Season 3, Episode 4 | Greg Mizel, Interim Superintendent, Poway Unified School District

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 4 of "Future Pathways: Superintendents Unplugged."  

Sponsored by a champion of schools, school leaders, teachers and employees - SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union - we have another incredible episode, this time featuring not one, not two, but THREE Superintendents in studio.  Drew Schlosberg was joined by Greg Mizel, the Interim Superintendent of Poway Unified School District.  Mr. Mizel has over 30 years experience in public education, 20 of those in the Poway Unified School District. Prior to his current position, he has been the Associate Superintendent of Student Support Services, an Assistant Superintendent, the Founding Principal of Del Norte High School, and Principal of Mesa Verde Middle School. He was recently named Counseling Administrator of the Year by the San Diego County Office of Education and Student Support Services Administrator of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators.

Here's a summary of the great conversation: 

Overview of Poway Unified School District

• Greg provides an overview of Poway Unified, describing it as the third-largest district in the county with 34,500 students across 41 campuses.
• He discusses the challenges of declining enrollment and its impact on the District's finances.
• Greg shares a story about the District's staff, many of whom are former students, highlighting the multi-generational nature of the community.
• Drew and Greg discuss the District's strong culture and the pride in its history and achievements.

Greg Mizel's Journey into Education

• Greg recounts his unconventional pathway into education, starting with his struggles in high school and his journey to college.
• He shares how his roommate at Christian Heritage College, a valedictorian, inspired him to strive for more.
• Greg describes his early teaching experiences, focusing on building relationships with disengaged students and coaching sports.
• He emphasizes the importance of having role models and the impact of high expectations on student motivation.

Innovative Special Education Initiatives

• Greg discusses his role in special education at Poway, focusing on creating inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities.
• He highlights the challenges of reducing specialized programs and the importance of challenging all students to rise.
• Greg shares his belief that every child is capable of more than what adults often assume.
• Drew and Greg discuss the importance of training and educating classroom teachers to support students with disabilities.

Mental Health and Student Wellness

• Greg addresses the mental health crisis in schools, noting its prevalence before and especially amplified by the pandemic.
• He recounts the impact of the Parkland, Florida, shooting on his students' demands for more mental health support.
• Greg describes the steps Poway Unified took to address mental health, including adding tiered supports 
• He expresses concern about the sustainability of these initiatives as one-time funds dry up.

Family Empowerment and Parental Involvement

• Greg emphasizes the importance of parents as the most influential people in their children's lives 
• He discusses the "What I Wish My Parents Knew" program, which involves student-led breakout sessions to share their perspectives with parents.
• Greg highlights the impact of these sessions on parental understanding and behavior.
• Greg discusses the "Herman's Way" project, which pairs students with supportive adults
• He shares his personal experience with fostering and adopting children, emphasizing the role of trauma in shaping behavior.

Challenges and Opportunities in Education

• Greg identifies the increasin