In today’s episode, Unlock 360 with Patrick Keeley, host Wendy R. York Davoud sits down with Superintendent Patrick Keeley of Mountain Empire Unified School District in San Diego County, California. Superintendent Keeley shares his journey from classroom teacher to leading the district where he once graduated, reflecting on the lessons learned in rural education and the power of systems thinking to drive lasting change.
From addressing water access and transportation challenges to aligning instruction, social-emotional learning, and community partnerships, Patrick explains how he and his team are transforming small-district limitations into opportunities for growth and innovation. He also describes how Mountain Empire USD developed a Portrait of a Graduate, Portrait of an Adult, and Systems Portrait—and how those guide their new five-year strategic plan.
Key Moments
03:15 Returning Home to Lead
05:38 The Realities of Rural Education in California
09:00 Building Equity Through Systems Design
17:18 From Challenges to Opportunities: Water, Funding, and Access
23:29 The Portrait of a Graduate and the Power of Vision
27:59 Aligning Adults, Systems, and Long-Term Goals
31:25 SEL Wednesdays and Early Literacy Focus
36:20 Collaboration, Capacity, and Rural Leadership
Why You’ll Love This Episode
Superintendent Patrick Keeley gives a grounded, practical look at what systems leadership means in real time. His story shows how one district is aligning people and purpose through clear structures, responsive practices, and community voice.
If you care about equity, clarity, and leading with purpose, this episode will leave you inspired to rethink what’s possible in your own system.
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About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they’re turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead Teach Learn 360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and stories that drive school improvement—one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.
What is Unlock 360?
Each episode unpacks the practices, partnerships, and people behind measurable gains in student outcomes. From building collaborative leadership cultures to designing equity-driven systems, you'll hear what happens when clarity, coherence, and coaching align.
Whether you're a superintendent, campus leader, or classroom educator, Unlock 360 offers fresh insights, practical strategies, and an honest look at what it takes to create lasting impact. New episodes released biweekly.