The California School Public Relations Association (CalSPRA) is excited to extend a very special opportunity for education leaders to attend our Sacramento Summit offering strategies on how to communicate the state budget to your community and what legislative changes we might see in 2009. This conference is geared toward helping school communication professionals bring understanding to the complex issues we face in California's education system but all education leaders will take away ideas for engaging our communities during challenging times.

In response to the many travel and conference freezes implemented recently by districts, CalSPRA is pleased to be able to offer this special rate of just $30 per day without lunch or $50 per day with lunch. In a late addition, Minority State Assembly Leader Mike Villines (R-Fresno) will be the special guest speaker at lunch on Thursday, Jan. 15. 

Thursday, Jan. 15

8:50 a.m. - Welcome
Trent Allen, CalSPRA President

9 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. - California Department of Education Panel

The CDE's Patricia Skelton, Fred Balcom, and Jenny Singh will offer overviews of the impact of the federal election on the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind, the effect on districts going into PI status, and the changes to the Distinguished Schools recognition program.

10:15 - 10:30 a.m. - Break

10:30 - noon - School Services of California Perspective on the Budget

Terry Anderson and Michele Huntoon from School Services of California will provide a review of the 2008-09 and 2009-10 state budget and tips on effectively communicating the complex topic of school finance.

Noon - 1 p.m. - Lunch

**NEW ADDITION TO THE SCHEDULE** State Assembly Minority Leader Mike Villnes (R - Fresno) will join us directly after the Governor's state of the state address to share his party's outlook on the budget and state education.

1:30 p.m. - Walk to Captiol

2 p.m. - Legislative Updates

Jim Wilson, staff member of the Senate Education Committee, will share his views on upcoming education legislation.

Wilson will be followed by Bob Becker of the Assembly Republican Education Caucus and Roger Mackenson with the Senate Republican Education Caucus who will share and update from the other side of the isle.

5:30 p.m. Reception

**NEW ADDITION TO THE SCHEDULE** Susanna Cooper, principal consultant on education to State Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg will speak on the state budget and its impact on education.

Friday, Jan. 16

8:45 - 9:45 a.m. - Education Coalition Panel

Learn how the Communications Committee for the Education Coalition works together to craft and disseminate messages, plus an exchange of ideas on involving CalSPRA members to better connect with local education agencies.  This session is presented in collaboration with the California School Boards Association.

9:45 - 10 a.m. - Break

10 - 11:30 a.m. - Legal Issues in Education

Get the latest look at legal issues facing California schools from freedom of speech, athletic eligibility, and more - Kronick, Moskovitch, Tiedmann and Geirard's Christian Keiner will offer a look at what school communicators might be faced with.

Noon - Closing Lunch

Speaker TBA