Behind the Bills

On Episode 15 of Behind the Bills, Naj Alikhan sits down with ACSA legislative advocate Serette Kaminski to discuss how ACSA helped create a new pathway for aspiring school leaders to earn their preliminary administrative credential while serving in leadership roles. They unpack how the idea grew from member feedback into bipartisan legislation (01:14). They also discuss how collaboration with lawmakers helped move the bill from introduction to the governor's desk (07:04).

On Episode 14 of Behind the Bills, Naj Alikhan is joined by Michael Fine, executive director of the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team, to examine Senate Bill 330 and its proposal to shorten the state-required fiscal planning horizon for California school districts. Fine explains why reducing the formal projection window from three years to two could weaken an important early-warning system, limit long-range decision-making and create a false sense of financial stability. The conversation also explores how a shorter forecast could leave districts reacting to financial trouble instead of planning for it.

On Episode 13 of Behind the Bills, Naj Alikhan breaks down House Resolution 87, proposed by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, and how it could change the way new reporting requirements are evaluated in California. Instead of adding more mandates, the focus shifts to a set of guiding questions designed to assess purpose, value, and feasibility before new requirements are adopted. This episode looks at how a more intentional approach could help prevent unnecessary burdens and protect time and resources for students.

On Episode 12 of Behind the Bills, Naj Alikhan breaks down three ACSA-sponsored measures aimed at reducing reporting burdens on California school districts. The conversation explores proposals to sunset new mandates, eliminate outdated reporting tools, and establish clearer guardrails for future requirements. As districts navigate growing fiscal and operational pressures, this episode examines how streamlining accountability could help leaders focus more time and resources on students.

On episode 11 of Behind the Bills, Naj Alikhan breaks down Governor Newsom’s 2026–27 January budget proposal as budget season officially begins in Sacramento (00:26). The conversation examines the proposal’s implications for public education, including the administration’s approach to Proposition 98 funding and long-term fiscal commitments (01:57). Naj also highlights how investments in community schools and universal meals continue to shape statewide priorities for students and families (03:56).