December 3-5, 2025
Sacramento | SAFE CREDIT UNION Convention center

Collective Bargaining — Coping with the Scope of Representation and the Duty to Bargain in Good Faith — Chief Negotiators Tell All

Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Time: 3:40 PM – 4:45 PM
Room: Ballroom B1

Two foundational pillars of negotiations are (1) the duty to bargain in good faith and (2) “lawful limits” on negotiability (the scope of representation). Yet, when a board and its chief negotiators push back to limit negotiability, their commitment to good faith is often questioned and challenged. As more and more technology, social and instructional issues make their way to the table— AI, cell phones, student behavior, parental rights, ethnic studies and safety, the tension between the great pillars intensifies. Panelists and attorneys Dannis, Pearl and Nakamura have negotiated hundreds of agreements. They will first lay out the applicable law, then identify the tension between the great pillars, and then offer practical strategies for board members and their bargaining teams to address cutting edge issues ever mindful of the best interests of students.

Presenters:
Marie Nakamura – Shareholder, Dannis Woliver Kelley
Jonathan Pearl – Attorney, Dannis Woliver Kelley
Gregory Dannis – Shareholder, Dannis Woliver Kelley

Reporting Gifts and Other Sources of Income: Form 700 Guidance and Reporting Under the Political Reform Act

Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:05 AM
Room Ballroom A9

Every elected official who makes governmental decisions, including school board and county office of education members, is required to submit Form 700, Statement of Economic Interests. The completion of a Form 700 will require public officials to disclose information to the public about their personal financial interests including the receipt of gifts. Learn from experienced legal practitioners what constitutes a reportable “gift.”

Presenters:
William Tunick – Shareholder, Dannis Woliver Kelley
Lynn Beekman – Partner, F3 Law
Katherine Meola – Partner, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo
Dana Scott – Associate General Counsel, CSBA

Inter-District Transfer Appeals

Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025

Time: 9 AM
Room

[SUMMARY]

Presenters
Pamela Townsend – Shareholder, Dannis Woliver Kelley
Matt P. Juhl-Darlington – Shareholder, Dannis Woliver Kelley

What To Know About Vacancies Before You Need To

 Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: 10:45 AM – 11:50 AM
Room: Ballroom B6-7

Filling a board vacancy can feel rushed, confusing, and high-stakes. With tight timelines and significant budget implications, districts must quickly decide whether to appoint or hold an election. This workshop will outline the legal requirements and feature first-hand insights from staff and a newly appointed trustee. Walk away with practical strategies and the confidence to navigate board vacancies effectively and transparently.

Presenters:
William Tunick – Shareholder, Dannis Woliver Kelley
Jessica Hull – Executive Director, Communication and Community, Roseville City SD
Cami Walker – Board Member, Roseville City SD
Reyes Gauna – Superintendent, Patterson Joint USD

Current Legal Issues Facing Governing Boards: Guidance for Board Members

Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: 3:45 PM – 4:50 PM
Room: Ballroom A2-4

What are the current legal issues affecting California schools and governing board members right now? Attorneys from CSBA’s gold law firms will participate in an informative and engaging panel discussion on the latest critical legal issues confronting school districts and county offices of education. They’ll provide the most up-to-date information about the dynamic and changing legal environment, including practical takeaways from recent case law, statutes, and other legal authority.

Presenters:
Kristin Lindgren-Bruzzone – General Counsel, CSBA
Sarine Abrahamian – Equity Partner, Orbach Huff & Henderson
Karen Rezendes – Managing Partner , Lozano Smith
Anthony De Marco – Partner, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo
Carlos Villegas – Partner, Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost LLP
Marley Fox – Partner, Orbach Huff & Henderson
Pamela Townsend – Shareholder, Dannis Woliver Kelley

Collective Bargaining — Coping with the Scope of Representation and the Duty to Bargain in Good Faith — Chief Negotiators Tell All (REPEAT)

Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Time: 8:45 AM – 9:50 AM
Room: Meeting Room 11

Two foundational pillars of negotiations are (1) the duty to bargain in good faith and (2) “lawful limits” on negotiability (the scope of representation). Yet, when a board and its chief negotiators push back to limit negotiability, their commitment to good faith is often questioned and challenged. As more and more technology, social and instructional issues make their way to the table— AI, cell phones, student behavior, parental rights, ethnic studies and safety, the tension between the great pillars intensifies. Panelists and attorneys Dannis, Pearl and Nakamura have negotiated hundreds of agreements. They will first lay out the applicable law, then identify the tension between the great pillars, and then offer practical strategies for board members and their bargaining teams to address cutting edge issues ever mindful of the best interests of students.

Presenters:
Marie Nakamura – Shareholder, Dannis Woliver Kelley
Jonathan Pearl – Attorney, Dannis Woliver Kelley
Gregory Dannis – Shareholder, Dannis Woliver Kelley