Season 3, Episode 9 | Ilsa Garza-Gonzalez, Superintendent, Fallbrook Union High School District

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 9 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 featuring Ilsa Garza-Gonzalez, the Superintendent of Fallbrook Union High School District. Introduction of Ilsa Garza-GonzalezIlsa discusses her six-year tenure at Fallbrook Union High School District and her previous 21-year experience in Riverside County.The District is described as small, with under 2000 students and three high schools: a comprehensive high school, a continuation high school, and an independent studies high school.Ilsa mentions the challenges of getting bonds passed and the impact of declining enrollment on the District's budget.Challenges and Strategies in Small DistrictsIlsa explains the difficulty of getting bonds passed, mentioning a failed bond attempt in November.She discusses the misconception that schools are printing money and the impact of declining enrollment on the District's budget.Ilsa highlights the lack of a dedicated communications department and the importance of community engagement and storytelling.The conversation shifts to the importance of Career and College Readiness (CCR) and how the District prepares students for various career paths, including the military.Military and Community EngagementIlsa describes the District's relationship with the military community at Camp Pendleton and the importance of supporting military families.She shares an example of a student who completed early graduation to avoid repeating courses due to a military move.The District's small size is seen as an advantage for military families, as it allows students to make connections more easily.Ilsa mentions the District's involvement in the Purple Star District program and the support from Joseph Clevenger, the previous Superintendent.Nutrition Services and Career PathwaysIlsa discusses the District's new business pathway at Ivy High School, which includes a greenhouse and partnerships with local growers.The nutrition services program is highlighted for its fresh, homemade meals and efforts to address food insecurity.The program includes a variety of ethnic foods and a yogurt and overnight oats bar for breakfast.Ilsa emphasizes the importance of teaching technical skills through career pathways to prepare students for various careers.Adult Transition Program and Community PartnershipsIlsa describes the District's adult transition program for students with special needs, which teaches life skills for independence.The new adult transition classroom, built with previous bond funds, is highlighted as a significant achievement.The District collaborates with community health systems, Rotary, and other nonprofits to provide students with internship and community service opportunities.Ilsa mentions the importance of local businesses and organizations in supporting the District's programs and initiatives.Supe Tank and Student ProgramsIlsa shares her experience presenting at Supe Tank, a program similar to Shark Tank but for Superintendents, and its impact on securing resources for the district.She discusses the success of the Spa Day program, which aims to strengthen positive attitudes and discover personal potential in students.The program includes a panel of accomplished women from various fields and has received support from local organizations.Ilsa highlights the importance of exposing students to real-world work experiences and the positive feedback from parents and students.Personal Interests and Final ThoughtsIlsa shares her passion for photography and how it has influenced her career and personal life.She mentions the support from her administrative team and the importance of showcasing the District's good work.Ilsa discusses the benefits of podcasts like "Future Pathways, Superintendents Unplugged" in providing a platform for Superintendents to share their stories and connect with the community.The conversation concludes with Ilsa expressing her gratitude for the support from Cloudcast Media, the Classroom of the Future Foundation, and Schools First Federal Credit Union.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/