In 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.

Key Moments

01:39 Dr. Porter’s journey from classroom teacher to district leader

02:28 Why administration was never the plan and how it became the path

04:18 Learning district systems through curriculum and LCAP work

05:38 Creating the Director of Student Services role

06:56 Hiring school-based social workers and building systems from scratch

08:49 Post-COVID student needs and the growing focus on mental health

10:20 Using student voice to shape school culture and supports

11:03 Shifting discipline from punitive responses to root-cause solutions

12:42 In-school intervention as an alternative to suspension

16:38 Building districtwide culture with Capturing Kids’ Hearts

18:40 Attendance challenges after COVID and why presence matters

21:23 Launching a blended alternative school model for diverse learners

25:25 Expanded Learning Opportunities and after-school access

33:17 Funding realities and sustaining student services long-term

40:56 Teacher pipeline challenges and mentoring future leaders

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This 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.
You will also hear innovative ways districts can meet community needs through flexible learning models, expanded-day programming, and attendance strategies that prioritize connection and access. If you lead student services, curriculum, or school operations, you will leave with ideas you can apply right away.

Connect with Dr. Bonny Porter | Director of Student Services, Tehachapi Unified School
District

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonny-porter-ab790755/
Website: https://www.tehachapiusd.com/

Connect with Fran Kenton and Autonome
Fran Kenton
Founder and Creator, Autonome
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-kenton-a0a7969a/

Autonome
Website: https://www.autonome101.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autonome101/

About Autonome
Autonome is the podcast where district leaders share practical, scalable ways to build students’ foundational life skills—wellbeing, identity and purpose, relationships, and executive function—so they can manage life today and be ready for what’s next.

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