The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) will host its second annual Connected Leadership Conference on Tuesday, Oct. 20, bringing together business services and human resources professionals from school districts across Orange County.
The free, one-day event aims to equip these professionals with practical strategies and foster collaboration as they address complex challenges in education. School district staff currently navigate issues ranging from evolving technology and financial pressures to workforce demands and broad organizational changes, all while maintaining the operational systems that support local students and schools.
The conference will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the OCDE Conference Center, located at 200 Kalmus Drive in Costa Mesa. It is designed for professionals at all career stages, from entry-level staff to chief business officers, within districts of various sizes, as well as county partners.
Under this year's theme, “Connected Leadership: Navigating Transition Together,” the program begins with welcoming remarks from Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean. Keynote presentations will follow, featuring John Gray, chief executive officer of School Services of California, and Megan Reilly, chief administrative officer of the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team.
Breakout sessions during the day will address a range of critical topics for school district operations. These include long-term financial liabilities, compliance with CalPERS compensation requirements, and broader discussions on leadership and organizational transitions. Other sessions will cover the day-to-day systems essential for district operations, along with themes of adaptability, human resources management, and financial planning.
The conference, jointly hosted by OCDE’s Business Services and Human Resources divisions, also emphasizes networking. Attendees will have multiple opportunities to connect with colleagues throughout Orange County, allowing them to exchange ideas and discuss shared challenges and approaches.
Chris Beltz, director of Fiscal Services for the Ocean View School District, who attended last year's conference, found the experience provided directly applicable information. Beltz stated, “The 2025 Connected Leadership Conference was a valuable opportunity to connect and collaborate with colleagues from districts throughout Orange County. I enjoyed hearing from the keynote speakers and appreciated the practical insights shared throughout the conference.” Similarly, Lee Monroe, a benefit technician with the Anaheim Union High School District, highlighted the professional connections made. Monroe noted, “Attending the OCDE HR/Business Services Conference has been a valuable experience, both professionally and personally, providing opportunities to connect across departments, share knowledge and build meaningful relationships.”
Registration is required to attend this free event. The initial registration period, which allowed for up to six attendees per district, concluded on Sept. 11. Final registration will close on Sept. 28. A light breakfast and catered lunch will be provided to all participants.
The conference aims to equip school district professionals with the knowledge and connections necessary to continue supporting Orange County's educational institutions effectively.
