{"id":3055,"date":"2026-03-04T17:03:20","date_gmt":"2026-03-05T01:03:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/regions.acsa.org\/8\/?page_id=3055"},"modified":"2026-04-05T11:11:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T19:11:47","slug":"%f0%9f%8c%8d-bay-area-equity-symposium","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/regions.acsa.org\/8\/%f0%9f%8c%8d-bay-area-equity-symposium\/","title":{"rendered":"March 2026 Events"},"content":{"rendered":"

Beyond Access: Bay Area Equity Symposium 2026 Inspires Action and Leadership<\/b><\/h1>\n

On March 28, 2026, educational leaders from across the Bay Area gathered at Santa Clara University for the Bay Area Equity Symposium: Beyond Access\u2014Empowering Leaders, Transforming Systems<\/b><\/span>, a powerful, collaborative event hosted by ACSA Regions 5, 6, and 8.<\/p>\n

The symposium brought together educators, administrators, and advocates committed to advancing equity-driven leadership and creating systems that better serve all students\u2014particularly those historically marginalized.<\/p>\n

A Powerful Opening: Keynote by Dr. Daryl Camp<\/b><\/h3>\n

The day began with a compelling keynote from Dr. Daryl Camp – Superintendent of San Lorenzo Unified and ACSA State President<\/b><\/span>, whose message challenged leaders to move beyond surface-level solutions and into meaningful, systemic change.<\/p>\n

Dr. Camp emphasized that equity is not simply about access\u2014it is about outcomes, belonging, and the intentional redesign of systems. His call to action encouraged leaders to reflect on their role in disrupting inequities and to lead with courage, clarity, and purpose.<\/p>\n

Centering Student Voice: A Defining Moment<\/b><\/h3>\n

One of the most impactful sessions of the day was the Student Panel<\/b><\/span>, thoughtfully moderated by Dr. Roxane Fuentes – Superintendent of Berryessa Union and ACSA State Vice President<\/b><\/span>, whose leadership created a space for authentic dialogue and deep reflection.<\/p>\n

Students shared their lived experiences within our educational systems\u2014offering honest insights into barriers, supports, and what meaningful equity looks like in practice. Their voices grounded the symposium in truth and urgency, reminding attendees that this work must always be centered on those we serve.<\/p>\n

Dr. Fuentes guided the conversation with intention and care, elevating student voice in a way that challenged leaders to listen more deeply and act more boldly.<\/p>\n

Equity is not something we do for students\u2014it is something we build with them.<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n

Deepening the Work: Sessions that Moved Leaders to Action<\/b><\/h3>\n

Beyond the keynote and student panel, breakout sessions throughout the day pushed leaders to examine their systems through a sharper equity lens.<\/p>\n

Participants explored how predictable systems, clear processes, and consistent expectations<\/b><\/span> reduce student burden and create more equitable experiences. Conversations surfaced the impact of discretionary decision-making and the importance of aligning practices across schools and departments to ensure fairness and access.<\/p>\n

Sessions also highlighted the need to move from access to belonging<\/b><\/span>\u2014challenging leaders to ask not only \u201cCan students get in?\u201d<\/i> but \u201cDo students feel seen, supported, and valued once they are there?\u201d<\/i><\/i><\/p>\n

Leaders engaged in practical strategies such as:<\/p>\n