High School Leadership at Breakfast in the Renegade Room

On Thursday, April 18, 2013, more than 25 educational institutions were represented at the first ever Renegade Round Up.

Seventy local high school principals, assistant principals, and guidance counselors were invited to breakfast with me and key BC personnel that began with a question:  How can Bakersfield College better serve you?

Our signature event was a 5-minute presentation made by a transfer student Jose Gurrola who came to BC from Arvin High School. We have posted the video on our YouTube site to share with you.

Here are just a few of the comments gleaned from the session evaluations:

• This was a great opportunity to collaborate with other high schools as well as BC staff.  This was superb!!  Thank you for soliciting our ideas for improvements and listening to our needs.
• This was a great start in exploring partnerships and looking at innovative ways to meet the needs of BC & HS students.  Exploring and having frank discussions on obstacles is great.  Use data, share data.
• It would be nice if BC would take the lead in seeking out dual enrollment offerings in the KHSD.  Many schools are willing to begin this partnership, but do not know how to get started.  This event was fantastic!
• Thank you for providing an opportunity to meet the new President and to dialogue.
• This was primarily a one-way flow of information from us to BC on what BC can do better.  What can WE as HS educators do to better prepare our students for success @ BC?
• I appreciate the time spent on organizing this event.  It was great to listen to what BC has coming down the pike, and being able to share our concerns from a high school standpoint.

The atmosphere in the room was high energy and fast paced, fueled by a terrific breakfast prepared and served by Bakersfield College Culinary Arts students.

One hundred percent of the participants answered “Yes” when asked if this event should be repeated!  More information will be available in weeks to come regarding some of the ideas that were generated for improving the registration process, assessments,  and creating an atmosphere of engagement for our newest enrollees.

A special shout out to all the members of the planning group that made this happen.  A special thanks to Debbie Spohn for coordinating the logistics.  And mostly a huge thanks to the fabulous Leah Carter who carried the bulk of the work on her shoulders.

This was the first event of its kind and based on the enthusiastic endorsement by the attendees, it certainly won’t be the last.