Join California School Boards Association (CSBA) and WestEd for a webinar designed to help board members strengthen strategic budgeting skills, apply academic return on investment (A-ROI), and navigate funding volatility to ensure resources drive student success.
Date: Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Time: 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. PT
In a time marked by declining enrollment, shifts in federal policy, and rising costs, the board’s role as a steward of local education finance is more critical than ever. This webinar will offer insights on how to navigate funding uncertainty and prioritize investments with the greatest long-term benefits for students. Learn practical approaches to determining A-ROI and explore potential questions to ask district staff to ensure thoughtful, strategic budgeting decisions.
This webinar is specifically designed for board members interested in enhancing their strategic budgeting skills and scenario planning to better prepare for funding volatility. Hear from Fresno Unified’s board president about the board’s role and the district’s explicit focus on student outcomes–focused governance. Join CSBA and WestEd to gain valuable insights on navigating these uncertain times and building resilient financial strategies that support local education agency goals.
Webinar Moderators
- Mary Gardner Briggs, Senior Director, Research and Education Policy Development, CSBA
Featured Speakers
- Kelsey Krausen, Director, Education Finance and Systems Planning, WestEd
- Patrick McClellan, Research Associate, Education Finance and Systems Planning, WestEd
- Valerie Davis, Board President, Fresno Unified School District