Navigating Political Contributions, Elections, and Lobbying: Essential Guidelines for School Leaders

YM&C Partner Jerry Simmons has represented charter schools in every aspect of their operations for more than nineteen years. Between his work at the firm and the Charter Schools Development Center, Jerry has personally assisted in the development of hundreds of California’s charter schools through drafting charter petitions, memorandums of understanding for business and special education services, facilities use agreements, private leases, property purchases, and development of school policies covering every facet of charter school operations. Jerry has also assisted charter schools with employment and labor law matters, board governance and training, and zoning and building code compliance.

Widely recognized throughout the state as a leading authority in charters, education, and government law, John has counseled charters, public agencies, and nonprofits on operations, facilities, finance, governance, policy, innovation and other legal issues for nearly three decades. John is experienced in political advocacy and has litigated many of the most significant charter lawsuits. He regularly handles charter material revisions, petitions/renewals, lease/purchases, strategic planning, and authorizer relations, and has deep expertise in NCB schools. John is a frequent presenter to CCSA and numerous other professional and academic organizations, covering charter school law and policy, education, and government law.

Ricardo Soto leads and supports Government Affairs, Local Advocacy and Legal Teams. The Government Affairs Team is responsible for advocacy strategy with the Administration, the Legislature, the CDE and other state agencies concerning charter school issues. His work with the Local Advocacy Teams is focused on supporting CCSA members with charter school authorizers throughout California, including school districts and county boards of education. He provides legal advice to the Association and advises it on legal strategies targeted to support statewide and regional advocacy efforts, facilities and special education advocacy, the membership, the charter school community, and the Association's strategic objectives.