CALSA Summer Institute 2025

How do we cultivate school cultures that grow stronger long after we’re gone? As leaders, we are the semillas of lasting change. In this session, I’ll share lessons from my 20+ years as a principal leading transformational work across four schools. Together, we’ll explore how to move from compliance-based mandates to sustainable systems that are deeply rooted in shared vision, equity, and collective ownership.
Drawing on lived experience, I’ll walk through how I’ve institutionalized practices like Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to become part of a school’s DNA—systems that thrive not because of a single leader, but because the community has embraced and cultivated them together.
You’ll leave with practical tools and reflection prompts to assess the sustainability of your own initiatives, strengthen site-based practices, and grow leadership at all levels. From restorative practices to data-driven decision-making, I’ll highlight real examples of how we empowered staff and supported students in meaningful, lasting ways.
As the 2025 Marcus Foster Administrator of Excellence and current President of the CALSA Orange County Chapter, I believe leadership is not about leaving a mark—it’s about planting seeds for others to water. Join me as we reflect, strategize, and grow juntos toward a future that honors our communities and sustains our impact.

In this powerful session, women leaders will share how resilient Latina leadership is transforming educational systems across communities. Through personal stories and professional insights, presenters will highlight the cultural strengths, perseverance, and vision that Latina leaders bring to the table. Join us to explore how their impact is fostering equity, inspiring change, and paving the way for future generations.

Thriving communities are deeply rooted in strong, collaborative partnerships among cities, community organizations, and school districts. San Mateo Foster City School District and Riverbank Unified School District exemplify this synergy through their shared commitment to student success and community well-being.

San Mateo Foster City, a large and diverse district, and Riverbank Unified, a smaller rural district, are both leading innovative efforts to cultivate student engagement, increase attendance, and reduce suspension rates by fostering student-centered school cultures. Each district will share how they work intentionally to ensure that students and families are supported both inside and outside the classroom. Both districts are community school districts.

Through their partnerships with city governments and community organizations, both districts enhance educational opportunities, promote civic engagement, and support youth development by leveraging shared programs, resources, and facilities. Whether through coordinating after-school programs, promoting community health and safety initiatives, or creating spaces for learning and recreation, the collaboration between the city, community partners, and school districts remains a cornerstone of their success.

Together, they are building nurturing environments that honor and celebrate cultural heritage, where students feel valued, families are engaged, and community ties are strengthened. By aligning their goals and investing in future generations, San Mateo Foster City and Riverbank Unified are cultivating vibrant communities that prioritize inclusivity, education, well-being, and opportunity for all—truly embodying the spirit of Somos Semillas: Cultivating the Future Together.

The presentation "A.I. and H.R.: Revolutionizing the Future of Work" explores the transformative potential of combining artificial intelligence (A.I.) and human resources (H.R.) to drive sustainable change and lasting impact in organizations. By integrating A.I. technologies with H.R. expertise, businesses can unlock new levels of efficiency, innovation, and employee engagement.

Superintendents Dr. Crosthwaite and Dr. Villegas will guide participants through a leadership model that integrates AI tools to boost student engagement, support decision-making, and broaden access to both academic and social-emotional resources. Drawing on their experiences in Lynwood and El Rancho Unified, they will share actionable strategies for developing student-focused, culturally aware systems using AI to enhance early intervention, family partnership, and leadership development.
Participants will engage in real-time planning scenarios and explore emerging uses of AI that can improve resource distribution, promote inclusive practices, and strengthen community partnerships.