Reflecting on a Powerful CAPSES Conference!

We are grateful to everyone who joined us for an engaging and informative CAPSES Conference! With nearly 70 attendees from across the state, the day was filled with meaningful discussions, expert presentations, and valuable networking opportunities. 

As always, CAPSES was fortunate to showcase the regulatory, fiscal, and legal landscape from three key perspectives. The California Department of Education provided critical updates on NPS/A trends, while NAPSEC delivered a comprehensive federal outlook on policies affecting special education. Our lobbying partner, Capitol Advisors, offered an in-depth analysis of what to expect in this legislative cycle, ensuring our members are well-equipped to navigate the evolving policy landscape. 

A thought-provoking panel by Hub International and the Kennedy Krieger Institute on balancing safety with staffing challenges sparked valuable discussion, enriched by member insights and perspectives from provided best practices to enhance staff and student safety and injury prevention strategies. 

Additionally, CAPSO offered critical insights into upcoming legislation impacting private and special education, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and shared advocacy in achieving our collective goals. 

CAPSES board members Teresa Malekzadeh, Richard Schnetzer, and Ryan Eisenberg led an empowering session on effective legislative advocacy, ensuring that members are prepared to engage with policymakers—not just on Legislative Action Day, but year-round in their local districts. 

Thank you to our incredible speakers, sponsors, and partners for making this event a success. We look forward to continuing these vital conversations and working together to strengthen the future of special education in California! 

A special thank you to our incredible speakers and partners, as well as our sponsors University of the Pacific and Paychex. 

Looking forward to continuing these conversations and collaborations—see you at the next CAPSES event! 

Legislative Day of Action at the State Capitol

On Tuesday March 25th, over 25 CAPSES members gathered for an impactful Day of Legislative Action, engaging with lawmakers across California to advocate for the needs of special education students, families, and educators. 

We extend our sincere gratitude to the legislators and their teams who took the time to meet with us, listen to our concerns, and explore opportunities to strengthen the continuum of care for special education public school students. These conversations are essential in shaping policies that truly reflect the needs of our communities. 

We look forward to continuing these vital discussions and working together to create lasting, positive change in special education. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to this important work! 

Special thanks to the offices of: 

Asm. Leticia Castillo, Asm. Christopher Ward, Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, Asm. Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Senator Roger Niello, Asm. Stephanie Nguyen, Asm. Gregory Wallis, Senator Angelique Ashby, Senator Steven Choi, Asm. John Harabedian, Asm. Joe Patterson, Asm. Sharon Quirk-Silva, Asm. Tasha Boerner, Senator Catherine Blakespear, Asm. Isaac Bryan, Senator Dave Cortese, Asm. Gail Pellerin, Asm. Phillip Chen, and Senator Rosalicie Ochoa Bogh.