April: Leadership Visalia
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Leadership Visalia Explores Education in the Community
By Selesta Sullivan, Human Resource Business Partner, SinglePoint Outsourcing, Inc.
The Leadership Visalia program recently dedicated a full day to exploring education in the community, gaining insight into the resources, challenges, and initiatives that shape local schools and student success.
The day began at the Visalia Unified School District (VUSD) Family & Community Resources Center, where Family and Community Services Coordinator Vanessa Alvarado provided an overview of the center’s vital role. The center offers a food pantry, clothing closet, and other essential resources to support local families, in addition to overseeing student enrollment.
A highlight of the visit was a tour of the donation center, where Alvarado emphasized the importance of community partnerships in gathering clothing, shoes, and personal hygiene items for families in need. The dedication of staff and volunteers in ensuring these resources are available showcased the center’s commitment to the well-being of students and their families.
The next stop was an Education Finance Panel featuring Nathan Hernandez, Chief Business Officer and Jim Sullivan Administrator of Business Services, at VUSD, who provided an in-depth look at how school funding is structured. They explained that in 2014, the state of California revised its funding model to be based on population, a shift that continues to shape school budgets today. They also discussed financial challenges such as rising pension and benefits costs. Community members interested in learning more about local school funding can find data on the California Data website and through the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP)..
The second panel featured Vanessa Alvarado, Crowley Elementary School Principal Bo Yang, and University Preparatory High School Principal Dr. Helen Million-Feller. Principal Yang shared details about their Special Friends program, which supports TK-2nd grade students in developing social skills. She also highlighted “Coffee with the Principal” sessions, an initiative aimed at fostering communication between parents and their children.
Principal Dr. Helen Million-Feller provided valuable insight into student engagement. She noted that a recent survey revealed many students rarely have family dinners with meaningful conversations, highlighting the need for stronger interpersonal connections. Additionally, students at University Prep participate in job interview practice sessions, helping them prepare for future career opportunities.
Following the panels, the Leadership Team visited the College of the Sequoias (COS) campus, where they enjoyed a delicious lunch at The Grind.
Jessica Morrison, Assistant Superintendent and Vice President of Student Services at COS, led a campus tour, showcasing the Tutorial Center, one of COS’s newest student support facilities. Across the street, the group explored the Giant Marketplace, which provides essential resources for students, including a weekly Farmers Market held every Tuesday in the COS parking lot. Another standout resource was the Giant Threads Store, which offers students access to free professional clothing upon completing certain requirements. This initiative relies heavily on local donations and grant-writing efforts by staff. (*I couldn't find the name of the other contact, so I just replaced both with staff). The day concluded with a visit to the Access and Ability Center, which left a lasting impression talking with Kyle Campbell and Lyndsi Litten. The center provides critical support for students with special abilities, ensuring they have the tools needed to succeed in their academic pursuits.
As an HR professional, it was inspiring to see the vast resources available to students in our community. Leadership Visalia’s Education Day offered an eye-opening experience, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in fostering educational success.
