Parents
Not Partisans
Summit 2026
Welcome to the Fifth Annual Parents, Not Partisans Summit!
MARCH 24-25, 2026
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
We’re convening California’s most dedicated parent group leaders, education reform advocates, and school board members for our biggest and most impactful summit yet. This year, you’ll find new opportunities to learn, connect, and build real-world skills to advance the work you’re doing in your communities.
Our 2026 program is designed to equip participants with early insight into the education policy battles ahead. You’ll hear directly from state legislators and education policy leaders on the most pressing education issues facing California families and school districts. The program emphasizes hands-on training sessions from seasoned professionals to help you sharpen your strategy, grow your organization, and be ready for action in a pivotal election year.
We look forward to seeing you in Sacramento as we work together to strengthen education, protect parental rights, and expand opportunity for California’s K–12 students.
“The Summit brings together grassroots leaders driving real education reform at every level. We will sharpen our focus and strengthen our community of advocates, working toward a future where every California student has access to the quality education they deserve, and parent voices are heard and honored.”
Lance Christensen
Vice President of Government Affairs & Education Policy, California Policy Center
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT THIS YEAR
This year’s Parents Not Partisans Summit is designed to provide what you need now to strengthen your leadership and expand your impact.
What You’ll Gain:
- Hear directly from state legislators and education policy leaders on the issues shaping California’s K–12 landscape
- Engage in substantive Q&A discussions on current education bills, litigation affecting parental rights, and strategies for driving change at the local level
- Participate in hands-on training sessions focused on increasing your impact, practical skill-building and school board success
- Network with peers from across the state to problem-solve real challenges facing local communities
- Put your advocacy skills into action and meet with local legislators and their staff at the State Capitol
Speaker Line-up
Lance Christensen
Vice President of Government Affairs & Education Policy | California Policy Center
Jackson Reese
President | California Policy Center
Mari Barke
Director | California Local Elected Officials
LEGISLATORS
Leticia Castillo
Assemblymember | District 58
Alexandra Macedo
Assemblymember | District 33
KATE SANCHEZ
Assemblymember | District 71
PARENTAL RIGHTS PANEL
Erin Friday
President | Our Duty – USA
PAUL JONNA
Special Counsel |Thomas More Society
Emily Rae
President | California Justice Center
UNLOCKING FEDERAL TAX CREDITS FOR K-12 SCHOLARSHIPS PANEL
Rachel Elginsmith
Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director | The BASIC Fund
Samara Palko
Director of Education and Government Relations | California Catholic Conference
DEFENDING CHARTER SCHOOLS PANEL
Mike MeCey
Managing Partner | CharterSmart
Cynthia Rachel
Co-Founder | Alliance of Parents for Personalized Learning Education
Windi Eklund
Director | Suncoast Preparatory Academy
Our 2026 Sponsors
