3. Mission, Vision, and Values at SAUSD: Working Together to Define the Future

Santa Ana Unified School District has taken a revolutionary approach to their foundational work by making family and community engagement central to developing their core values, vision, and mission. This powerful conversation brings together Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Program Coordinator Elisa Briceño-Sandoval and dedicated parent committee member Maribel Texta to reveal the transformative journey of collaborative leadership.

Values aren't just words on paper - they're the driving force behind every decision and action within a school community. Elisa eloquently explains how principles like faith, integrity, family, and love guide both personal conduct and professional leadership. Meanwhile, Maribel shares how her commitment to inclusive equity, empathy, and engagement has shaped her advocacy for her children and all students within the district. Their perspectives illuminate how personal values intertwine with institutional mission to create educational environments where everyone can thrive.

The true innovation in Santa Ana's approach lies in their deliberate inclusion of diverse voices throughout the process. By bringing together families, students, staff, and administrators, the district ensured their guiding principles authentically reflected community needs and aspirations. Maribel's firsthand account of committee participation reveals effective strategies for meaningful parent engagement: offering translation services, creating welcoming atmospheres, practicing genuine empathy, and valuing diverse perspectives regardless of background or language. Her practical advice for other parents who want to make their voices heard provides a roadmap for increased family involvement across all schools.

Subscribe to Better Together to explore more conversations about family engagement, collaborative leadership, and how schools and communities can work together to create exceptional educational experiences for every student. What core values guide your approach to education and community?

Visit us at our Buzzsprout site below for more ways to listen, links to our social media sites and any referenced materials, and complete transcripts of our full-length episodes.

Visítenos en nuestro sitio Buzzsprout a continuación para conocer más formas de escuchar, enlaces a nuestros sitios de redes sociales y cualquier material de referencia, y transcripciones completas de nuestros episodios completos.

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Transcript

Welcome and Introduction to Guests

Lisa Gonzales-Solomon 0:09

Welcome to the Better Together podcast , where we will explore the heart of family and community engagement in the Santa Ana Unified School District . I am your host , lisa González-Solomón . Today we are honored to speak with family liaison program coordinator Elisa Briceño-Sandoval and Maribel Texta , a dedicated mother and member of the committee that helps us help establish our vision , mission and values of the district . We will explore their journey in creating our core values , vision and mission , which are the foundation of our district's work . Good morning ,

Elisa Briseño-Sandoval 0:43

Hello , . morning Lisa , and good morning Maribel . My name is Elisa Briceño and I am the Family and Community Liaison Coordinator , as you mentioned , and we are very happy to come here to share a little bit about the experience we had with our families in terms of developing the mission , vision and values of the district , and we are also very excited for the future of our students and everything that this work we have done together will mean .

Lisa Gonzales-Solomon 1:09

Thank you . Good morning Maribel .

Maribel Texta 1:11

Good morning Ms Lisa . I'm very , very excited . I'm very happy to be here . Thank you for having me . Thank you for giving me this opportunity to participate and to be able to express myself and to be able to say how wonderful this mission , vision and values committee has been . Thank you so much for having me again .

Lisa Gonzales-Solomon 1:31

And now we'll start with the first question . Elisa , to begin our conversation , could you share your perspective on what core values mean for our lives and in the context of leadership within our district ? Why are these core values so important in the work we do ?

Elisa Briseño-Sandoval 1:44

leadership

Core Values in Leadership and Life

Elisa Briseño-Sandoval 1:45

within our district . Why are these core values so important in the work we do ? That's a very good question , lisa . In reality , values are extremely important . Values are the principles and beliefs that guide our behavior , shape our decisions and define what we consider meaningful in life . For example , my values are faith I find a lot of strength through my religious beliefs .

Elisa Briseño-Sandoval 2:06

Integrity for me , it is extremely important to act honestly and ethically in all situations . Family for me , my family is extremely important . And also having those relationships and connections with my family and creating for everyone other senses of belonging in all environments , including at work . And ultimately , love showing love is extremely important to me is creating those effective and meaningful connections with others . The values in our school district are essential because they serve as the foundation for decision making , creating a positive culture and ensuring the success of our students , families and staff . Values shape the mission and vision of our district . That guides us in making those decisions that are aligned with our commitment to student achievement and well-being . Values are core to our leadership team as they provide a strong foundation for making those decisions , inspire confidence and promote a unified vision , foster team cohesion , guide responses to challenges and ensure long-term success for our entire district and our students .

Lisa Gonzales-Solomon 3:15

Thank you very much , Elisa . Maribel , we have talked a little about the importance of fundamental values . Could you share your own personal two or three main ones ? How do these values influence your decision-making in your life and on a day-to-day basis

Personal Values and Decision-Making

Lisa Gonzales-Solomon 3:30

?

Maribel Texta 3:31

Yes , of course , ms Solomon . My top three core values for improving my children's education , and perhaps that of other students within our school community , are inclusive equity , empathy and engagement . Inclusive equity has influenced my decision-making in my life and on a day-to-day basis . When a school district or a school offers me an inclusive environment , regardless of my origin , ethnicity , disability , profession or economic situation , offering me opportunities in programs that provide physical , mental , academic support—then they will awaken in me the value of belonging and I will be able to make the decision that my children attend that educational campus because I know that they will be offering a fair education for all .

Maribel Texta 4:19

The value of commitment influenced my decisions when I took the initiative to contribute and actively participate in my children's education , providing them with learning opportunities and becoming persistent in the face of adversity , as each of us has different values and missions . But regardless of what our mission or life direction is , we are committed to guiding our children towards good citizenship and why not ? Towards excellence . The value of empathy influenced my decisions . When I show empathy and compassion , I can perceive , understand , value emotions , as they play a very important role in our daily lives . They can help us grow or stagnate our growth . They can impede the achievement of our goals . That is where empathy is important . We have to be compassionate , start practicing empathy and mutual respect .

Lisa Gonzales-Solomon 5:16

Thank you . How amazing you can see that core values are the foundation of everything they do . Elisa , it was very important for the district to involve parents and many people in the process of developing the core values , vision and mission and graduate profile . Who was included in this important work and why and what opportunities did they have to share the work ?

Community Involvement in District Vision

Elisa Briseño-Sandoval 5:38

Including families , students , staff and administrators in creating our district's mission , vision and values was essential because we wanted to ensure we were effectively meeting the needs of our students . We view our families , students , staff and administrators as key partners in our students' education and well-being . This collaborative approach fosters a shared vision among all our partners , promoting the long-term success of our students . Families bring invaluable perspectives as students' first teachers , offering insight into their strengths , challenges and areas of growth , provide crucial inputs on how to create school environments that support their success and learning , while our staff and administrators contribute their expertise in the education system to identify opportunities that help students thrive . In addition , incorporating the perspectives of all our partners ensures that the mission , vision and values are inclusive and reflective of our community . This promotes equity by addressing the unique needs of all groups . This process also fosters innovation by integrating diverse ideas and ensuring that the ultimate values , vision and mission are aligned with the priorities and expectations of our community , generating greater relevance and long-term impact for our students .

Lisa Gonzales-Solomon 7:06

It is clear that they included many people in this process . Maribel , you were part of this district committee focused on developing values . Could you talk about your experience on this committee ? How were you involved in the process and what did you learn during your participation ?

Maribel Texta 7:22

Of course , ms Solomon . My experience on the committee that focused on developing the values was definitely teamwork . That focused on developing the values was definitely teamwork , as we shared ideas with people with different leadership roles students , principals , teachers , community leaders and people from the Santa Ana Unified School District , where the value of empathy was highlighted . And I was involved when I was given the opportunity to give my opinion , my ideas , my participation in my native language , spanish . That motivated me to continue participating . The connection that was achieved and that we formed teams in a way was extraordinary . Everyone was equally enthusiastic about contributing the ideas , as they gave us the opportunity to hear our voices . During my participation , I learned that we cannot judge human beings by their race , color , language , disability or identity . Each person , during their life development , experiences changes in their physical , mental , emotional state . That makes us competent in daily life .

Lisa Gonzales-Solomon 8:26

Maribel , how did the committee ensure that parent and community voices were heard and incorporated into the district's vision , mission and values ? What strategies were used to facilitate meaningful collaboration ?

Parent Voice in Committee Work

Maribel Texta 8:40

The committee made sure that the voices of parents and students were heard by making a cordial invitation to people committed to student development and growth , giving us a cordial welcome , offering us a pleasant atmosphere and transmitting the value of belonging and empathy , offering translation and the collaboration of a professional team going out to do work in the field in schools to complete development and values , regardless of language , race , entity , development and values regardless of language , race , entity , profession , disability . They heard the voices of people who represent the Santa Ana School District community , people who share a shared interest , self-improvement and student success , and the strategy they used to facilitate meaningful collaboration was definitely teamwork with students , principals , teachers , leaders and community partners . They heard the voices in different languages , offer translation , share ideas , set priorities and respect for opinion and practice . Empathy .

Lisa Gonzales-Solomon 9:44

Thank you very much , maribel . I think all of our work in the district should be based on those things , to include the voices of many people . Elisa , do you think that identifying personal values is a necessary step before defining the values of an organization ? How does aligning personal values with the district's mission and vision contribute to a cohesive and effective educational environment ?

Elisa Briseño-Sandoval 10:08

It is also extremely important to align our personal values with those of the school district , and it is important because it actually fosters a sense of purpose , unity and fulfillment of our role , Having personal beliefs for us .

Elisa Briseño-Sandoval 10:22

When personal beliefs align with the mission and vision of the district , I am more committed to our district's goals and contribute more meaningfully to its success . When my work is aligned with my personal values , it increases my job satisfaction , motivation and sense of purpose , making my contributions more impactful . This alignment ensures that my decisions and also my actions as a staff member consistently support the district's goals by creating a connected experience for students and families . Also , a shared vision strengthens the work in the team with my colleagues , since we all work towards common goals with shared values as a basis . When we all share personal values with the district's mission and values , it helps create a consistent and supportive environment that promotes sustainable growth and

Making Contributions as Parents

Elisa Briseño-Sandoval 11:15

student achievement . This alignment of personal values with the district's mission and vision not only helps me excel personally in my role as family and community liaison coordinator , but also contributes to our district's mission to create meaningful and lasting change for our students and our community .

Lisa Gonzales-Solomon 11:34

It can be clearly seen that core values are very important for individuals as well as for organizations . Maribel , what advice will you give to other parents who want to be involved in shaping the core values , mission or work of the school or district ? How can they make their voices heard and contribute effectively ?

Maribel Texta 11:53

The advice I would give is to get involved in your children's education through school and district committees , elac , dilac , dac , school Board , lcap Boards . Volunteer in your school communities . Be part of a parent-teacher organization or association PTO , pta . Look for programs that meet your children's academic development and growth according to their needs the beginning of a structured education at an early age . Have one or more updated means of communication to receive calls , messages . Stay informed about school activities on any information platform .

Maribel Texta 12:45

Thank you the school counselor if necessary , as emotions play a huge role in our lives . Review the manual and roles and responsibilities of parents and students , but , above all , instill values at home . We , as parents , can make our voices heard , committing ourselves to the education of our children , asking with respect to any situation or personal concern , being empathetic when connecting with other people . Seek resources and help by visiting wellness centers . Ask for interpretation if needed . Keep their phone numbers and emergency contacts up to date . Look up information on the different information platforms offered by the district and schools , as well as attend parent meetings and workshops in their schools and in the district . One way to make our voice heard is by being present in our children's education .

Lisa Gonzales-Solomon 13:37

What excellent advice , maribel , that you have given to all of us us and parents too . Before wrapping up , elisa and Maribel , could you amplify the message or lesson of an educator or leader who has had a significant impact on your journey ? What is the resonant message you would like to share with our listeners and us , and how has it shaped your approach to leadership and engagement ? Elisa ?

Impactful Educators and Final Reflections

Elisa Briseño-Sandoval 14:04

to leadership and engagement . Elisa , For me it is always my mom and dad . I was always taught to have pride in my culture and to have a sense of belonging . This has allowed me to feel more confident in myself , especially in situations where I was the minority or situations where there was no representation of my experiences or way of thinking . My parents also taught me my values faith , family , integrity and love and these values are what keep me strong and focused on my life goals in my sense of purpose . And lately , my mom and dad taught me to always work for my dreams , put in the effort and not give up . I am the woman who is fighting , resilient , hardworking , loving and who seeks to Thanks a lot , Mary Bell yes , Ms Solomon .

Maribel Texta 14:52

I'm going to talk about three leading educators who cover the three values important to me within my children's education . A few years ago , mrs Maricela Roque invited me to participate in the education of my children and I saw in her the value of commitment . I think she saw the passion I have for community work . She was an example and motivation for me to fight in the face of adversity in a very difficult stage of my life . Today I strive to model the importance that comes with the value of commitment in my children's education . A few years ago I was invited to participate in the different school committees of the district here in Santa Ana and I had the pleasure of meeting the superintendent , mr Jerry Almendarez , and I saw in him a very important value for our school communities the value of inclusive equity . I saw the effort he makes to provide us with an inclusive environment within our community . His effort has been significant and visible to people who have worked and collaborated with him . Thank you , superintendent Jerry Almendares , for bringing this important and much needed value to our school communities .

Maribel Texta 16:02

A few years ago , at a district meeting , I was invited to sit next to her , transmitting confidence to me . I perceived a value of belonging , but her empathy stood out in her person , I realized that she was an extraordinary educator . This is you , ms Lisa Solomon . You are able to achieve , perceive , understand and value emotions . Let's remember that they play a very important role in our daily lives . You motivate us to keep going With our goals in an exemplary way . She makes us feel that we are part of this community and that we belong to it . This is the importance of the value of empathy in our lives .

Maribel Texta 16:43

The resonant message I would like to share , and how it shapes my life towards leadership and commitment , is that we strive to be our own life inspiration . May the circumstances and experiences we live at each stage of our lives strengthen us day after day Because , at the end of the day , the goals , the achievements that fill us with satisfaction are personal . No one but yourself will be able to feel the effort , the tiredness , the time and the dedication towards our goal . We have to believe in ourselves , encourage and inspire ourselves to have self-love , make the most of our time and contribute a grain of sand in every space we visit . I know it's a difficult process and it's often long , but being able to be your own inspiration is an extraordinary achievement . And finally , remember that the mission projects us into the present , the vision projects us into the future and the values strengthen us in society . Thank you , ms .

Lisa Gonzales-Solomon 17:42

Solomon . Thank you , elisa and Maribel . You are an inspiration to me . I am grateful for sharing their stories , reflections and learnings with us and the entire community today . It is inspiring to hear how core values not only guide our district but also transform the way we collaborate and serve our community . We have learned how important these personal values are that intertwine with those of the district to create a shared vision that empowers our students , families and community . We have also heard the importance of giving space to everyone's voices , especially parents , students and community members , to build an inclusive and collaborative environment For our listeners . We invite you to reflect on your own core values and how you can contribute to the success of our schools . Let's remember that together , as parents , educators and leaders , we can create a future full of possibilities for our students . Thank you for joining us for this episode of Better Together . Let's continue to build a stronger , committed district , one step at a time , until next time , and it's always better together .