Spring 2021
Spring has arrived! With it, come several revived reasons for renewed optimism. Fresh hopes and dreams of students returning to in-person instruction and extra curricular opportunities abound around our region and in the legislature. As of this update, COVID case rates continue to remain low and the California Department of Public Health has updated its K-12 School Guidance to align with the latest update from the CDC, which includes strongly recommending a minimum of three feet between students while in classrooms. The updated guidance also renders all schools eligible to open if case rates fall below 25 per 100,000 population.
This year’s Mid-State Conference included a successful Legislative Roundtable with local area representatives and ACSA Governmental Relations staff on March 6th. Region XI is grateful for the time and support from Assembly Member Devon Mathis. Topics ranged from inequities with state assessment plans to social emotional health, and learning loss mitigation. A summary of each charter’s discussions is found on the Region Padlet: https://padlet.com/bakojason/Midstate2021.
Looking forward to April, ACSA’s annual Legislative Action Day will be Monday and Tuesday, April 12 and 13. The event will be virtual and will include increased conference-like opportunities for all ACSA members with flexible timing and our traditional meetings with representatives for each region’s ACSA team on Tuesday. A conference keynote hopes to include an interview-style conversation with State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, CDE. All ACSA members are invited to visit the following link to register for this year’s Legislative Action Day conference: https://webapp.spotme.com/welcome/acsalegactionday21
Maybe now more any year in recent memory, ACSA state, region, and charter Legislative Action teams remain active, supporting educational resources, finances, and increasing needs of students and school administrators. VPLA efforts continue to focus on building relationships with local officials and grassroots advocacy within charters. During this stressful time for all members, we are mindful to be flexible and help reduce the stress and demands being placed on members.
Please contact me if I can support you in any way.
Jason M. Hodgson, Ed.D.
VP Legislative Action, ACSA Region XI
661-381-6930