Education Day Leadership Bakersfield

Leadership Bakersfield’s Education Day started at the Kern County Superintendent of School’s office where administrators Heather Richter, Cameron Guinn and Greg West discussed the Kern Education Pledge and the Kern Integrated Data System (KiDS). KiDS is an integral part of the Kern Education Pledge and ensures the sharing of student outcome data to assist all stakeholders in making informed decisions about what is best for students, teachers and schools.

The class then visited the C. W. Richardson Child Development Center. The center provides a variety of education and support services for children from birth to 5 years of age. Principal Angelina BeltranHarris kicked off the visit with a tour followed by a parade attended by parents and donors where each class dressed and made props that were Bakersfield themed. This was a real opportunity to see how the community, schools and parents come together to prepare students with special needs.

The class then headed to the Buena Vista Edible School Yard to learn about the Grimm Family Education Foundation (GFEF) and Grow Public Schools (GPS). GFEF President RJ Valentino and GPS CEO Doc Ervin presented on the intricacies of the educational programs they spearhead in our community. After the presentations, it was time to EAT!

The Edible School Yard Kern County educators planned an Iron Chef competition where the class was able to compete with their culinary skills to create a unique flatbread for lunch using ingredients grown in the garden.

Then the class headed to Del Oro High School. Appearing more like a community college, Del Oro is the Kern High School District’s newest campus serving areas of East Bakersfield, Greenfield and Lamont. A tour was provided by Assistant Principal Chris Dutton and students Mia and Jackie. Mia and Jackie were the highlights of this visit as the trio explained their modern approach to day-to-day education.

Exhausted but awed from the warmer temperatures and touring Del Oro’s 58-acre campus, the class finished their day at the Kern Community College District’s Launchpad. Education Advisor, Freddie Rodriguez and Director Anthony Cordova explained that the mission of Launchpad is to assist aspiring entrepreneurs make their ideas and visions become attainable business models. Offering tuition-free workshops, the Launchpad is open to anyone in the community.

Dr. John Mendiburu, Associate Superintendent with the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, closed out the day with a personal and inspiring speech on leadership for educating the future. Inspired by mentors throughout his life from his mother to former Superintendent and consultant Jamie Henderson, Dr. Mendiburu shared experiences that led to his philosophies on leadership. Go slow to go fast to be sure not to leave anyone behind and to get it right.

Contributed by Curt Williams, Kern County Superintendent of Schools

Dylan Wilson, Grimm Family Education Foundation

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