Leading with Purpose—Reforming Locally Within an Antiquated National Public School System

·54 min·5 clips

Dr. Constantino Costa Aguilar returns to discuss reforming an antiquated public school system from his superintendent role in Riverbank, California.

This episode of Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity features host Jeff Eichler in conversation with Dr. Constantino Costa Aguilar, a superintendent in Riverbank, California. Costa reflects on his career transition from a Spanish teacher to an administrator, motivated by a desire to solve problems in education. The discussion covers his district's efforts in career technical education and dual enrollment programs with local colleges. Costa addresses student disengagement, linking it to cell phone usage and explaining Riverbank's approach to teaching responsibility rather than enforcing strict bans. He highlights mental health issues among students, often stemming from cyberbullying and social interaction challenges. The conversation delves into social-emotional learning, which Costa defends as foundational, comparing it to emotional intelligence for adults. Artificial intelligence is a key topic, with Costa detailing a year-long delay in implementation due to liability concerns and insurance requirements, leading to a cautious pilot program. Costa critiques the K-12 system as antiquated and resistant to change, noting that structural and political barriers prioritize adult needs over student needs. He shares his district's motto, 'one town, one team, one dream,' aimed at unifying the community. Costa also discusses hiring practices, emphasizing the importance of educators who love children, and shares personal objects in his office that reflect his values and background. The episode concludes with Costa's core leadership values: nurture, serve, empathize, and lead.

As heard by us

A candid, locally grounded case for rethinking what schools are meant to do.

School reform becomes a local leadership test in Jeff Eichler's conversation with Dr. Constantino Costa Aguilar, now in his third year as superintendent of schools in Riverbank, California.

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Why you'd press play

Want a local route into school change? Hear Riverbank superintendent Costa Aguilar think aloud about why K-12 has to better fit the future students are heading into.

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