public education. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University, an Administrative Services Credential... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT
Regency B

Concurrent Session

Company LEAVES and Attendance
Audience Intermediate

3:45pm PDT

AALRR - Preparing for a Strike: Lessons Learned and Legal Strategies for School District Leaders

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:45pm - 5:15pm PDT

A strike can be one of the most challenging events a school district will face. Drawing from recent firsthand experience assisting a district through a strike, this session provides practical guidance on preparing before negotiations reach an impasse. Participants will learn how to develop a strike readiness plan, navigate legal obligations, communicate effectively with employees, students, families, and the community, and coordinate district operations before, during, and after a strike. Leave with practical strategies and lessons learned to help your district respond confidently while minimizing disruption.

Speakers

Mellissa Gallegos

Partner, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo

Mellissa Gallegos represents and advises California school districts, community college districts, and county offices of education in all education and employment law matters, including bargaining, employee evaluation, discipline and dismissal, reasonable accommodation, interactive... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:45pm - 5:15pm PDT
Theater

Concurrent Session

3:45pm PDT

Leveraging Residency and Apprenticeship to Build Sustainable Educator Pipelines

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:45pm - 5:15pm PDT

Traditional recruitment strategies alone are no longer enough to meet today’s educator workforce demands. As districts navigate ongoing staffing shortages, turnover, and hard-to-fill positions, Human Resources leaders are increasingly exploring innovative “grow your own” solutions that create stronger pathways into the profession.
This session examines educator residency and registered apprenticeship programs as strategic staffing models that support long-term workforce development. Participants will learn how districts are partnering with higher education, labor, and community organizations to recruit and retain aspiring educators while creating paid pathways into teaching.
The session will highlight implementation models, funding considerations, workforce implications, and policy trends shaping residency and apprenticeship efforts across California. HR leaders will gain practical insights into how these approaches can support staffing stability, workforce diversification, and future-ready talent development systems.

Speakers

Amy Bennett

Statewide Residency Technical Assistance Center Coordinator, Santa Clara County Office of Education

Amy Bennett has dedicated the past two decades to the field of education, first as a teacher and later moving to leadership roles at the district and county levels. With a strong background in educational leadership and teacher development, she spent many years overseeing a large... Read More →

Brooke Berrios

Coordinator, Tulare COE

Brooke Berrios is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience in teaching, consulting, and program coordination across P-16 systems. Passionate about educational equity, she develops and supports inclusive programs in diversifying California's teaching pipeline and address... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:45pm - 5:15pm PDT
Regency A

Concurrent Session

Company Educator Workforce Development & Talent Pipelines
Audience Beginner

3:45pm PDT

LS - Managing the Increasing Demands of Complaints

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:45pm - 5:15pm PDT

If you are buried in complaints, you are not alone. Complaints in the forms of UCPs, Complaints Against Employees, Sexual Harassment, and others have become common and at times, overwhelming. If your department is having a hard time managing the time demands, this session is for you. We will review the most common complaint types, critical tasks, and tips of the trade for streamlining your processes.

Speakers

Kara Walton

Attorney, Partner, Lozano Smith

OverviewKara R. Walton is a Partner in Lozano Smith's San Diego office. Ms. Walton represents public school district clients on labor and employment issues, and advises school boards on a wide variety of governance matters.

ExperienceMs. Walton frequently represents school districts in personnel matters for both certificated and non-certificated employees, including labor union relations and grievances. She also regularly serves as general counsel to districts, advising and assisting with litigation matters and... Read More →

Selina Ayala Patlán

Senior Counsel, Lozano Smith

Overview
Selina Ayala-Patlán is Senior Counsel in Lozano Smith’s Monterey Office. Ms. Ayala-Patlán's practice focuses on assisting public agency clients in labor and employment, investigations, and governance matters.

Experience
Ms. Ayala-Patlán assists clients with matters related to employee relations, labor negotiations, investigations, Public Records Act, and Board governance. An Association of Workplace Investigators Certificate Holder (AWI-CH), she brings specialized training in conducting impartial... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:45pm - 5:15pm PDT
Regency B

Concurrent Session

Company Complaints and Investigations
Audience Intermediate

3:45pm PDT

Organizing the HR Office for Success with Leaves, Hiring, Association Partners and Compliance

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:45pm - 5:15pm PDT

Speakers

Jorge Ronquillo

Assistant Superintendent, HR, Azusa USD

Jorge A. Ronquillo is the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at Azusa Unified School District, where he leads the district's human capital strategy, including labor relations, employee services, and personnel management. Mr. Ronquillo plays a key role in collective bargaining... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:45pm - 5:15pm PDT
Saddleback

Concurrent Session