Season 3, Episode 14 | " Good Health and Well Being" with Dr. Andy Johnsen, Dr. Leighangela Brady, Dr. Karl Mueller

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 14 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 three amazing Superintendents: Dr. Andy Johnsen (San Marcos Unified), Dr. Leighangela Brady (National School District), and Dr. Karl Mueller (Coronado Unified).  


Introduction of Topic

• The topic of the discussion is the importance of good health and well-being in schools.
• Drew emphasizes the critical role of superintendents in addressing mental health issues for students, staff, and parents.
• The conversation is framed around the evolving responsibilities of public education and the need for mental health support.

Mental Health Crisis in Schools

• Dr. Andy Johnsen discusses the crisis level of mental health issues affecting students, staff, and offices.
• He reflects on the shift in focus from traditional education goals to the importance of mental health support.
• Andy highlights the necessity of having a full counseling and social work staff in schools.
• The conversation touches on the historical context of mental health support in schools, emphasizing its growing importance.

Access to Mental Health Services

• Dr. Karl Mueller discusses the critical need for access to mental health services in schools.
• He explains the evolving role of public education, including providing before and after care and mental health support.
• Karl emphasizes the importance of feeling safe and comfortable for students to achieve academic success.
• The conversation shifts to the impact of the pandemic on mental health issues, exacerbating existing challenges.

Impact of the Pandemic on Mental Health

• Dr. Karl Mueller elaborates on the pre-pandemic mental health issues and how the pandemic exacerbated them.
• He discusses the narrative shift during the pandemic, focusing on the academic and mental health crises.
• The conversation highlights the anxiety and stress caused by the pandemic and its impact on students and parents.
• Karl emphasizes the need for deliberate messaging to the community to mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic.

Role of Food and Nutrition in Mental Health

• Dr. Leighangela Brady discusses the importance of food and nutrition in mental health.
• She shares personal experiences with food sensitivities and their impact on her health and the health of her staff and students.
• Leighangela highlights the work of the National School District in sustainability and organic food initiatives.
• The conversation touches on the broader impact of food systems on mental health and the need for innovation in school food practices.

Child Obesity Crisis and Communication Strategies

• Drew Schlosberg introduces the topic of the child obesity crisis and its impact on health systems.
• Dr. Andy Johnsen discusses the importance of communication and messaging in addressing mental health issues.
• The conversation explores the challenges of balancing personal and professional responsibilities as a superintendent.
• Andy emphasizes the need for humility and transparency in leadership to support staff and students.

Wellness Initiatives and Support Systems

• Dr. Karl Mueller discusses the wellness initiatives and support systems in the Coronado Unified School District.
• He highlights the importance of modeling healthy behaviors and providing resources for staff wellness.
• The conversation includes examples of wellness programs, such as teen mental health first aid training and community partnerships.
• Karl emphasizes the need for ongoing support and communication to address the evolving responsibilities of public education.

Importance of Rest and Renewal

• Dr. Andy Johnsen discusses the importance of rest and renewal in leadership.
• He shares personal experiences with prioritizing sleep and daily renewal activities.
• The conversation explores the scientific difference between rest and renewal and its impact on mental health.
• Andy emphasizes the need for intentional rest and renewal to sustain leadership effectiveness.

Building Support Networks

• Dr. Leighangela Brady discusses the importance of building support networks among superintendents.
• She highlights the role of the San Diego superintendents group in providing mutual support and sharing best practices.
• The conversation touches on the challenges of balancing personal and professional responsibilities.
• Leighangela emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in le