The Merced County School Boards Association (MCSBA) hosted its annual conference, bringing together representatives from the county’s 20 school districts to discuss key issues affecting local schools and share strategies for improving governance. Loretta Rose, President of MCSBA and a member of the Gustine Unified School Board, emphasized the importance of this year’s conference, especially in light of recent changes in state law that will impact school operations.

“This year, we have board members who may not be returning, so we’re offering a refresher course on what needs to be accomplished by December,” Rose explained. “We’re also focusing on updates to the Brown Act and how new laws passed by Gov. Gavin Newsom will affect our schools. To help us navigate these changes, we’ve brought in lawyers who will guide us through the process of updating our board policies.”

The MCSBA’s conference is uniquely tailored to the specific needs of the districts in Merced County, offering a more localized approach than larger statewide conferences like those hosted by the California School Boards Association (CSBA). Rose pointed out that MCSBA’s smaller-scale gatherings allow for more targeted discussions that address the distinct challenges faced by their districts.

“We work hard to bring all 20 districts together to discuss and solve issues board members face. This conference is designed to fit our districts’ needs, unlike CSBA conferences, which tend to focus more on larger districts across California,” Rose said.

In addition to legal experts, the MCSBA was fortunate to have several law firms and representatives from Capitol Advisors present at the conference. These advisors play a crucial role in keeping local school boards updated on developments in Sacramento and how new legislation could affect district policies and procedures.

Rose also highlighted the diversity of learning opportunities available to board members, whether they are new or seasoned veterans. “There is something for all of us to learn from, if not now, then shortly in the future. It doesn’t matter if you’re a new board member, finishing your second year, or a board member for many terms — you can never learn enough.”

Throughout the conference, board members participated in discussions addressing issues currently affecting Merced County schools. With the expertise of the guest speakers, attendees explored new ways to set policies, define district goals, and implement improved procedures.

As the conference wrapped up, Rose expressed her hopes for the lasting impact of the event on board members. “As president of MCSBA, I hope board members leave feeling that something resonated with them. Whether it’s a question of how we can better serve our students or how we can improve ourselves as board members, I hope everyone walks away with a renewed sense of purpose,” she said. “Our goal is to always work toward being the best we can for our district, our students, and our staff.”

With the MCSBA continuing its mission to support school boards across the county, the annual conference remains a critical forum for collaboration and growth, equipping board members with the tools they need to tackle the challenges ahead.