Season 3, Episode 6 | Dr. Patrick Keeley, Mountain Empire Unified School District

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 6 of "Future Pathways: Superintendents Unplugged."  

Sponsored by a champion of schools, school leaders, teachers and employees - SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union - we have another great conversation, this time featuring Dr. Patrick Keeley.  The Superintendent of the Mountain Empire Unified School District.  

Here's a summary of the great conversation: 

Introduction of Dr. Patrick Keeley

• 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.

Challenges of Small Districts and Media Coverage

• 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.

Impact of Weather and Power Outages

• 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.

Funding and Facility Challenges in Small Districts

• 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.

Efforts to Address Funding and Facility Needs

• 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.

Personal Goals and the Role of Music in Education

• 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.

The Role of AI in Education and the Need for Time

• 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.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

• 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