Season 3, Episode 9 | Ilsa Garza-Gonzalez, Superintendent, Fallbrook Union High School District

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 9 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 Ilsa Garza-Gonzalez, the Superintendent of Fallbrook Union High School District. 


Introduction of Ilsa Garza-Gonzalez

• Ilsa discusses her six-year tenure at Fallbrook Union High School District and her previous 21-year experience in Riverside County.
• The District is described as small, with under 2000 students and three high schools: a comprehensive high school, a continuation high school, and an independent studies high school.
• Ilsa mentions the challenges of getting bonds passed and the impact of declining enrollment on the District's budget.

Challenges and Strategies in Small Districts

• Ilsa explains the difficulty of getting bonds passed, mentioning a failed bond attempt in November.
• She discusses the misconception that schools are printing money and the impact of declining enrollment on the District's budget.
• Ilsa highlights the lack of a dedicated communications department and the importance of community engagement and storytelling.
• The conversation shifts to the importance of Career and College Readiness (CCR) and how the District prepares students for various career paths, including the military.

Military and Community Engagement

• Ilsa describes the District's relationship with the military community at Camp Pendleton and the importance of supporting military families.
• She shares an example of a student who completed early graduation to avoid repeating courses due to a military move.
• The District's small size is seen as an advantage for military families, as it allows students to make connections more easily.
• Ilsa mentions the District's involvement in the Purple Star District program and the support from Joseph Clevenger, the previous Superintendent.

Nutrition Services and Career Pathways

• Ilsa discusses the District's new business pathway at Ivy High School, which includes a greenhouse and partnerships with local growers.
• The nutrition services program is highlighted for its fresh, homemade meals and efforts to address food insecurity.
• The program includes a variety of ethnic foods and a yogurt and overnight oats bar for breakfast.
• Ilsa emphasizes the importance of teaching technical skills through career pathways to prepare students for various careers.

Adult Transition Program and Community Partnerships

• Ilsa describes the District's adult transition program for students with special needs, which teaches life skills for independence.
• The new adult transition classroom, built with previous bond funds, is highlighted as a significant achievement.
• The District collaborates with community health systems, Rotary, and other nonprofits to provide students with internship and community service opportunities.
• Ilsa mentions the importance of local businesses and organizations in supporting the District's programs and initiatives.

Supe Tank and Student Programs

• Ilsa shares her experience presenting at Supe Tank, a program similar to Shark Tank but for Superintendents, and its impact on securing resources for the district.
• She discusses the success of the Spa Day program, which aims to strengthen positive attitudes and discover personal potential in students.
• The program includes a panel of accomplished women from various fields and has received support from local organizations.
• Ilsa highlights the importance of exposing students to real-world work experiences and the positive feedback from parents and students.

Personal Interests and Final Though