About This Episode

Season 7. Episode 10.

In this episode of Education Insight, we sit down with Dr. Frances Esparza, Superintendent of Coachella Valley Unified School District, to discuss the district’s response to recent student walkouts connected to national conversations around immigration enforcement.

As students across the country have organized protests to express their concerns, schools have been faced with difficult questions about how to respond. Dr. Esparza shares how her district approached this moment—not by encouraging or preventing participation, but by prioritizing student safety and well-being above all else. From coordinating safety measures to ensuring students had access to resources during the march, the district worked to support students while maintaining a structured learning environment.

The conversation also explores the broader role of schools during times of heightened emotion and social tension. Dr. Esparza reflects on how educators can create space for students to process fear and uncertainty, how families responded, and what it means to support student voice in a responsible and balanced way.

Listeners will hear insights on leadership, trust, and the evolving role of education in today’s world—where events beyond the classroom increasingly shape students’ experiences inside it. This episode offers a thoughtful look at how schools can navigate complex moments with care, clarity, and a focus on student safety.

Featured Guest

Dr. Frances Esparza

Superintendent of Coachella Valley Unified School District

Biography

As a highly effective educator and educational leader with 30 years of experience, Dr. Frances Esparza brings a wealth of expertise and a distinguished academic, leadership and financial background to her role as Superintendent of Coachella Valley Unified School District, commencing July 2, 2024. 

Dr. Esparza has received a Bachelor’s from the University of Southern California (USC), a Master of Science in Educational Leadership & Psychology from Pepperdine University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy, a Chief Business Officer/School Business Management Certification from USC, her unwavering commitment to educational excellence is evident. In addition, she is a proud Harvard Alumni as she has worked and learned within Harvard’s prestigious Business School programs such as Professional Business and Finance Leadership Development (PLD), and Professional Educational Leadership Program (PELP), and Strategic Perspectives of Nonprofit Management (SPNM) at Harvard Business School underscores her dedication to continuous learning and innovative leadership in education.

Dr. Frances Esparza was born in East Los Angeles and embodies a rich heritage, being fourth generation Mexican on her maternal side and first generation Mexican on her paternal side. Her journey through LAUSD schools shaped her commitment to education, and she proudly represents Latina leadership in the field. Her career path is marked by diverse roles including General Education Aide, Bilingual Teacher, School Site Categorical Coordinator at both elementary and secondary levels, a High School Principal, a Continuation High School Principal, an English Language Learner District Specialist, and a Superintendent for an LAUSD Charter Organization. Her leadership extends across the country, having served as Assistant Superintendent in Boston Public Schools in Massachusetts. She also served as Superintendent and Chief of Police for the El Rancho Unified School District in Pico Rivera, demonstrating her dedication to enhancing educational opportunities and community engagement.

Dr. Esparza’s family roots stem from Michoacan, to Jalisco, and from Mexicali. As a child, she spent several summers in Mexicali with her great-grandparents, who taught her the value of hard work, commitment, and humility. She is proud to have been raised by her family who have all instilled in her to lead with compassion. Her grandfather, Octavio Pantoja Garcia, has always said to her, “Hechale ganas a todo lo que haces en esta vida, y siempre pon a los niños primero, enseñales con compasión”. Her grandfather ended his career as the first Bilingual Automotive Mechanic Teacher for LAUSD, and he made sure to always remind Dr. Esparza that education is a gift that we need to embrace, cherish and pass on to others. 

Dr. Esparza is honored to serve all of the students, families, and staff of the Coachella Valley Unified School District. She is committed to equity, excellence, and continuous improvement in education. She champions for the academic success, social-emotional health and wellness of all students and their families, while ensuring that staff have the tools needed to improve the academic outcomes for all students.