{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Autonome","title":"Student Wellness, Safety, and Alternative Education Innovation with Dr. Bonny Porter","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3343,"description":"\nIn this episode of Autonome, host Fran Kenton sits down with Dr. Bonny Porter, Director of Student Services at Tehachapi Unified School District. Dr. Porter shares how his 33-year journey from elementary teacher to district leader shaped his commitment to student wellness, safety, and systems that support educators, families, and community needs. Fran and Dr. Porter discuss building coordinated supports like site-based social workers, updating discipline through root-cause approaches, expanding alternative learning options, and strengthening attendance strategies that keep students connected to learning.\n\nKey Moments\n01:39 Dr. Porter’s journey from classroom teacher to district leader\n\n02:28 Why administration was never the plan and how it became the path\n\n04:18 Learning district systems through curriculum and LCAP work\n\n05:38 Creating the Director of Student Services role\n\n06:56 Hiring school-based social workers and building systems from scratch\n\n08:49 Post-COVID student needs and the growing focus on mental health\n\n10:20 Using student voice to shape school culture and supports\n\n11:03 Shifting discipline from punitive responses to root-cause solutions\n\n12:42 In-school intervention as an alternative to suspension\n\n16:38 Building districtwide culture with Capturing Kids’ Hearts\n\n18:40 Attendance challenges after COVID and why presence matters\n\n21:23 Launching a blended alternative school model for diverse learners\n\n25:25 Expanded Learning Opportunities and after-school access\n\n33:17 Funding realities and sustaining student services long-term\n\n40:56 Teacher pipeline challenges and mentoring future leaders\n\nWhy You’ll Love This Episode\nThis episode offers a clear look at how districts can strengthen student wellness and school safety through coordinated supports, positive culture systems, and practical alternatives to exclusionary discipline. Dr. Porter shares grounded examples leaders can adapt to reduce behavior issues, support staff, and keep students learning....","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/seTJ6nScwCspveU8Z82YbH5eLfeDGipVEqgHAPCWjo0/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8wMzBl/YTQ4NzQyYmUzYWIy/MDM2ODk4YmQ5N2Yz/NmU1Mi5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}