Our Superintendent

After years of pandemic disruptions, our schools are returning to the vibrant, inspiring places they were always meant to be. At our recent back-to-school staff meeting, the energy was undeniable. Staff members arrived wearing school colors, shouting school slogans, and celebrating together—the Lower Lake High School band director even brought a drum! This renewed enthusiasm reminds us why schools are such wonderful places to work and learn.

We recognize that educators aren't just teachers—they're people with their own emotional needs. Just like students, staff members have good days and challenging days. This year, we're encouraging our team to be mindful of their own energy levels and attitudes, knowing that when adults take care of themselves, they can better take care of students. We're also paying special attention to cues about students' physical and emotional well-being, ensuring every child gets the support they need.

Since I arrived at Konocti Unified, we’ve been on a mission to use the resources at hand to help our students thrive. Our motto has been: We’re getting better at getting better. This year we continue that journey and I’m so pleased to report that we’re seeing some of our work during the past few years start to take hold, both within the district and in the community. Internally, we have the right staff members in the right positions and we’re learning how to work together in new ways. Externally, we’re building partnerships with community organizations to provide students and their families with more support.

Two of the partnerships I’m most excited about are the Blue Zones Project Lake County and the City of Clearlake’s new recreation and events division.

The Blue Zones Project is tied into a worldwide movement to create communities where it is easier to be healthy, from creating walkable cities to making healthy food easier to find and more affordable. You can learn more by visiting lc.bluezonesproject.com.

At the City of Clearlake, big things are happening. In partnership with Konocti Unified, the City is building a sports center where both KUSD students and other community members will be able to play sports. The City is also creating programs to provide kids with afterschool activities, weekend camps, and spring break camps. Providing children with safe places to have fun and learn new things helps them keep moving in a positive direction.

Another way we partner with community organizations is through the individual volunteer work of many of our Konocti Unified staff members, people who serve on non-profit boards or coach youth sports or help out in their faith community or at the charity of their choice.

We know our community has experienced a lot of trauma. Many of our students face incredibly difficult challenges. We also know that by working together, schools, families, and community partners can help students gain the skills they need to build happy, healthy lives. By using trauma-informed practices in our schools and dealing with the world as it is (rather than as we might wish it to be), educators can give students the tools they need to manage their emotions, take care of their bodies, and expand their minds.

At Konocti Unified, we believe in teaching students how to grow and develop into their potential. Truly, the sky’s the limit.

We know our community has faced significant challenges and trauma. Many of our students navigate incredibly difficult circumstances. That's why we use trauma-informed practices in our schools—we deal with the world as it is, not as we wish it to be. By working together, schools, families, and community partners can give students the tools they need to manage their emotions, care for their bodies, and expand their minds.

At Konocti Unified, we believe in teaching students how to grow into their full potential. Truly, the sky's the limit.