Superintendents from across Los Angeles County gathered recently for a powerful and collaborative event with lawmakers, hosted by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) and sponsored by the Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation. The 2025 Superintendents’ Professional Collaborative offered district leaders a rare opportunity to speak directly with legislators about the urgent challenges facing public education.

Among the lawmakers in attendance were: Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (who co-hosted the event), Assemblymember Mike Gipson, Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur, Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez and State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez .

During the convening, education leaders shared firsthand accounts of declining enrollment, funding constraints, staffing shortages and the impact of federal cuts and immigration enforcement on school communities. Lawmakers listened attentively and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to hear directly from educators, students, superintendents and department heads from county agencies.

In addition to the roundtable discussion, leaders from agencies such as the L.A. County Department of Public Health, Department of Public Social Services, Parks and Recreation, and the Department of Children and Family Services presented resources available to support children and families. Their participation underscored the importance of cross-agency collaboration in addressing the broader needs of their communities.

Following the Collaborative, LACOE hosted its second annual State of Education event. The program opened with a vibrant folklorico performance and featured remarks from Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo, who reflected on the past year’s challenges—including the Eaton and Palisades Fires, immigration raids and federal education cuts. Dr. Duardo emphasized the power of partnerships between schools, communities, and county agencies to ensure students and families have access to critical resources.

The event also celebrated La Cañada Unified School District Superintendent Wendy Sinette, who was honored as this year’s L.A. County Superintendent of the Year for her outstanding leadership and commitment to student success. Together, the day’s events highlighted the strength of collaboration and the importance of elevating educator voices in shaping policy and practice across Los Angeles County.