Season 3, Episode 8 | David Feliciano, Superintendent, Deann Ragsdale, Deputy Superintendent | La Mesa-Spring Valley School District

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 8 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 David Feliciano and Deann Ragsdale, Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent, respectively, of La Mesa-Spring Valley School District. 

Backgrounds and Roles

• David Feliciano shares his excitement about working at La Mesa Spring Valley, emphasizing the supportive community and staff.
• Deann Ragsdale discusses her long tenure with the district and her commitment to staying due to the positive culture and community focus.
• David and Deann reflect on their career paths, with David being inspired by leadership books and Deann being genetically predisposed to education due to her family background.
• Both discuss the importance of having good leaders and role models in their careers.

Leadership and Culture in Education

• David and Deann discuss the impact of culture on leadership, emphasizing the importance of trust, conflict resolution, and teamwork.
• David shares his leadership style, influenced by Pat Lencioni's book "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team," and how it has shaped his approach to school leadership.
• Deann highlights the significance of having a supportive and collaborative culture, especially in labor relations and bargaining.
• Both emphasize the importance of authenticity, shared motivations, and understanding the mission-oriented work in schools.

Challenges and Strategies in School Leadership

• David and Deann discuss the challenges of leading in a politically charged environment and the importance of maintaining a positive and supportive culture.
• Deann talks about the importance of ownership and leadership at all levels, with everyone contributing to the success of students.
• David shares his approach to building a team of like-minded leaders who share his vision and values.
• Both emphasize the importance of vulnerability, accountability, and continuous learning in their leadership styles.

Mental Health and Support in Schools

• David and Deann discuss the impact of the pandemic on mental health and the importance of providing support to staff and students.
• They highlight their partnership with UCSD to offer mindfulness practices and classes to help staff and students manage stress and emotional well-being.
• Deann mentions the support from the Board and community in providing mental health resources and early intervention programs.
• Both emphasize the cyclical nature of support, where a supportive environment leads to better student engagement and behavior, which in turn supports teachers.

Community and Board Support

• Deann praises the supportive Board at La Mesa-Spring Valley, which focuses on students, community, and staff well-being.
• She highlights various grants and partnerships that have helped provide mental health support, full-time counselors, and social workers in schools.
• David and Deann discuss the importance of community support and how it contributes to the overall success of the district.
• They emphasize the role of community schools in providing comprehensive support to students and families.

Addressing Safety Concerns in a Divided Culture

• David and Deann discuss the fear and concerns about school safety in the current political climate.
• They emphasize the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive community where staff and students feel safe and valued.
• Deann talks about the importance of celebrating wins and creating a culture of belonging to counteract external noise and fear.
• Both highlight the role of neighborhood schools in providing a sense of safety and community for families and students.

Celebrating Success and Changing Perceptions

• Deann and David discuss the importance of celebrating small successes and moments of joy to counteract negative perceptions of schools.
• They emphasize the need to change the narrative about schools and highlight the positive work being done in La Mesa-Spring Valley.
• Deann encourages thanking educators for their hard work and dedication to students.
• David highlights the importance of positive education being presented in the media to change perceptions and support public schools.

Personal Interests and Passions

• David shares his passion for music and his past experience in a punk band, emphasizing his love for music and attending shows.
• Deann mentions her past experience singing in a talent show and her love for music, though she does not currently sing.
• Both discuss their shared interest in music and how it contributes to their personal and professional lives.
• The conversation highlights the importance of personal interests and passions in maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

• David and Deann reiterate the importance of changing perceptions about public schools and highlighting the positive work being done.
• They encourage listeners to support educators and schools by thanking them and being involved in their communities.

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/