Beyond the classroom: Oxnard Leadership tours local schools for Education Day

Oxnard Leadership Program's 10th cohort went back to school for Education Day to understand how local schools create learning environments for students and prepare them for the future. They met with local educators and decision-makers, and toured Rio Del Sol K-8 STEAM School, Rio Mesa High School, and Oxnard College. The session was coordinated by Teo Lopez, who graduated from the Oxnard Leadership Program in 2022. He is Coordinator of Web & Multimedia for Oxnard Union High School District (OUHSD) and Chair of the Oxnard Leadership Program Advisory Committee.

​The day began in the boardroom at Oxnard Union High School District’s (OUHSD) headquarters where a panel of educators - Superintendent Dr. Tom McCoy (OUHSD ), Principal Eric Saavedra (Oxnard Adult School), and Chancellor Dr. Rick MacLennan (Ventura County Community College District) - discussed education hot topics including equity and access, impacts of immigration enforcement, and the role of AI.

From there, the  group traveled via yellow school bus to Rio Del Sol K-8 STEAM School, part of the Rio School District.  Principal Dr.  Ryan Emery led a tour of the forward-thinking learning facility that incorporates different types of collaborative learning spaces, including classrooms, maker spaces, and the outdoors. The 2026 cohort got to walk through the school's College & Career Day that featured booths and activities from local schools and businesses to encourage students to think about their futures.

Rio Mesa High School was the next stop where Leadership '26 toured the school's Career Technical Education programs, including Automotive, Baking & Pastry, Building & Construction, and Pre-Hospital Care. ​This is a highlight every year since most cohort members are blown away by how much high school electives have changed since they graduated! Moreover, they get to interact students and ask about what they're learning and what their career plans might be. 

The final stop was Oxnard College with a tour of campus that included a visit to the McNish Gallery highlighting the school's Art Program and incredible work created by students. ​

Members of the 2026 cohort walked away with a profound appreciation for the dedication of local educators and the innovation driving today's classrooms. Witnessing firsthand how local schools seamlessly bridge the gap between rigorous academic instruction and practical career readiness empowers these community leaders to better support and advocate for future generations. Ultimately, this immersive Education Day experience reinforces the vital connection between thriving local schools and a robust, collaborative local economy, inspiring the cohort to champion educational initiatives in their communities.