If you have registered for one of our meetings, you may have noticed something: the invitation comes from the California High School Coalition, and the check is payable to the California High School Network. Two names, one family. Here is why — and why the split is a feature, not a quirk.
The Coalition: the voice
The California High School Coalition (CHSC) is the convening and advocacy arm — the preeminent voice for California high school students. It brings superintendents, instructional leaders, human resource leaders, chief business officials, and principals together across the state, and it carries what those rooms surface into advocacy on behalf of high schools. The meetings in Seal Beach, the State Conference in Sacramento, the legislative read our members count on — that is Coalition work.
The Network: the steward
The California High School Network (CAHSN) is the management partner behind the scenes. It handles the administration that keeps the Coalition's work running — registrations, invoices, payments, and operations. When you pay for a meeting, the Network processes it.
Why keep them separate?
Because the two kinds of work answer to different rules, and mixing them would serve neither. In the Coalition's own words, from our sponsorship materials:
The California High School Network manages all financial transactions to maintain clear legal and operational separation between advocacy and administrative functions. The California High School Coalition operates as a 501(c)(4) organization focused on advocacy and lobbying efforts.
A 501(c)(4) exists to advocate — that is its legal purpose and its value to members. Administration and finances sit with the Network so that the advocacy stays clean, the books stay clear, and everyone we work with — members, districts, and sponsors — can see exactly which organization is doing what.
What it means for you
- Joining or attending? You are engaging with the Coalition; the Network will handle your registration and invoice.
- Writing a check? Make it payable to the California High School Network, P.O. Box 45, Penryn, CA 95663.
- Sponsoring? Your sponsorship supports Coalition events, with the Network administering the transaction.
One family of leadership, two distinct roles — so the people serving California's high schools can focus on the work.