Episode description

• Dr. Keeley shares his background, mentioning that he has been in the district for 10 years and has been the superintendent for five years.
• He recounts his personal history with the district, including his childhood in Descanso and his high school experience at Mountain Empire High School.
• Dr. Keeley reflects on how his high school experience shaped his values and approach to education.

• Dr. Keeley discusses a recent Union Tribune article that highlighted the challenges of small, rural districts like his.
• Dr. Keeley describes the challenges of chronic absenteeism in the district, including the impact of weather and geographical conditions on student attendance.
• He shares an anecdote about a student making a documentary on the conditions of the schools, which was featured in the article.

• Dr. Keeley explains how recent Santa Ana winds and subsequent power outages have affected the district's operations.
• He describes the difficulties of managing transportation and ensuring student safety during extreme weather conditions.
• The impact of cold weather on students living in trailers and homes without fireplaces is highlighted.
• Dr. Keeley mentions the loss of school days due to weather and power shutoffs, and the challenges of making up these days within the school calendar.

• Dr. Keeley discusses the financial challenges faced by small, rural districts in maintaining and modernizing school facilities.
• He explains the high costs of building and maintaining schools compared to residential construction.
• The reliance on local school bonds for funding and the inequities in tax burdens between rural and urban areas are discussed.
• Dr. Keeley mentions the impact of wildfire insurance costs on local taxpayers and the difficulty in passing bonds in rural areas.

• Dr. Keeley describes the district's efforts to hire a grant writer to help access additional funding.
• He shares the challenges of attracting and retaining educators in rural areas due to limited resources and higher transportation costs.
• The district's strategy of demonstrating financial hardship to access matching funds for rebuilding schools is discussed.
• Dr. Keeley emphasizes the importance of advocating for the district and working with local lawmakers and the Small School Districts Association.

• Dr. Keeley talks about the importance of setting personal goals for principals and staff, including pursuing hobbies and interests.
• He shares his love for music and the district's efforts to build a music program, despite limited resources.
• An example of a student-driven Norteno music program is shared, highlighting the importance of student interests in school activities.
• Dr. Keeley reflects on the therapeutic benefits of music and the importance of creating memorable experiences for students.

• Dr. Keeley discusses the rapid advancement of AI and the challenges teachers face in integrating it into their teaching.
• He emphasizes the need for teachers to have more time to plan, assess, and collaborate, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the pace of technological change.
• The potential benefits of a four-day school week and expanded learning opportunities for both students and teachers are explored.
• Dr. Keeley suggests that a more flexible approach to school schedules could improve teacher satisfaction and student learning outcomes.

• Dr. Keeley reflects on the broader societal challenges facing education, including the rapid pace of information and the need for time and support for teachers.
• He emphasizes the importance of reimagining the education system to better support teachers and students.
• Dr. Keeley expresses gratitude for the support of organizations like the Classroom of the Future Foundation and the Center for Educational Innovation.
• The episode concludes with a reminder of the importance of supporting small, rural districts and the unique challenges they face.