Season 3, Episode 10 | Dr. Rhonda Taylor, Superintendent, Lakeside Union School District and Scott Goergens, Principal, El Capitan HS

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 10 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 Dr. Rhonda Taylor, the Superintendent of Lakeside Union School District, joined by the outstanding Principal of El Capitan High School, Scott Goergens.   

Background and Career Journeys of Rhonda and Scott

• Rhonda shares her 32-year tenure with the Lakeside Union School District, starting as a student teacher and progressing through various roles.
• She discusses her time in Poway and her election to the Lakeside School Board, eventually becoming the Superintendent.
• Scott mentions his six-year tenure at El Capitan and his previous roles in Cajon Valley and Lakeside.
• Both Rhonda and Scott reflect on their long-standing professional relationships and mutual support.

Community and School Partnerships

• Rhonda highlights the strong community support in Lakeside and the district's involvement in community events like "Touch a Truck."
• She emphasizes the importance of community partnerships and the district's collaboration with El Capitan High School.
• Scott discusses the positive impact of word-of-mouth and community engagement on school enrollment, noting a significant increase in student numbers.
• Both Rhonda and Scott stress the importance of mixed staff demographics and the energy and dedication of young and experienced teachers.

Collaboration Among Superintendents and Principals

• Rhonda and Scott discuss the collaborative nature of Superintendents and Principals in San Diego County, emphasizing the importance of support and shared perspectives.
• Rhonda mentions the regular meetings and breakfasts with other East County Superintendents to discuss common challenges and solutions.
• Scott shares his long-standing relationship with Rhonda and other Principals, highlighting the value of brainstorming and problem-solving together.
• The conversation touches on the broader context of collaboration in education, particularly in challenging times.

Trilingual Program at Riverview International Language Academy

• Rhonda introduces the trilingual program at Riverview, which offers Spanish and Mandarin as primary languages, with English as a third language.
• The program has grown from kindergarten to eighth grade and includes a pathway to El Capitan High School.
• Scott shares his experience with the program, noting its success and the students' ability to communicate fluently in multiple languages.
• The discussion includes the benefits of the program for students, such as multiple seals of biliteracy and opportunities for international travel and cultural exposure.

Dream Academy and Project-Based Learning

• Rhonda praises the Dream Academy, a full school with a waiting list, focused on project-based learning and animal-focused projects.
• The Academy provides a unique environment for students who struggle in traditional settings, offering a smaller, more personalized learning experience.
• Scott adds that the Academy's projects are based on state standards and help students develop social skills and a passion for their areas of interest.
• The conversation highlights the importance of providing diverse educational opportunities for students with different learning needs.

Pathways and Dual Enrollment Programs

• Rhonda discusses the various pathways available at Lakeside, including Project Lead the Way and Future Farmers of America (FFA).
• Scott highlights the dual enrollment program with Grossmont College, allowing students to take college courses on campus and earn credits.
• Both Rhonda and Scot