2026 ACSA Personnel Institute: Full Schedule

10:15am PDT

Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT

Staying Legal is fast-paced DWK-attorney led professional development focused on human resources and labor relations legal issues. Dannis, Pearl and Nakamura are 100% focused on practical lessons about education, labor and employment law to help you manage and maintain high-functioning human resources (HR) and labor relations departments for your district or county office. We don’t lecture or bore you with slides about legal esoterica. Together we learn, strategize, problem solve, laugh, and interact. We use curated HR and labor relations materials (summarizing court decisions, PERB decisions, laws, regulations, policies, and recent developments) to impart real-world lessons and pertinent knowledge about legal requirements and best practices for HR and labor relations professionals. Who knew the law could be so much fun?

Key Takeaways:
• Receive practical lessons, strategies and insights on often-complex legal issues to make your HR/labor relations department function at a higher level
• Learn, strategize, problem solve and interact with fellow human resources practitioners and leading attorneys
• Get up to date on the latest and greatest labor and employment court decisions, PERB decisions, laws and best practices

Speakers

Jon Pearl

Attorney at Law, Dannis Woliver Kelley

Jonathan A. Pearl is the Managing Shareholder of DWK’s San Diego office and a member of the Labor, Employment and Personnel (LEAP), Board Ethics, Transparency and Accountability, and Students and Special Education Practice Groups.

Marie A. Nakamura

Attorney at Law, Dannis Woliver Kelley

Marie A. Nakamura is the Managing Shareholder of the Sacramento Office. She represents school districts and county offices of education in employment and labor law, school board governance, as well as general education law. Marie has represented districts in multiple unfair labor... Read More →

Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Theater

Concurrent Session

Company Staying Legal
Audience Intermediate

10:15am PDT

F3 - Rising Complaints, Real Solutions: Navigating Employee Misconduct and Workplace Concerns

Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT

Regency B

As complaints about employees continue to rise in schools and workplaces, district leaders face increasing pressure to respond promptly, fairly, and consistently while minimizing legal and operational risk. This session will explore practical strategies for managing complaints involving employee misconduct, workplace conflict, professionalism, harassment, discrimination, and performance concerns. Attendees will learn how to establish effective intake and documentation practices, conduct appropriate preliminary assessments, determine when investigations are necessary, and communicate throughout the process. The presentation will also address common pitfalls that can escalate complaints and provide proactive approaches to improving workplace culture, accountability, and employee relations. Participants will leave with actionable tools to help their districts respond to complaints confidently, consistently, and lawfully.

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 →

Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Regency B

Concurrent Session

Company Complaints and Investigations
Audience Intermediate

2:00pm PDT

F3 -The Great Absence: Managing Employee Leaves

Wednesday September 16, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT

Regency B

Between chronic absenteeism, expanding leave laws, staffing shortages, substitute vacancies, and evolving employee expectations, Human Resources professionals are asking themselves a very real question: does anyone actually come to work anymore? This engaging and relatable session takes a practical—and honest—look at the growing complexities of employee leave administration in public education. Participants will explore the ever-changing maze of FMLA, CFRA, pregnancy disability and parental leave, workers’ compensation, paid sick leave, catastrophic leave, and negotiated leave provisions, as well as the increasingly blurred lines between contractual rights, legal obligations, and operational realities. Through real-world scenarios, interactive discussion, and shared “you can’t make this up” moments, attendees will unpack common leave challenges and staffing impacts facing districts today.

Speakers

Lisa Mori

Partner, F3 Law

Elizabeth “Lisa” Mori is a veteran labor attorney with over 30 years of experience advising school districts on bargaining, discipline, evaluations, layoffs, and employee matters. As a chief negotiator, she excels in both traditional and interest-based bargaining. Co-chair of... Read More →

Wednesday September 16, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT
Regency B

Concurrent Session

Company LEAVES and Attendance
Audience Intermediate

2:00pm PDT

LS - Leaves 101: An Introductory Roadmap for HR Administrators

Wednesday September 16, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT

Theater

Navigating employee leaves can be complex—especially in the education sector, where multiple leave entitlements intersect. This session will provide HR professionals with a clear overview of the most commonly used types of leave—sick, industrial accident, differential or extended, bereavement, association business-- and recent changes in the law related to these leaves. Participants will gain practical strategies for documenting leave accurately and ensuring compliance with federal and state laws. Attendees will leave with actionable tips and tools to support effective leave administration and sound decision-making in their districts.

Speakers

Chelsea Olson Murphy

Attorney, Partner, Lozano Smith

Overview
Chelsea Olson Murphy is a Partner at Lozano Smith. Her practice focuses on providing counsel to school districts and county offices of education in the areas of governance and labor and employment.

Experience
Specifically, Ms. Olson Murphy advises school districts and county offices of education on a variety of legal matters including employee discipline and dismissal, benefits, leaves of absence and the interactive process, contract administration, conflicts of interest, the Brown Act... Read More →

Wednesday September 16, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT
Theater

Concurrent Session

Company LEAVES and Attendance
Audience Intermediate

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

Regency B

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

Theater

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

Regency A

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

Saddleback

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

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

Theater

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

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

Concurrent Session

Company Personnel Commissions
Audience Intermediate

2:00pm PDT

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

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

Saddleback

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

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

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

Regency B

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

LS - Managing the Increasing Demands of Complaints

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

Regency B

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

9:30am PDT

DWK - Where the Wild Leaves Roam

Friday September 18, 2026 9:30am - 11:00am PDT

Regency A

Maybe you’re new to educational leaves, or maybe you have been working with leaves your entire career. Whatever your experience, have you ever had that moment when you ask yourself “What leaves does this employee get?” Local Educational Agencies are required to apply Federal, State and Educational Leaves. In addition to the leave laws like PDL, FMLA and CFRA, agencies must also consider leaves under accommodation laws such as ADA and PWFA. Sometimes it’s straight forward but more often than not it feels like you are in a wild environment where some wild vine or weird creature is going to grab or snag you and pull you under. Don’t be afraid we are here to help you with those wild leave questions. Join us for an interactive discussion where we explore the different kinds of employee leave and how to coordinate them based upon real life scenarios.

Key Takeaways:
• Identify the appropriate leaves and interconnection of paid and unpaid leaves and other accommodation laws with each other

• Learn how certain leaves are inter-related and strategies for navigating and coordinating employee leaves

• Other helpful written resources

Speakers

Jenell Van Bindsbergen

Attorney at Law, Dannis Woliver Kelley

Leilani Battiste

Attorney at Law, Dannis Woliver Kelley

Leilani Battiste is Of Counsel in the San Francisco office and a member of the Labor, Employment and Personnel practice group. She has experience representing public entities, K-12 school districts, and community college districts.
Prior to joining the firm, Leilani worked for many years at City College of San Francisco, where she first worked as outside counsel, followed by Deputy General Counsel, in addition to serving as Interim General Counsel. She has most recently been with the County of Marin, Office... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 9:30am - 11:00am PDT
Regency A

Concurrent Session

Company LEAVES and Attendance
Audience Intermediate

9:30am PDT

F3 - Recognizing and Eliminating Behaviors that may Indicate Harassment or Discrimination

Friday September 18, 2026 9:30am - 11:00am PDT

Regency B

Discrimination complaints often arise not from a single decision, but from patterns of communication, documentation, and inconsistent application of policies over time. This session examines common missteps that increase exposure to discrimination claims in the workplace, particularly within public education and public sector employment contexts. Participants will explore how everyday personnel decisions can unintentionally create risk, and how to identify and correct these issues before they escalate into formal complaints. The session will also provide practical strategies for improving documentation, consistency, and decision-making practices to reduce legal exposure and support equitable treatment of employees.
Key Takeaways:
• Identify common administrative and supervisory practices that can unintentionally lead to discrimination complaints
• Understand how inconsistency in documentation and policy application increases legal and organizational risk
• Apply practical strategies to strengthen fairness, transparency, and defensibility in personnel decision-making
add Jacqueline M. Litra
Lisa B. Mori

Speakers

Katy McCully Merrill

Partner, F3 Law

Bringing high levels of compassion and competence to her practice, Katy McCully Merrill advises K-12 and community college districts and county offices of education statewide on a variety of challenges and disputes. These include employment concerns such as hiring practices, leaves... Read More →

Erin Portugal Revious

Assistant Superintendent, Lemoore UESD

Erin Portugal Revious is a distinguished and highly accomplished educational administrator with over two decades of dedicated service in fostering academic excellence, supportive student programs, and exemplary school culture. She currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 9:30am - 11:00am PDT
Regency B

Concurrent Session

Company Complaints and Investigations
Audience Intermediate

10:15am PDT

10:15am PDT

2:00pm PDT

2:00pm PDT

9:15am PDT

9:15am PDT

9:15am PDT

11:00am PDT

11:00am PDT

2:00pm PDT

2:00pm PDT

3:45pm PDT

9:30am PDT

9:30am PDT

Get help with the event