News and views from a private school perspective


CAPSO

Monthly E-Mailer


California Association of Private School Organizations

The Voice of Private Education in California

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CAPSO distributes a monthly E-Mailer to both members and subscribers. While both versions include important national and state legislative updates, current events, and perspectives, the member E-Mailer contains additional exclusive content and resources.


If you are a non-member subscriber, no action is required.


If you are a CAPSO member organization or a CAPSO member organization school leader and are receiving this E-mailer, you are currently receiving the subscriber (non-member) version. To receive the full CAPSO member E-Mailer, please click here to update your status and link your email address to your CAPSO member organization.


Click here to update your email and status (takes less than 1 minute)

Mission Statement

The California Association of Private School Organizations (CAPSO) is the voice of K-12 private education in California. Its primary mission is to preserve the independence of California’s private schools and to uphold parental choice in education. CAPSO, independently and in collaboration with other community and governmental institutions, is an advocate, catalyst, and creative leader for strengthening and advancing K-12 private education in California. CAPSO’s mission is based on the belief that a healthy, pluralistic society depends upon educational options, parental choice, and dialogue and collaboration between educational entities.

In This Issue...


CAPSO Membership Fees, 2026-2027 and Budgeting


Minimum Salary Threshold for Exempt Teachers- Now Available!


CAPSO Guidance- SB 848 Implementation


Apply to Become a Green Ribbon School


No-Cost Private School PD through Title IIA Funds


Legislative Call to Action


What I've Been Reading



CAPSO Membership Fees, 2026-2027


The CAPSO Board of Directors has approved 2026–2027 membership dues of $0.78 per TK–12th grade pupil. This represents a $0.03 increase over the 2025–2026 dues rate, reflecting the Board’s ongoing commitment to maintaining very modest and predictable adjustments.


For long-term planning and budgeting purposes, the Board also discussed future dues projections and reaffirmed its intent to maintain modest annual increases, expected to remain in the range of $0.02 to $0.05 per pupil, to responsibly support CAPSO’s operations while minimizing financial impact on member organizations.


Re-registration information will be shared in the spring, with dues payable in the fall. This update is provided now to support member organizations in their budgeting and planning for the coming year. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.


Minimum Salary Threshold for Exempt Teachers


As California private schools and systems begin to determine salaries for the 2026-2027 academic year, it is critical to remember CA Labor Code Section 515.8. This labor code section outlines specific minimum threshold salary requirements for exempt private school teachers in California private schools


To support our members with this calculation, CAPSO maintains a worksheet and consolidates the relevant district and county office salaries. 


The CAPSO Exempt Status Teacher Salary Threshold Calculation Support Page was updated and published on January 22nd and is available for our members to use in planning for 2026-2027. The page is accessible using the link below or on our website under "Resources" from the main page menu.


Click Here to Access CAPSO Exempt Salary Resources Webpage

CAPSO Guidance- SB 848 Implementation


Please join the California Association for Private School Organizations (CAPSO) for a webinar offering a private school–focused perspective on best practices for navigating implementation of the SB 848 requirements applicable to private schools. 


Topics will include: 

  • Mandated reporters- definitions/training requirements 
  • Reference checks- making and responding to inquiries 
  • Policy updates- boundaries and safe campus practices 
  • Statewide reporting and record keeping 
  • Implementation timelines 
  • Q&A 


This webinar is offered exclusively and free-of-cost to CAPSO member organization schools. Registration is required, please see the flyer below for session and registration information.


This webinar is offered to CAPSO member organization schools only.

This flyer- with active registration links- has been sent to all CAPSO Member Organization leadership for distribution to member schools.

Please request the flyer and registration links from your CAPSO member organization.


Not sure which member organization your school belongs to? Click here to view our members.


Both sessions will cover the same content.

Sessions will not be recorded or distributed; live attendance only.

Apply to Become a Green Ribbon School!


Did you know that private schools that participate in the Green Ribbon School process have the opportunity to be recognized at both the State and national levels?


The Green Ribbon School process is an opportunity to showcase efforts and be recognized for progress towards sustainability across three pillars: 

  • Pillar I: Reduce environmental impact and costs;
  • Pillar II: Improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff; and
  • Pillar III: Provide effective environmental and sustainability education



Each June, the California Department of Education launches the California Green Ribbon Schools (CA-GRS) application process, inviting public and private schools, districts, and county offices of education to showcase their achievements in sustainability. Participating schools have the opportunity to demonstrate achievement and earn points in pillar categories recognized in one of four tiered levels:

  • Bronze Level (Entry Level Commitment): 55-64.9%
  • Silver Level (Mid Integration): 65-74.9%
  • Gold Level (Full Integration): 75% or better
  • Green Achiever: Exemplary Achievement with Full Integration - Green achievers are nominated for Federal recognition in the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Program (ED-GRS). 


Schools don't need to wait to apply until they have met full integration. Schools that apply will be supported with mentorship and resources, and schools with a 55%+ will be recognized with Bronze achievement by the California Department of Education!


Ready to Learn More?


California Green Ribbon Schools Achievers and Applicants Network: The CA Green Ribbon School Achiever and Applicant Network meets quarterly and aims to unite past, current, and future CA Green Ribbon Schools applicants dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and programs within their school communities. The network gives participants the chance to network with each other to inspire and share best practices. 


The application opens in June and schools are encouraged to begin learning about the application process starting in January. A comprehensive toolkit is available. Use the link below to learn more!


Green Ribbon School Toolkit and Resources

No Cost Private School PD Available


The California Department of Education receives funds through Title II, Part A, Equitable Services to provide no-cost professional development to private school educators.


The website, https://www.capspdnow.com, offers over 1000 no-cost courses available to schools and teachers in an on-demand format. Private school teachers and administrators can join the CaPSPD email distribution list to receive notifications about upcoming development opportunities by sending a blank email to join-private-school-professional-development@mlist.cde.ca.gov


Learn More About CaPSPDNow

Legislative Call to Action

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Make Sure You Are Registered with CAPSO's VoterVoice


WHAT: In the months ahead, California’s legislature will consider bills that could profoundly impact private schools—how we operate, how we serve families, and how we preserve the independence that defines our communities. To ensure that the voice of California’s private schools is heard clearly and effectively, CAPSO maintains an advocacy platform: VoterVoice.

VoterVoice is a trusted, easy-to-use tool that empowers school leaders, educators, and parents to take part in legislative advocacy with just a few clicks. Once registered, you’ll receive timely alerts when your action can make a difference. With one simple email or message, your voice joins thousands of others across California to speak up for the rights and values that guide private education.


WHY: While CAPSO is typically able to manage legislative issues without requiring an organized response, this platform will allow CAPSO to mobilize our network quickly when legislation demands attention, provide accurate, up-to-date information about key bills affecting private schools, help members connect directly with their state and federal representatives, and strengthen our collective impact on policy decisions shaping the future of education in California. By registering now, you’ll ensure that you’re ready to participate in upcoming campaigns—whether defending parental choice, preserving private school autonomy, or supporting funding access for equitable services. CAPSO will continue to provide analysis, updates, and talking points to make advocacy easy and effective, but it starts with registration.


Your voice matters. Together, we represent hundreds of thousands of educators, students, and families who believe in the value of private education. When we speak together, policymakers listen.


WHEN: Register now!


HOW: Click here to visit CAPSO's VoterVoice Registration Page


What I've Been Reading...

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An important component of my position is to read rigorously to stay current with all happenings that potentially impact private schools in California. A few articles always stand out as worthwhile, firsthand reads for private school leaders in California.


These articles do not necessarily represent CAPSO's perspective; they are resources that represent the diversity of thinking impacting and influencing the political and academic climate.



Have a few moments? Consider the following recommended links to What I've Been Reading...


New Funding Approach for CA Public Schools

https://calmatters.org/education/k-12-education/2026/01/school-enrollment-california/


Texas School Choice and Accreditation

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/private-schools-voucher-program-21290944.php


Federal Funding for IDEA

https://www.chalkbeat.org/2026/01/14/lindsey-burke-on-closing-the-department-of-education/


US Department of Education Celebrates National School Choice Week

https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-celebrates-national-school-choice-week-0


Revolutionizing Teacher Training in CA Preparation Programs

https://edsource.org/2026/perfect-practice-teacher-preparation/747278



Alabama Athletics- Public and Private Schools Separated

https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/sports/high-school/2026/01/23/ahsaa-private-public-split-classification-aisa/88325679007/


Reimagining TK-12 Governance in CA

https://edpolicyinca.org/publications/tk-12-education-governance-california


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The California Association of Private School Organizations (CAPSO) uses AI as a tool to support administrative and operational efficiency. All AI-generated content is subject to professional expertise, careful review, and formal approval before use.