Season 3, Episode 8 | David Feliciano, Superintendent, Deann Ragsdale, Deputy Superintendent | La Mesa-Spring Valley School District

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 8 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 David Feliciano and Deann Ragsdale, Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent, respectively, of La Mesa-Spring Valley School District. 

Backgrounds and Roles

• David Feliciano shares his excitement about working at La Mesa Spring Valley, emphasizing the supportive community and staff.
• Deann Ragsdale discusses her long tenure with the district and her commitment to staying due to the positive culture and community focus.
• David and Deann reflect on their career paths, with David being inspired by leadership books and Deann being genetically predisposed to education due to her family background.
• Both discuss the importance of having good leaders and role models in their careers.

Leadership and Culture in Education

• David and Deann discuss the impact of culture on leadership, emphasizing the importance of trust, conflict resolution, and teamwork.
• David shares his leadership style, influenced by Pat Lencioni's book "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team," and how it has shaped his approach to school leadership.
• Deann highlights the significance of having a supportive and collaborative culture, especially in labor relations and bargaining.
• Both emphasize the importance of authenticity, shared motivations, and understanding the mission-oriented work in schools.

Challenges and Strategies in School Leadership

• David and Deann discuss the challenges of leading in a politically charged environment and the importance of maintaining a positive and supportive culture.
• Deann talks about the importance of ownership and leadership at all levels, with everyone contributing to the success of students.
• David shares his approach to building a team of like-minded leaders who share his vision and values.
• Both emphasize the importance of vulnerability, accountability, and continuous learning in their leadership styles.

Mental Health and Support in Schools

• David and Deann discuss the impact of the pandemic on mental health and the importance of providing support to staff and students.
• They highlight their partnership with UCSD to offer mindfulness practices and classes to help staff and students manage stress and emotional well-being.
• Deann mentions the support from the Board and community in providing mental health resources and early intervention programs.
• Both emphasize the cyclical nature of support, where a supportive environment leads to better student engagement and behavior, which in turn supports teachers.

Community and Board Support

• Deann praises the supportive Board at La Mesa-Spring Valley, which focuses on students, community, and staff well-being.
• She highlights various grants and partnerships that have helped provide mental health support, full-time counselors, and social workers in schools.
• David and Deann discuss the importance of community support and how it contributes to the overall success of the district.
• They emphasize the role of community schools in providing comprehensive support to students and families.

Addressing Safety Concerns in a Divided Culture

• David and Deann discuss the fear and concerns about school safety in the current political climate.
• They emphasize the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive community where staff and students feel safe and valued.
• Deann talks about the importance of celebrating wins and creating a culture of belonging to counteract external noise and fear.
• Both highlight the role of neighborhood schools in providing a sense of safety and community for families and students.

Celebrating Success and Changing Perceptions

• Deann and David discuss the importance of celebrating small successes and moments of joy to counteract negative perceptions of schools.
• They emphasize the need to change the narrative about schools and highlight the positive work being done in La Mesa-Spring Valley.
• Deann encourages thanking educators for their hard work and dedication to students.
• David highlights the importance of positive education being presented in the media to change perceptions and support public schools.

Personal Interests and Passions

• David shares his passion for music and his past experience in a punk band, emphasizing his love for music and attending shows.
• Deann mentions her past experience singing in a talent show and her love for music, though she does not currently sing.
• Both discuss their shared interest in music