Description
Student Board Member Workshop │ Bundle Subscription │ Virtual
Student board members are integral to ensuring student voice is heard and included in decisions made by local governance teams that, ultimately, impact tomorrow’s leaders. But how can the youngest members of California’s district and county leaders come to the dais prepared to ask informed questions and make crucial decisions on behalf of their fellow students, families and communities?
CSBA is offering a virtual Student Board Member Training bundle program for students seeking to enhance their knowledge, skills and abilities as school board members. This program is designed to engage students and elevate their understanding of governance while serving as a school board member.
Topics include the nuances of governance, legal issues surrounding the Brown Act and meetings, California school board membership, finance, advocacy and engagement, and transition planning. Students will have opportunities to utilize new tools and templates designed to craft motions, present viewpoints and solicit community input.
Additionally, there are several virtual Student Board Member Governance Q&A and Networking events that will allow students to call in, ask questions regarding governance, advocacy and student voice, share their experiences with peers and speak with CSBA training faculty members.
Three days before the course, participants will receive the Know Before You Go e-blast Zoom link and materials to download for each course.
Schedule:
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Monday, September 21, 2026
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Boardroom 101 & Your Rights As A Student Board Member
Step into your leadership role with confidence and clarity. This introductory session covers standard boardroom procedures/rules of order, and the legal rights of California student board members. Students will learn how to navigate board meetings and understand when and how they can vote or voice opinions. This baseline training prepares students to participate responsibly, professionally, and respectfully from day one.
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5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
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Monday, October 19, 2026
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The Brown Act For Student Board Members
Demystify the state laws that ensure government transparency and public trust. This workshop breaks down the California Brown Act into simple, practical guidelines regarding open meetings, agenda requirements, and public comments. Students will learn how to avoid illegal "serial meetings" on social media and group texts. This is an essential training that will teach student leaders how to protect themselves and the district.
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5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
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Monday, November 16, 2026
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The LCAP & District Budgets
Take the mystery out of school finance and strategic goals. This session explains the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and how district budgets align with student needs. Students will learn how money is assigned to support different school programs and how to understand basic school district financials. Student board members will learn to connect financial choices directly to student achievement goals.
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5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
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Monday, January 25, 2027
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Data-Driven Advocacy & Student Surveys
Move beyond personal opinions and learn to speak for all students using evidence. This workshop teaches student board members the importance of simple surveys, how to gather feedback, and analyze data to find trends. Students will learn how to present objective data to support their recommendations at the board table. Students will learn how to advocate logically and effectively using facts, numbers, and broad student input.
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5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
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Monday, February 8, 2027
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LCFF & Networking
Understand how school funding works while building professional relationships. This course explains the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and how California distributes money based on specific student demographics. Alongside this financial training, students will practice networking skills to collaborate with peers from other districts. This is a dual-purpose session that builds state-level financial literacy and professional networking skills.
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5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
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Monday, March 15, 2027
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Championing Student-Led Policy Change
Learn how a good idea transforms into official district policy. This workshop guides students through the life cycle of a board policy, from identifying a problem to drafting and passing a formal solution. Students will discover how to work within the California Education Code to create lasting, legal improvements. Students will learn the structured, democratic process required to build realistic and lawful policy changes.
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5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
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Monday, April 12, 2027
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Legacy & Transition Planning
Ensure your hard work continues long after your term ends. This session focuses on long-term leadership, setting goals, and creating comprehensive transition materials for the next student board member. Students will learn how to archive their projects and mentor their successors. Student Board Members will develop the skills needed to protect organizational knowledge and ensures smooth, uninterrupted leadership transitions.
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5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
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Monday, May 10, 2027
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Networking and Best Practices
Reflect on your experiences, share successful strategies, and expand your professional community. In this collaborative session, student board members from different districts share real-world solutions to common boardroom challenges that they have learned. Students will build a statewide network of peers for ongoing, mutual support. This collaborative environment promotes professional growth, problem-solving, and the sharing of proven leadership methods that students can carry into the future.
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5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
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Bundled Subscription Registration: $400.00
Registration closes on May 7, 2027
CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION:
The following cancellation policies only apply to MIG, MIG COE, and Student Board Member Workshop virtual or in-person Discounted Subscription Courses.
Some restrictions may apply.
- No refunds are available for this discount.
- No refunds should a member choose to cancel a session or series.
- There are no refunds for no-shows.
- The discount is non-transferable between board members and must be used within the 2026-2027 training cycle.
CSBA reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any event if the required attendance minimums are unmet. Attendance minimums for in-person training are set to be fiscally responsible in the use of public funds for training. The attendance minimum for in-person training events is a registration minimum of 25 participants. For virtual training events, the registration minimum is 20 participants.
If you have any questions, please contact the Training team at training@csba.org.