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EDUCATION PROGRAMS

CSDA offers a full range of training programs and education seminars especially designed for special district personnel from secretary to board member. Subjects include board policy, community relations, finance, management, legal issues, and other important topics. The association is committed to keeping the cost for these high quality seminars low in order to ensure attendance by all districts - big and small.

Progressive Educational Opportunities

• Workshops & Seminars: CSDA provides high-quality educational opportunities at a reasonable price. The programs vary from extensive board member training to legal issues to development of policy and personnel manuals. The seminars are scattered throughout the state, and throughout the year, to increase accessibility for all districts, large and small.
• CSDA's Special District Leadership Academy: CSDA, through the assistance of special district board members/ trustees and administrative management, has developed a four course Academy specifically for the Governance Team of special districts. The Academy consists of four modules: Governance Foundation; Setting Direction/Community Leadership; Board's Role in Finance and Fiscal Accountability; and Board's Role in Human Resources.
• Annual Conference: The CSDA Annual Conference is an opportunity for special district employees, managers and board members to receive the latest information about special districts and the issues facing them, as well as attend workshops on the latest management techniques. The conference is also an outstanding place to meet and network with your peers from other special districts throughout the state and visit with exhibitors.
• Special Districts Legislative Day: This event in Sacramento is co-sponsored by a number of associations, which focuses on pending legislation and public policy decisions impacting special districts. CSDA brings together the "movers and shakers" in Sacramento for presentations to the attendees. Participants are encouraged to schedule visits with their legislators and attend a hosted reception for decision-makers and their staff. This is an ideal opportunity for special district representatives to continue to build relationships with their legislators which are vital to special districts being heard in the halls of the Capitol.
• SDLF: The Special District Leadership Foundation is a collaborative effort of eight special district organizations dedicated to excellence in local government. SDLF has been in existence since 1999 and currently has three programs: (1) the Special District Administrator certification program for general managers; (2) the Recognition in Special District Governance program for boards/trustees; and (3) the District of Distinction program is for districts.
• Networking Opportunities: Our conferences, seminars and Special Districts Legislative Days provide unequaled opportunities to network with others in your chosen profession and discuss common problems, solutions and experiences.