ACSA Legislative Lunch Break

Association of California School Administrators
  • 5.0 (2)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break looks at important topics in California public education. Every week, Naj Alikhan and Edgar Zazueta discuss the up-to-the-minute information from the California State Capitol and the California Department of Education. They'll also bring on special guests to help analyze subjects impacting educators around the state.

  1. JAN 21

    The $5.6 Billion Prop. 98 Fight

    The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break is back after a week off as Naj and Edgar examine Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to withhold $5.6 billion in funding guaranteed under Proposition 98 in the 2026–27 state budget. Education advocates warn the move could have immediate consequences for district budgets, staffing decisions, and student supports if left unaddressed. Friend of the show, Megan Baier from School Services of California, joins us to explain what this means for school leaders as budget planning accelerates.

    34 min

  2. JAN 16

    Inside the 2026–27 California Budget Proposal

    The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break returns with a special edition as Naj and Edgar break down Governor Newsom’s proposed 2026–27 state budget. The proposal signals record per-pupil funding and major investments in TK, school meals, and expanded learning. Our governmental relations team joins us to examine what the proposal could mean for Proposition 98 and district planning in the year ahead.

    39 min

  3. 12/17/2025

    California’s 2026 State Budget Outlook

    The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break returns for the final show of the year as Naj and Edgar take a close look at California’s 2026 state budget outlook. With Governor Newsom expected to release his budget proposal in January amid an $18 billion deficit projection from the Legislative Analyst’s Office, we’ll examine what this could mean for Proposition 98 funding and district planning. Our good friend Patti Herrera from School Services of California joins the show to share what educators need to know heading into the new year.

    35 min

  4. 12/10/2025

    How 2025 Changed California Schools

    The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break returns as Naj and Edgar look back at the education stories and policy shifts that defined 2025. From ICE raids on school campuses to sweeping efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, we discuss the issues that shaped classrooms, funding, staffing, and student needs throughout the year. We also chat with our friends from EdSource and Chalkbeat about the stories that stood out most and how they set the stage for 2026.

    31 min

  5. 10/29/2025

    Redrawing California & The Maps Behind Prop 50

    The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break is back as Naj and Edgar dive into the maps behind Proposition 50 ahead of California’s November 4 special election. Paul Mitchell, the chief strategist behind California’s proposed congressional districts, joins the show to explain how the maps were drawn and the factors that shaped them. We explore what this special election could mean for representation, schools, and students across the state.

    36 min

  6. 10/22/2025

    How Schools Are Responding to California’s New ICE Law

    The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break is back as Naj and Edgar break down SB 98, California’s new law limiting immigration enforcement on school campuses. We discuss how schools confirm and communicate the presence of immigration officers, train staff, and protect student information. We also explore the challenges and hopes behind building safe, informed school communities under this legislation.

    27 min

  7. 10/16/2025

    Special Education Cuts & the Federal Shutdown

    The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break is back after a week off as Naj Alikhan and Michael Kelly discuss the sweeping federal layoffs that gutted the Department of Education’s special education office, impacting services for 7.5 million students with disabilities. With the government shutdown stretching on, we explore what this means for school funding, compliance, and the future of federal oversight. We also examine who’s left to ensure compliance and protect students’ rights as federal oversight disappears.

    26 min

  8. 10/02/2025

    What California’s New Immigration Laws Mean for Schools

    The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break is back as Naj and Edgar take a closer look at California’s new immigration laws and what they mean for schools. Friend of the show Namita Brown from F3 Law joins the conversation to explain Safe Havens and ICE notification requirements, as well as the federal response.

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
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About

The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break looks at important topics in California public education. Every week, Naj Alikhan and Edgar Zazueta discuss the up-to-the-minute information from the California State Capitol and the California Department of Education. They'll also bring on special guests to help analyze subjects impacting educators around the state.

Information

  • Creator
    Association of California School Administrators
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Association of California School Administrators
  • Show Website
    ACSA Legislative Lunch Break