Empowering California’s School Leaders for Tomorrow’s Challenges
Leadership Academy is
California’s most forwardthinking leadership academy—where district leaders align vision, compliance, and culture to drive student success.
California’s education leaders come together to drive meaningful change. Join forward-thinking Superintendents, CBOs, and Cabinet Members in candid conversations about today’s most urgent challenges—from funding alignment and leadership transitions to policy shifts and long-term planning. Collaborate with peers, gain practical strategies from veteran experts, and leave with tools you can immediately apply in your district.
Academy Details
September 18-20th, 2025
Marriott VEA
Newport Beach, California
Additional Leadership 2.0 Academy In-Person Dates: Sept 18-20, 2025 Oct 24-25, 2025 Nov 14-15, 2025 Dec 12-13, 2025 Jan 9-10, 2026 Feb 6-7, 2026
Graduation & Certificate Ceremony
Program and Curriculum
Our programs are curated by experts to equipt you with the skills needed for academic leadership.
Boot Camp
2.5 Days in-Person (Newport Beach, CA)
Focus: Leadership fundamentals, strategy, vision
Day 1: Leadership Mindset and Strategy introduction to leadership in School Management defining leadership vs. management establishing vision and strategic planning for school districts
Day 2: Adaptive Leadership & DevisionMaking navigating uncertainty and complex problem solving leadership styles and their application in facility management engaging stakeholders and building consensus
Day 3: Team Building and Emotional Intelligence developing high-performance teams emotional intelligence in leadership group exercises focusing on leadership stimulations
Program Sessions
4 Sessions (Newport Beach, CA)
Session 1: Leadership in Operations and Maintenance operational efficiency - leadership’s role in facility management communicating vision and goals
Session 2: Financial Leadership in Education Facilities budgeting, funding, and financial acumen making strategic financial decisions amid budgeting contraints
Session 3: Partnering with State and Local Agencies leadership in collaborative work - working with local and state agencies creating effective partnershipsnavigating bureaucracy
Session 4: Crisis and Resilience leadership case studies in school security and safety building resilience in teams and systems
Virtual Session
A Series of Virtual Networking
Focus: Advanced leadership techniques
• leadership communication - how to influence and persuade
• conflict resolution and negotiation strategies for leaders
• ethical leadership in school districts
• leadership panel - discussion with experienced school leaders
Capstone Session
2 Days in-Person
Day 1: Capstone Presentations participants present their capstone projects on leadership in school facility managment peer review and feedback
Day 2: Reflection and Graduation leadership sessions in retrospective - reflections from the cohort graduation ceremony
Virtual Capstone Preparation
1 Day Online
Focus: Capstone development
• guidance on Capstone projectsindividual and group assignments
• case studies or strategic plans that reflect on leadership in specific roles
• peer review and feedback
Guest Speakers
• industry experts, and leadership coaches share experiences and insight
“ ”
Transformational leadership isn’t about control—it’s about inspiring trust, building systems that serve all students, and relentlessly pursuing what’s possible.
– Dr. Sherine Smith
Dr. Sherine Smith
Dr. Sherine Smith is a seasoned educational leader with over 30 years of experience in California public schools. She served as Superintendent of Capistrano Unified School District—one of the largest in the state—where she championed equity, academic excellence, and innovative programs that prepared students for college and career. Her leadership has earned widespread respect for improving outcomes while maintaining strong fiscal stewardship and community trust.
About Dr. Sherine Smith
She is known for her collaborative leadership, building strong school-community partnerships and ensuring that every student has access to high-quality learning opportunities.
About Her Leadership
Dr. Smith’s approach is student-centered and results-driven, with a clear focus on transparency, equity, and sustainable progress.
“ Great leadership is never accidental— it’s intentional, courageous, and anchored in the belief that every student deserves a champion.
– Dr. Suzette Lovely
Dr. Suzette Lovely
”
Dr. Suzette Lovely is a respected author, leadership coach, and former California school superintendent with a distinguished career in public education. With more than three decades of service—as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent—she has been recognized for her strategic vision, ability to lead complex systems, and unwavering commitment to student-centered leadership. Her work has shaped policy, inspired school leaders statewide, and advanced equity and innovation across districts.
About Dr. Suzette Lovely
She is widely known for mentoring emerging leaders, building capacity at all levels of education, and helping school districts navigate change with clarity and confidence.
About Her Leadership
Dr. Lovely blends wisdom, practicality, and inspiration—guiding leaders to create inclusive school cultures and high-performing systems that put students first.
Yuri Calderon
“ ” When we strengthen small schools, we strengthen entire communities. Advocacy, equity, and fearless leadership are not optional— they’re essential.
– Yuri Calderon
Yuri Calderon is a seasoned legal expert and education leader serving as General Counsel and Executive Director of the Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA) in California. With a unique background combining law, governance, and public education policy, Calderon has spent over two decades advocating for equity, resources, and recognition for California’s smallest and often most overlooked school districts. His leadership has positioned SSDA as a powerful voice in state-level decision-making and legislative advocacy.
About Yuri Calderon
He is known for championing the needs of rural and under-resourced districts, empowering superintendents, and navigating the complex intersection of law and education with precision and heart.
About His Leadership
Calderon’s leadership is bold, solutions-oriented, and deeply rooted in his belief that every student—regardless of ZIP code—deserves access to opportunity and support.
“
Joe Dixon
– Joe Dixon
” Great facilities don’t just house education—they inspire it. Every square foot should reflect the promise we make to students and the future we’re building together.
Joe Dixon is a veteran education facilities expert and public school leader with over 40 years of experience transforming learning environments across California. As the former Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Governmental Relations for Santa Ana Unified School District, he oversaw one of the state’s largest and most complex capital improvement programs, securing over $500 million in funding. His work has modernized hundreds of campuses, influenced state facility policy, and built lasting coalitions that prioritize students’ physical learning conditions.
About Joe Dixon
He is widely respected for his deep knowledge of school facility planning, bond program management, and his ability to bridge the gap between school operations, educational outcomes, and public accountability.
About His Leadership
Joe’s leadership is strategic, community-driven, and grounded in the belief that safe, modern, and equitable school facilities are a civil right—not a luxury.
“
Dr. Kristen Coates
– Dr. Kristen Coates
” Leadership is about lighting the path forward—one decision, one relationship, one student at a time.
Dr. Kristen Coates is a dynamic education leader and systems thinker with over 25 years of experience in California public schools. Having served as a teacher, principal, district administrator, and superintendent, Dr. Coates is known for driving academic innovation, fostering inclusive learning environments, and aligning strategic goals with student achievement. Her career reflects a deep commitment to equity, community partnerships, and visionary leadership in both large and small districts.
About Dr. Kristen Coates
She is celebrated for building strong teams, leading with emotional intelligence, and guiding districts through transformational change that prioritizes both people and performance.
About Her Leadership
Dr. Coates brings passion, precision, and a collaborative spirit to every role—ensuring that students thrive in systems built on purpose, accountability, and care.
Program Costs & Registration
The total cost to attend the Leadership 2.0 Academy is $1,500 per participant.
This fee includes:
• All program sessions and materials
• Access to keynote speakers and expert facilitators
• Networking events and evening receptions
• Daily breakfast and lunch during in-person sessions
Travel and Lodging:
Attendees are responsible for their own travel and accommodations. A special exclusive reduced room rate has been secured for Leadership 2.0 participants and will be shared upon registration.
Accepted Payment Methods:
• Online Payment (Credit/Debit)
• District Purchase Orders (POs)
• Cal Card
Upon registration, participants will receive a confirmation email with further instructions on submitting payment and booking accommodations at the reduced rate.
Leadership 2.0 Academy In-Person Dates:
Sept 18-20, 2025
Nov 14-15, 2025
Jan 9-10, 2026
Oct 24-25, 2025
Dec 12-13, 2025
Feb 6-7, 2026
F.A.Q
How can I register for the conference?
You can register directly through our website by contacting us. Early bird discounts are available for a limited time!
Are there virtual attendance options?
In-person attendance is required for the kickoff and bootcamp sessions (6 total). Virtual classes and office hours with your mentor will be available during the duration of the program.
Will there be networking opportunities?
Absolutely! We’ve scheduled multiple networking sessions, including breaks, luncheons, and evening mixers to ensure plenty of time for connecting with fellow attendees.
Can I cancel or transfer my ticket?
Learn about the benefits of joining our Leadership Academy and topics like enrollment, course content, and payments. 01. 02. 03. 04.
Cancellations are accepted up to 60 days before the event, with a full refund. You can also transfer your ticket to another attendee by contacting our support team.
