David Feliciano, Superintendent of La Mesa-Spring Valley School District, shares invaluable insights about educational leadership. David talks about managing a diverse school district, undertaking initiatives to support student mental health and community engagement, and his unique journey from IT professional to superintendent. This conversation delves into the heart of school district leadership, emphasizing the importance of trust, authentic communication, and strategic thinking.

Key Takeaways:

Holistic Student Support: La Mesa-Spring Valley School District focuses on mental health and community support through substantial grants, aiming to provide comprehensive care for students and their families.
Leadership Authenticity: David emphasizes authenticity, vulnerability, and trust as core principles in leadership, aligning with Patrick Lencioni’s framework on organizational health.
Collaborative Bargaining: A transformative approach to union interactions, featuring interest-based bargaining, has significantly improved relationships and trust between district administration and staff unions.
Diverse Leadership Paths: David’s journey from IT to superintendent highlights the value of diverse professional experiences and the importance of stepping into leadership roles even when they seem nontraditional.
Mission-Driven Culture: Emphasizing a collective mission, David’s leadership fosters an environment where every team member is driven by a shared purpose, striving to improve the educational experience for students.

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