Every November, California’s top school business leaders gather in a room where acronyms like ADA, COLA, and LCFF aren’t just understood, they’re lifelines. That room is the CBO Symposium, and for nearly half of its attendees, it’s a tradition that spans five years or more. 

So what is it that keeps seasoned professionals returning to this invitation-only event, year after year? 

According to the 2024 feedback survey, it’s the complete experience. From expert-led economic briefings to breakout sessions grounded in real-world district challenges, CBO Symposium delivers what attendees say they can’t easily get elsewhere: early access to high-impact information, real-time connection with peers, and insight they can take home and use immediately. 

As one first-time attendee put it: “I absolutely loved every minute of it and can’t wait to come back next year!” 

Here’s a look at what’s ahead for 2025 and why so many school business leaders have this event circled on their calendar before the school year even begins. 

Economic Intelligence First

The Symposium’s signature opening trio, “The Economic Forecast”, “Industry Outlook”, and “Political Backdrop”, continue to set the tone.  

This year’s program kicks off with Kenneth Kapphahn from the California Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO), whose sessions consistently earn the highest marks. His early insight on economic trends and projected COLA values helps CBOs make more informed decisions before budget templates are due. 

Topics Covered

Whether you’re managing facilities, facing negotiations, or working to align expenditures with declining enrollment, this year’s breakout lineup offers tactical guidance: 

• Strategic Fiscal Management of Special Education and Risk Management 
• Bargaining Fantasy vs. Budget Reality 
• Surplus Property and Community Engagement 
• Evaluating Benefit Programs via Competitive RFPs 

Notably, one of 2024’s most popular sessions (on collective bargaining) returns in spirit, updated for 2025 with a sharper focus on closing the gap between expectations and budget realities. 

First-Time Value. Long-Term Community.

It’s not all about technical know-how. The Symposium creates space for relationship-building across county lines and job titles. Events like Thursday’s networking lunch and reception, Friday morning’s CBO Roundtable LIVE, and breaks featuring CASBO sponsors are designed to help attendees meet someone new and learn something new in every interaction. 

One participant stated: “I have gained a lot of knowledge that I need for my job and for my district.”

Another added: “The legislative update was especially helpful. I also always enjoy networking.” 

Staying Current, Staying Connected

With Friday’s closing general session featuring Mike Fine (FCMAT) and John Gray (School Services of California, Inc.), attendees will walk away with an up-to-the-minute look at California school finance trends, policy shifts, and practical responses. 

In past years, participants said they wished this session was even longer.

“The information they present is critical at this time of year,” one wrote. “I wanted to hear everything they covered or more.”

A Tradition That Evolves

From its beginnings as a closed-door meeting of CBOs to the robust, multi-topic program it is today, the Symposium has grown in scope while staying true to its core: timely, actionable insight delivered by and for working professionals. 

This year’s additions, including sessions on small district leadership, charter oversight, and public speaking, reflect the changing nature of the CBO role itself. 

As one returning attendee summed it up: “Always a wonderful agenda and presentations.” 

The Agenda at a Glance

The CBO Symposium follows a focused three-day structure that builds from deep-dive learning to high-level strategic insight. 

Wednesday, November 19

An optional pre-conference session, “Closing in on Closures,” led by legal experts from Lozano Smith LLP. It’s a practical, in-depth look at how to navigate school consolidation with legal, fiscal, and community considerations in mind. 

Thursday, November 20

The main program day. It opens with general sessions on the economic forecast and federal policy, followed by a range of breakouts on key topics like bargaining, benefits, small district leadership, and facilities planning. The day also includes an Innovation Lab update, networking opportunities, and an evening reception. 

Friday, November 21

Features practical breakouts and closes with the high-impact “Hot Topics in School Finance” panel, where experts from FCMAT and School Services of California share timely analysis and strategies. The event wraps with closing remarks and a grab-and-go lunch. 

The Bottom Line

The CBO Symposium isn’t just another professional development event, it’s an anchor for those navigating the complexity of California school finance. It’s where relationships are strengthened, knowledge is deepened, and leaders leave with the clarity they need to support students, staff, and communities. 

For those who’ve attended five or more times, the value is clear. For first-timers? That clarity often comes before the closing session ends. 

Whether you’re preparing your first multiyear projection or leading a district through complex fiscal change, the CBO Symposium delivers the insight, access, and connection that can move your work forward. Make space for it in your calendar and your professional growth—it’s more than worth it. 

Click the link below to learn more or register for CBO Symposium 2025* through November 10, 2025.