Season 4, Episode 2 | Superintendents, Scott Goergens, Lakeside Union School District, and Brian Thurman, Ramona Unified School District

Welcome to Season 4, Episode 2 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 discussions with Scott Goergens and Brian Thurman, superintendents from Lakeside Union and Ramona Unified School Districts, respectively. They highlighted the importance of CTE programs, particularly in agricultural districts, and the positive impact on student engagement and career readiness. Both districts emphasized community support, with examples like local businesses and organizations contributing significantly. Mental health initiatives, such as wellness centers and mindfulness programs, were also discussed. The conversation underscored the need for consistent focus on student needs and the role of community connections in enhancing educational outcomes.

Guest Introductions and Initial Greetings

• Drew Schlosberg, introduces himself and the show, highlighting the involvement of various organizations.
• Guests Scott Goergens (Lakeside Union School District) and Dr. Brian Thurman (Ramona Unified School District) are introduced.
• Dr. Leighangela Brady, co-host and superintendent of National School District, is also introduced.
• The guests express positive sentiments about the start of the school year and their roles.

Scott Goergens' Background and Role at Lakeside

• Scott shares his history with Lakeside, mentioning his previous role as a principal and his return after a brief absence.
• He reminisces about working with Dr. Rhonda Taylor and other colleagues.
• Scott discusses the dynamic nature of his role and the continuous improvement required in education.
• He highlights the importance of CTE programs and the various opportunities they provide for students.

Brian Thurman's Experience at Ramona and CTE Programs

• Brian shares his experience at Ramona, mentioning his fourth year in the role and the dynamic nature of the position.
• He discusses the importance of CTE programs, particularly in an agricultural district, and the real-world experiences they offer.
• Brian mentions specific CTE pathways at Ramona, including ag welding, wood shop, and small engines courses.
• He highlights the competitive nature of these programs and the opportunities they provide for students.

Challenges and Opportunities in CTE Programs

• Scott and Brian discuss the challenges of integrating CTE programs into middle school curricula.
• They emphasize the importance of exposing students to various career paths at an early age.
• The conversation touches on the need for business connections and community support to sustain these programs.
• Scott shares an example of a local company expressing interest in hiring eighth graders based on their project work.

Community Support and Business Connections

• Scott and Brian discuss the importance of community support and business connections in their districts.
• They share examples of how local businesses and community members have supported their schools.
• The conversation highlights the benefits of having invested community members who are willing to partner with schools.
• Scott mentions the role of the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce in fostering these connections.

Impact of CTE Programs on Students and Community

• Brian discusses the impact of CTE programs on students, including increased motivation and improved academic performance.
• He shares examples of students who have been positively influenced by CTE programs and have gone on to pursue successful careers.
• The conversation touches on the importance of connecting CTE programs with other subject areas to provide a comprehensive education.
• Brian mentions a signing event similar to a sports signing for construction pathway students.

Mental Health and Student Support

• The conversation shifts to the topic of mental health and the challenges students face.
• Brian shares recent incidents of gun violence in his community and the impact on mental health.
• He discusses the implementation of a wellness grant and plans for a wellness center to support students' social, emotional, and mental needs.
• Scott mentions the importance of self-care for educators and the role of programs like VEBA in providing support.

Purpose and Mental Health Connection

• Leighangela Brady asks about the connection between purpose and mental health through CTE programs.
• Brian shares examples of students who have found purpose and improved their mental health through CTE programs.
• The conversation highlights the importance of providing students with meaningful and engaging educational experiences.