When the School Doesn’t Burn but Everything Else Does - Steve Rosa

In this conversation, Janet Courtney sits down with Steve Rosa — superintendent and principal of Pine Ridge Elementary School — to explore how a school truly becomes the heart of a community. From the devastation of the 2020 Creek Fire to the ongoing challenges of COVID‑19, Steve shares how Pine Ridge’s resilience was tested — and strengthened — through the power of relationships, service, and unwavering community support. Steve recounts how more than half of his staff and many families lost their homes, yet the school building stayed intact. It’s a story of loss, yes — but also of collective courage, mutual care, and the belief that taking care of people is the first step toward renewal. Together with students, staff, and local partners, Pine Ridge expanded mental health supports, built stronger communication systems, and learned to educate the whole child — not just the mind. This episode is a testament to what happens when leaders choose to do right by people, when communities rally around one another, and when hope is renewed through service. Listeners will find practical insight and emotional grounding in Steve’s reflections on trauma, empathy, and servant leadership.