Welcome to Season 3, Episode 17 of "Future Pathways: Superintendents Unplugged."  Sponsored by a champion of schools, school leaders, teachers and employees - SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union - we have an excellent episode with Dr. Heather Golly, Superintendent of Bonsall Unified School District, and Joseph Clevenger, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services at the San Diego County Office of Education.  Heather highlighted Bonsall's early college program with Palomar College and its partnership with Native American communities. Joseph emphasized the importance of community engagement and the Salute to Purple Stars event recognizing schools supporting military families. They also addressed mental health support, AI's impact on education, and the need for local business partnerships. Both shared personal interests, with Heather enjoying disc golf and Joseph painting with his children. Initial DiscussionHeather shares her background, mentioning her four years with Bonsall Unified and her previous role as Executive Director of Educational Services.Joseph discusses his transition from being a Superintendent to working at the County Office of Education, emphasizing the similarities and differences in his roles.Heather's Journey and Love for BonsallHeather talks about her college epiphany and her love for English literature and collaborating with people.She describes Bonsall as a hidden gem with a close-knit community and supportive staff and families.Joseph shares his ongoing commitment to making the student experience more impactful and meaningful, despite the larger scale of his current role.He discusses the various programs and initiatives he oversees, including those for juvenile court and community schools (JCCs) and the unique populations they serve.Joseph's Work with JCCS and Elevating StudentsJoseph explains the work with students who are incarcerated, have faced significant discipline, or have unique life settings.He emphasizes the importance of investing in students individually and connecting them to opportunities they might not have considered accessible.Joseph shares inspiring stories of students who have overcome challenges and succeeded in college classes.He highlights the ripple effects of changing one student's life, impacting their siblings, friends, and parents.Heather's Background and AdaptabilityHeather discusses the impact of her father's service in the US Navy on her perspective and adaptability.She shares how her experiences with different educational contexts shaped her understanding of equity and the challenges faced by new students.Heather talks about the Bonsall Unified School District's theme of "Belong, Believe, Achieve" and its relevance to the high military population in the district.She emphasizes the importance of making new students feel supported and seen as individuals to ensure their success.Bonsall's Military Engagement and Purple Star AwardHeather highlights the high military population in Bonsall and the district's recognition with the Purple Star Award for supporting military-connected students.Joseph discusses the Salute to Purple Stars event on March 20th, celebrating the work of schools in supporting military-connected students.He mentions the recognition of districts like Coronado, Fallbrook Union, and Bonsall Unified for their excellence in supporting military students.The conversation touches on the broader impact of supporting military students on the entire student body.Innovative Partnerships and Early College ProgramsHeather talks about Bonsall's innovative partnerships, including the early college high school program with Palomar College.She explains how the program allows students to take college courses during the day and transport them to the Palomar campus.Joseph emphasizes the importance of early college programs and the growing participation of high school districts in such initiatives.He shares the inspiring stories of students who succeed in college classes and the positive impact on their self-belief and future trajectory.Native American Partnerships and Bonsall Forward InitiativeHeather discusses the powerful partnerships with Native American communities, including an MOU with the Pala Band of Mission Indians.She highlights the creation of a Native Learner Advisory Committee and the professional development for staff to better support Native American students.Heather shares the efforts to amplify student voice and the mural project with Cal State San Marcos.Joseph talks about the Bonsall Forward Initiative, focusing on early exploration and job shadowing for students, especially those from underrepresented populations.Challenges and Advice for EducatorsJoseph advises educators to stay focused on the reasons they entered the field and to highlight the positive things happening in schools.He emphasizes the importance of partnering with local community members and businesses to bring in new expertise and support.Heather agrees, stressing the need to break down walls and protect the positive work happening in classrooms from external distractions.Both discuss the challenges of AI and its implications for education, urging educators to engage with students to navigate these changes.Mental Health and Support for StudentsHeather acknowledges the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and the challenges of mental health for students and their families.Joseph highlights the efforts at the County Office of Education to provide tools and training for staff to prevent and support students in crisis.He discusses the new mental health support teams that can be dispatched to schools and homes, reducing the reliance on law enforcement.Both emphasize the importance of breaking down the stigma around mental health and encouraging students to talk about their feelings.Personal Interests and Final ThoughtsJoseph shares his love for gardening and painting with his childrenHeather talks about her passion for disc golf and her proficiency in pool, a skill she developed with her grandfather.Both express gratitude for the opportunity to share their experiences and the positive impact of their work on the community and students.Thank you for unplugging and listening to Future Pathways: Superintendents Unplugged.  Be sure to subscribe to the show and share with your colleagues! The Presenting Sponsor for Season 3 of Future Pathways: Superintendents Unplugged is Schools First Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in California serving school employees and their families since 1934.  Please learn more about Schools First Federal Credit Union by visiting https://www.schoolsfirstfcu.org/

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