Student voices took center stage Thursday morning as the Bakersfield City School District (BCSD) brought together community leaders, local businesses, and educators for its annual Community Partners in Education (CPIE) event. This year’s gathering emphasized the collaboration between schools and the community to help set Bakersfield’s students up for success. The event shined a spotlight on BCSD’s achievements, ongoing initiatives, and goals for the future.
BCSD Superintendent Mark Luque highlighted BCSD’s Portrait of a Graduate program, which focuses on academic growth alongside life skill development. The program teaches students six core competencies: Communicator, Collaborator, Creator, Critical Thinker, Resilient Learner, and Problem Solver. As Luque explained, this approach prepares students for their futures in the real world, whether college, a career, or another path.
“Build life skills so that when our kids get through high school, they have a voice and choice in their journey,” he said.
A key feature of the event was a panel of students from various schools across the district who shared their personal experiences and future aspirations. One student, eighth grader Luna Torres, shared her dream of becoming a lawyer, while others spoke of ambitions ranging from authorship to sports. Each student reflected on how their schools had supported them, helping to develop academic and life skills.
“BCSD has helped me by getting me the best teachers they can,” Torres said. “They really did prepare me for learning. They encouraged me to read a lot. They encouraged me to do a lot of things.”
Community leaders, local businesses, and educators gather for BCSD’s annual Community Partners in Education (CPIE) event on Oct. 3.
Luna Torres, eighth grade (left) and Zoe Phillips, seventh grade (right) discuss their aspirations for the future.
Mixed elementary and middle school mariachi band.
The final question Luque posed to the student panel was one really close to his heart: What would you say to anyone who doesn’t believe that you can succeed?
“Give me a chance. Give us a chance, because we have great ideas to share,” said seventh grader Zoe Phillips. “Regardless of what you believe, we will achieve great things, and we will do what it takes to make this district a better place.”
The event’s first half included breakfast, speakers, a student mariachi band performance, and the student-led panel. Afterward, attendees had the chance to visit school sites and witness BCSD’s educational initiatives in action. Participants broke into groups to tour several different schools across the district.
Harris Elementary showcased its dual immersion program, where students learn in both English and Spanish. Principal Melissa Capilla emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, regardless of their backgrounds.
“When they’re here, they need to feel safe and loved,” she said. “That’s going to ultimately have a great impact as they move on in their lives.”
Representatives from the Bakersfield Fire Department visited Harris Elementary to see how the school is incorporating the Portrait of a Graduate program and authentic learning into the curriculum. The department expressed the desire to get even more involved in school engagement and events.
“We spoke to them about what they can do for us as community partners,” Capilla explained. “They can come and talk to our students, which I think is really important.”
Firefighters visit Harris Elementary School.
The CPIE event highlighted the crucial role that community partners play in BCSD’s success. Luque expressed gratitude for the businesses and organizations that have continuously supported the district’s mission. From sponsorships to volunteer efforts, this partnership creates stronger ties between schools and the wider Bakersfield community.
“This [event] is fully funded by our community partners, all sponsorships. We couldn’t do it without them,” Luque said.
With representation from school leaders, local government, businesses, and other organizations, the event stressed a community-wide commitment to education. Research has shown that schools with strong community engagement see better outcomes for students, including higher attendance and improved academic performance.
Luque’s message is clear: BCSD students are capable of achieving great things when given the right support.
“I want our community to know that our kids can be whatever they aspire to be, but like every other kid, they just need a little bit of help and support,” he said. “Invest in our kids, and just watch what amazing things they can do in life.”
Student panelists and their families pose for photos after the CPIE breakfast.
By Katie Avery
Katie Avery joined the Kern County Superintendent of Schools in 2023 as a Communications Specialist. As a former journalist and marketing professional, her passions include media and storytelling. Before joining KCSOS, Avery worked for various local TV stations as well as the health care industry.