Season 3, Episode 17 | Joseph Clevenger, Assistant Superintendent, SDCOE and Dr. Heather Golly, Superintendent, Bonsall Unified

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 17 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 with Dr. Heather Golly, Superintendent of Bonsall Unified School District, and Joseph Clevenger, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services at the San Diego County Office of Education.  Heather highlighted Bonsall's early college program with Palomar College and its partnership with Native American communities. Joseph emphasized the importance of community engagement and the Salute to Purple Stars event recognizing schools supporting military families. They also addressed mental health support, AI's impact on education, and the need for local business partnerships. Both shared personal interests, with Heather enjoying disc golf and Joseph painting with his children. 

Initial Discussion

• Heather shares her background, mentioning her four years with Bonsall Unified and her previous role as Executive Director of Educational Services.
• Joseph discusses his transition from being a Superintendent to working at the County Office of Education, emphasizing the similarities and differences in his roles.

Heather's Journey and Love for Bonsall

• Heather talks about her college epiphany and her love for English literature and collaborating with people.
• She describes Bonsall as a hidden gem with a close-knit community and supportive staff and families.
• Joseph shares his ongoing commitment to making the student experience more impactful and meaningful, despite the larger scale of his current role.
• He discusses the various programs and initiatives he oversees, including those for juvenile court and community schools (JCCs) and the unique populations they serve.

Joseph's Work with JCCS and Elevating Students

• Joseph explains the work with students who are incarcerated, have faced significant discipline, or have unique life settings.
• He emphasizes the importance of investing in students individually and connecting them to opportunities they might not have considered accessible.
• Joseph shares inspiring stories of students who have overcome challenges and succeeded in college classes.
• He highlights the ripple effects of changing one student's life, impacting their siblings, friends, and parents.

Heather's Background and Adaptability

• Heather discusses the impact of her father's service in the US Navy on her perspective and adaptability.
• She shares how her experiences with different educational contexts shaped her understanding of equity and the challenges faced by new students.
• Heather talks about the Bonsall Unified School District's theme of "Belong, Believe, Achieve" and its relevance to the high military population in the district.
• She emphasizes the importance of making new students feel supported and seen as individuals to ensure their success.

Bonsall's Military Engagement and Purple Star Award

• Heather highlights the high military population in Bonsall and the district's recognition with the Purple Star Award for supporting military-connected students.
• Joseph discusses the Salute to Purple Stars event on March 20th, celebrating the work of schools in supporting military-connected students.
• He mentions the recognition of districts like Coronado, Fallbrook Union, and Bonsall Unified for their excellence in supporting military students.
• The conversation touches on the broader impact of supporting military students on the entire student body.

Innovative Partnerships and Early College Programs

• Heather talks about Bonsall's innovative partnerships, including the early college high school program with Palomar College.
• She explains how the program allows students to take college courses during the day and transport them to the Palomar campus.
• Joseph emphasizes the importance of early college programs and the growing participation of high school districts in such initiatives.
• He shares the inspiring stories of students who succeed in college classes and the positive impact on their self-belief and future trajectory.

Native American Partnerships and Bonsall Forward Initiative

• Heather discusses the powerful partnerships with Native American communities, including an MOU with the Pala Band of Mission Indians.
• She highlights the creation of a Native Learner Advisory Committee and the professional development for staff to better support Native American students.
• Heather shares the efforts to amplify student voice and the mural project with Cal State San Marcos.
• Joseph talks about the Bonsall Forward Initiative, focusing on early exploration a