Intentionally Investing in VC Children
Bradley Blue, Vice President of Marketing & Brand Management, Logix Federal Credit Union
Is there anything more energizing or hopeful than spending time with someone who absolutely loves what they do?
Among the thousand reasons I’m loving my experience in Ventura County Leadership Academy, one stands out: spending one day each month with leaders across our community who are passionate about what they do, as we learn from other leaders in our community who are just as passionate about what they do.
This past week’s morning session was especially impactful.
Our cohort began the day at Conejo Academy of Leadership & Language Immersion, part of Conejo Valley Unified School District.
We were welcomed by Kenny Loo, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction at Conejo Valley Unified School District, who delivered a humorous and high-energy overview of the district before focusing in on the remarkable work happening at our host school.
He was followed by Erica Ultreras, Principal of CALLI, who gave us a deeper look at what makes the school so unique.
But the highlight of the morning?
The student-led tours.
Students as young as first grade, some for whom English is their second language, confidently guided us through campus, delivering five-minute presentations on classrooms, subject matter, and school culture with a level of professionalism that would impress most adults.
It was inspiring to watch, and I'm certain that neither myself nor anyone in my cohort stopped smiling for the duration of the hourlong tour.
This may have been the most hopeful experience I’ve had in the past year.
I’m grateful for the thoughtful presentations from Dr. Loo, Principal Ultereras and Q&A contributions from educational leaders across the county including these amazing panelists:
- Tiffany Morse, Assistant Superintendent of School & Systems Improvement, Rio School District
- Dr. Tom McCoy, Superintendent, Oxnard Union High School District
- Dr. Lorelle Dawes, Director of Expanded Learning, Ventura Unified School District
- Dr. Kelli Hays, Superintendent, Moorpark Unified School District
- and Karen Sylvester, MBA, Board President, Conejo Valley Unified School District
And I especially want to thank our elementary tour guides: Juliet, Monce, Samantha, Thomas, Penelope, and Janaya. You were outstanding.
As the son of two passionate educators, and the husband of a passionate educator, it is deeply encouraging to see leaders across Ventura County investing so intentionally in children.
As the father of two elementary-aged kids, it is even more encouraging to see that, someday, VCLA Cohort XLI will be filled with just as many leaders as cohort XXXI.
