Leadership Lodi goes back to school
As the Lodi Chamber of Commerce continues to work on behalf of Lodi’s economic future, the 2018 Leadership Lodi class is actively learning about the community in a nine-month intensive program. Each month the class will focus on a different aspect of Lodi leadership beginning with April’s focus on education.
This year’s class of 15 began the day with Lodi Unified School District leaders, where they gained insight into the future plans for local schools and the benefits that Measure U funding will provide for upgrading and repairing local campuses.
Many of the 13 school projects are high visibility such as Tokay High’s track and field renovations. Others, such as plans for Needham Elementary, are less visible but will provide vital classroom upgrades for a growing student population. The economic challenges facing Lodi’s community are reflected in the number of Title 1 schools in the school district. Title 1 denotes schools at which more than 75 percent of the population are below the poverty rate, and 24 of the 47 LUSD sites are considered Title 1 sites. The overall district poverty rate is 68 percent.
While the challenges facing LUSD leadership are daunting, the view from the classroom is inspiring. A tour of Lincoln Technical Academy had a distinct college campus feel with adults and high school students in classes together focusing on “Thinking about the next level.”
“Our students are ranking above much larger campuses in certification and training program rates,” instructor Gary Grafius said. With opportunities for direct to career skills in Medical Assistance, Microsoft Certifications, and Computer Networking and Repair, students here are pushed through “rigorous, industryresponsive courses,” and it shows.
McNair High School’s culinary arts program prepared a delicious lunch for the leadership class, at which chef Matt Owens shared details about the program and catering services available.
The day ended with tours of San Joaquin Delta College’s electron microscopy program and University of the Pacific’s campus.
Following the tours, the class turned their focus to their class project. Plans are underway to provide a positive and healthy sensory space for some of the most vulnerable community members and their families. “The Village will provide a range of enriching activities to build practical and physical skills and offer social interaction for intellectually and developmentally disabled members in our community,” director Kathy Piazza said.
Leadership Lodi will be sharing details of their upcoming plans over the next few months and everyone in the community is encouraged to participate in this exciting project.
A benefit dinner has been scheduled for June 22 at Hutchins Street Square and sponsorship opportunities will be available when tickets go on sale this month. Check out “2018 Leadership Lodi” on Facebook for ongoing updates.
The Leadership Lodi program is in its 28th year. Each year various Lodi business people come together as a class to learn about the community in great depth. The class chooses a project to complete for a local nonprofit, helping make the community better. Leadership Lodi is a program of the Lodi District Chamber of Commerce.
For more information call 367-7840, ext. 103, or email