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. Chapters: 0:00 Diverse Communities and Leadership in La Mesa-Spring Valley School District 4:54 Pandemic-Inspired Grants Transform Mental Health and Community Support in Schools 11:33 Transforming School Districts Through Authentic Leadership and Collaboration 19:25 From IT Technician to Superintendent: David Feliciano's Unlikely Journey 22:50 Transitioning from IT Specialist to School District Tech Leader 28:49 Leadership Lessons in Education: Humility, Hunger, and People Smarts 35:17 Connecting with David Feliciano on Education Leadership Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with David: La Mesa Spring Valley School District Website & IG: @DavidIfeliciano Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda  Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future. Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: k12.engagerocket.net