PODCAST · education
ACSA Legislative Lunch Break
by Association of California School Administrators
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.
Episodes
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California’s New 70-Day Substitute Rule
The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break is back as Naj and Edgar break down California’s new 70-day substitute rule and what it means for school districts. Our Governmental Relations team joins the show to explain who qualifies, how the new option works and what districts need to know about the…
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The $3.9 Billion Prop 98 Lawsuits
The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break returns as we break down the lawsuits against the state over the $3.9 billion shortfall in Proposition 98 funding for California schools. Leaders from CTA and CSBA join the show to explain what their challenges could mean for district budgets. We also look at the...
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AI Threats and School Safety
The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break returns as we examine how AI-generated threats, online impersonation and social media are creating new challenges for school safety. Wheatland Union High School District Superintendent Nicole Newman joins the show to share how her district responded to four...
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Rethinking Cell Phones in Schools
The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break is back as Naj and Edgar examine what we're learning about limiting student cell phone use in schools. Researcher and University of Pennsylvania professor Angela Duckworth joins the show to share findings from a national study on cell phones in schools, including...
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How School Districts Can Prepare for Paid Pregnancy Leave
The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break is back from a summer hiatus as Naj and Edgar examine California’s new paid pregnancy leave law and what districts need to know before it takes effect Jan. 1. HR experts join the show to discuss employee eligibility, the impact on part-time and newly hired...
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What's In California's Final State Budget?
The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break is back as Naj and Michael break down California's newly signed state budget and what it means for school leaders. From historic investments in special education and a $5 billion discretionary block grant to the ongoing Proposition 98 funding debate, we examine…
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A Deep Dive into the May Revise
The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break is back as Naj and Edgar take a deeper look at Gov. Gavin Newsom’s May Revise. John Gray from School Services of California joins the show to unpack the proposed super COLA, historic special education funding, and the remaining Proposition 98 holdback. We also…
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Breaking Down Gov. Newsom’s May Revise
The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break is back for a special edition as Michael and Edgar take a first look at Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revise. We examine what the updated budget proposal means for Proposition 98, school funding, and the issues district leaders are watching most closely. Our...
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What to Watch Ahead of May Revise
The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break is back as Naj and Michael break down where California’s education budget stands right now. With the Legislature weighing in on key proposals and the May Revision approaching, major questions remain around funding, COLA, and long-term stability for districts.…
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Federal Pullback on Education Funding
The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break returns as Naj and Edgar examine the federal government’s pullback on education funding and what it signals for public schools. From proposed budget cuts to shifting programs across agencies, we look at how federal priorities are changing and what that means for...
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Supreme Court Ruling on Transgender Parental Notifications
The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break is back with a jam-packed episode breaking down the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling allowing parental notification policies involving transgender students in California schools to take effect. F3 Law partner David Mishook joins the show (11:05) to examine what the...
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The Growing Role of Special Education in District Budgets
The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break is back after a brief hiatus as we explore how special education has become a central issue in collective bargaining and district planning across California. Rising caseloads, staffing shortages, and funding pressures are reshaping labor agreements and long-term...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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Newsom Signs ICE Bills & Learning Loss Solutions
The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break returns with coverage of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s newly signed immigration bills that restrict enforcement activities on school campuses. We break down what these measures mean for educators, students, and families across California. In addition, we look at how…
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The Education Bills Heading to Newsom’s Desk
The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break is back after a brief hiatus as we break down the biggest education bills to come out of the final days of California’s legislative session. Our governmental relations team joins us to unpack new protections for immigrant students, heightened charter school...
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TK Staffing & Implementation
The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break returns after a brief hiatus as Naj and Edgar unpack the challenges of implementing and staffing Transitional Kindergarten across California. Two experts in the field will join the discussion to share real-world insights on recruitment, hiring, and program structure.
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Religious Opt-Outs and Legal Landmines for Schools
The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break returns as Naj and Edgar unpack the Supreme Court's ruling on religious exemptions and its impact on curriculum, inclusion, and district policy. Two legal experts join the conversation to help school leaders understand what qualifies for an opt-out and how to...
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Final Push in the State Capitol
The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break is back as Naj and Edgar break down the final push in the State Capitol with our legislative advocates. From high-stakes charter school bills to critical HR legislation and a looming $400 million funding risk, there’s a lot on the line as the legislative session...
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Trump Freezes $800M in California School Funds
The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break returns at 1 p.m. as Naj breaks down the Trump administration’s decision to freeze $800 million in federal funding for California schools. The money supports teacher training, after-school programs, migrant education and more. We explore the legal implications of...
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5-Year Anniversary Special & Budget Agreement
This isn’t just another episode. It’s the 5-Year Anniversary Special of the ACSA Legislative Lunch Break! We celebrate the moments that made the show what it is: impactful conversations, unforgettable guests, breaking news, and the real stories behind California public education. We look back on...
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ICE Protests in LA, School Safety & State Budget Moves
The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break is back with a new episode as protests continue in Los Angeles following immigration raids and the controversial deployment of federal troops by the Trump administration. With new legislation aiming to limit ICE activity on school campuses, we’ll break down how…
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Federal Funding Fights and Policy Shifts
This week on the ACSA Legislative Lunch Break, we take you to the Nation’s Capital for a critical federal update with two DC insiders. We break down a fast-moving reconciliation package that includes private school tax credits and deep cuts to programs like SNAP and Medicaid. Plus, we look at a...
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May Budget Revision Deep Dive
On this week's edition of the ACSA Legislative Lunch Break, Naj and Edgar take a deeper dive into Governor Gavin Newsom's revised budget proposal. They're also joined by Michelle Underwood from School Services of California to discuss the Governor's priorities for education and what it means to...
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May Budget Revision Analysis
It's a special edition of the ACSA Legislative Lunch Break as Naj and Edgar are looking at Governor Gavin Newsom's May Budget Revision for the 2025-2026 year. They're joined by Iván Carrillo and Kordell Hampton from the ACSA Governmental Relations team to discuss how California's $12 billion…
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May Budget Revision Preview
On this week's ACSA Legislative Lunch Break, we look ahead to Governor Gavin Newsom's May Budget Revision. Our good friend John Gray from School Services of California will join us to preview the Governor's education spending plan and discuss how federal threats and revenue instability are…
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Defending DEI in California Schools
On this week's ACSA Legislative Lunch Break, Lake County Superintendent of Schools Brock Falkenberg joins us to discuss his response to a recent federal memo on civil rights compliance and DEI programs. He'll discuss why he believes equity efforts must continue and how his district is navigating...
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John B. King Jr. on the Future of Public Education in the Wake of Trump’s Executive Order
In the wake of President Trump’s expected executive order to shut down the U.S. Department of Education, former Secretary of Education Dr. John B. King Jr. joined Naj and Edgar on the ACSA Legislative Lunch Break for a timely conversation. He reacts to the department’s mass layoffs, the growing...
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Former Education Secretary Arne Duncan on the Future of Public Education: What’s at Stake?
Former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan joins the ACSA Legislative Lunch Break for a critical conversation on the biggest challenges facing public schools today. From the dismantling of the Department of Education to federal funding cuts and the attack on DEI programs, what’s at stake for...
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Trump Administration Threatens K-12 Funding Over DEI
The latest order from the Trump Administration in Washington D.C. calls for federal funding to be stripped from K-12 schools and universities with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs. Naj and Edgar discuss what it means for California public school districts and DEI advocates with Noelle...
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Attacks on LGBTQ+ Communities
On a critical edition of the ACSA Legislative Lunch Break, we tackle the ongoing attacks on LGBTQ+ communities and student rights in the wake of President Trump’s executive orders. We'll discuss the impact these policy changes could have on students and the fight for representation with Joe Wood,...
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Defunding The U.S. Department of Education
On a jam-packed edition of the ACSA Legislative Lunch Break, we unpack President Trump’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education and its impact on our most vulnerable students, especially those in Title I schools. Former Assistant Secretary of Education Roberto Rodriguez will join us along...
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Immigration Executive Orders
The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break returns this week with an important discussion on President Trump’s recent policy change allowing federal immigration authorities to conduct enforcement actions in sensitive areas like schools and churches. This marks a significant departure from long-standing...
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2025 State Budget Release
On this special edition of the ACSA Legislative Lunch Break, Naj and Edgar are joined by the entire governmental relations team to break down Governor Gavin Newsom's 2025-2026 budget proposal. They look at the allocation of Prop 98 dollars and how this budget would impact public education in the...
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2025 State and Federal Budget Outlook
On the last ACSA Legislative Lunch Break of 2024, Naj and Edgar discuss California and federal budget projections for 2025 with friend of the show, Patti Herrera from School Services of California. They look at what we can expect in January's state budget release and what impact the incoming…
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Rights of Undocumented Students
Welcome back to Legislative Lunch Break! The incoming presidential administration has threatened to deport undocumented families, and the California Legislature is holding a special session to discuss that and other topics. Today, Namita Brown from F3 Law joins us to discuss the rights of...
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2024 Election Analysis
Welcome to a special 1-hour edition of the ACSA Legislative Lunch Break! This week, we're breaking down the results of the 2024 Election on both the federal and state level. We bring you the latest on Prop 2, the $10 billion school facilities bond. And we look at how the future Trump presidency...
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Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative
This week on the ACSA Legislative Lunch Break, Naj and Edgar are discussing the new Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative to support student wellness on school campuses. We look at the successes and challenges of its pilot program, the future plans for the program and resources to help...
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Legislative Session Recap
On this week's episode of the ACSA Legislative Lunch Break, Executive Director Edgar Zazueta is FINALLY back in the co-host seat! And there's a lot to discuss. The 2-year California legislative session is officially over. Iván Carrillo and Dorothy Johnson from our governmental relations team join...
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Dr. Darshana Patel on California State Assembly Aspirations
On this week's episode of the ACSA Legislative Lunch Break, Naj and Iván are joined by Darshana Patel, a scientist and school board member who’s running for State Assembly in Southern California. We’ll discuss Dr. Patel’s background, her legislative priorities and the importance of public…
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Proposition 2 & School Facilities
We are just a few weeks away from the the November election. One of the biggest educational topics right now centers around Proposition 2, the statewide bond measure for school facilities funding. Jeff Gozzo from Gozzo Strategy & Campaigns joins the show to discuss the importance of this bond and...
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Declining Enrollment Strategies
Declining enrollment has had a big impact on California schools in the last several years — and the numbers won't reverse anytime soon. On this week's Legislative Lunch Break, we'll talk with Davis Joint USD superintendent Matt Best and San Lorenzo USD superintendent Daryl Camp about the issues...
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Legislative Session Update
This week on the ACSA Legislative Lunch Break, our ACSA advocates, Dorothy Johnson and Serette Kaminski have the latest on the legislative session now that lawmakers have returned from their summer break. They'll discuss what we can expect at the Capitol before session ends later this month and...
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Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi Returns
The ACSA Legislative Lunch Break is back after a brief hiatus! This week, Naj Alikhan & Iván Carrillo are chatting with California State Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi about his dedication to public education and the key issues in the final weeks of the legislative session. Plus, we'll ask him for...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Association of California School Administrators
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does ACSA Legislative Lunch Break have?
ACSA Legislative Lunch Break currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is ACSA Legislative Lunch Break 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...
How often does ACSA Legislative Lunch Break release new episodes?
ACSA Legislative Lunch Break has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to ACSA Legislative Lunch Break?
You can listen to ACSA Legislative Lunch Break on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts ACSA Legislative Lunch Break?
ACSA Legislative Lunch Break is created and hosted by Association of California School Administrators.
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