Folsom Cordova Unified School District and Rancho Cordova Chamber representatives attended the monthly luncheon. From left are Angela Griffin Ankhelyi, Shelly Blanchard, Erik Swanson, David Reid, Jennifer Laret and Martha Campos. Photo by Ornella Rossi

 

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Folsom Cordova Unified School District Superintendent Erik Swanson was the keynote speaker at the Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce and Cordova Community Council’s monthly luncheon on Nov. 15. Swanson, who began his role in July 2024, shared his vision for the district and the importance of educational excellence, equity, and community support.

James Robinson, senior vice president at Kaiser Permanente, introduced Swanson, emphasizing his extensive background in educational leadership.

“He brings a wealth and depth of knowledge in academic, social, and emotional programs. He is committed to empowering all students to thrive through educational excellence and fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments in which every student feels seen and safe,” Robinson said.

Swanson stressed the importance of preparing students for the future by ensuring they graduate with a strong sense of agency and self-efficacy. Swanson also introduced the concept of “radical kinship,” which involves working side by side and caring for others in a way that extends beyond traditional notions of love, a core value that guides his leadership. He shared his philosophy of being a “warm demander,” setting high expectations while providing the support necessary for students and staff to succeed.

“This isn’t a job; it’s so much more than that,” Swanson told the audience. “In my 25 years in education, my role as a leader is to support a school experience where each student and each staff member feels seen, safe, connected and included in their school experience and workplace.”

With a district serving more than 22,000 students, Swanson highlighted the diversity within Folsom Cordova Unified as one of its greatest strengths. In his first 100 days as superintendent, Swanson visited all the district's schools and auxiliary sites, meeting with staff and engaging with the community.

“What I learned is that we truly care for our students, for each other and for the work we’re committed to,” Swanson said. “Our team has worked diligently to ensure our schools are set up for success. But we still have room to grow. There are students who are behind in English and math, and some who don’t feel connected to their school experience.”

Swanson also addressed bond Measures R and S, which were on the ballot this year and will fund the renovation of schools in Rancho Cordova.

“I don’t want to speak too soon but I feel good about the results on the passage of the bonds,” Swanson said. “This community deserves it; our students deserve it. Thank you to our voters.”

Another major initiative Swanson mentioned at the luncheon is the Rancho Reads program, which aims to improve literacy rates among students, particularly those from low-income families.

“There are many students in our district living in poverty, and we want to make sure that talent is ubiquitous,” he said. “All of our students come to us with gifts but opportunity is not equally distributed.”

The program is a collaboration with the City of Rancho Cordova and the Sacramento County Office of Education aimed at bridging the gap so that students don’t start out behind. One of its key components is providing free books to children every month until they are five years old through a partnership with the Dolly Parton Foundation. Swanson also highlighted the importance of community involvement with the return of community readers.

“It’s an opportunity for a solution,” Swanson said. “We’re focused on reading because it’s where socioeconomic status impacts children the most.”

In closing, Swanson emphasized that these efforts are part of a broader goal to ensure that every student has the opportunity to chase their dreams.

“When our students cross that stage, I want them to know they had a school experience where adults in their lives cared about them, held them to high expectations, and gave them the tools to succeed,” Swanson said.