New superintendent returning to his roots

Patrick Godwin looks forward to returning to the area where he grew up and started his career 32 years ago.In a unanimous vote by the Folsom-Cordova Unified School District Board of Trustees last month, Godwin was given the go ahead to replace outgoing Superintendent Norm Siefkin when he retires at the end of this month.Godwin, 54, grew up in the Roseville/Rocklin area, and started working for the Roseville Joint Union High School District as an English and drama teacher. Along the way, he found himself coaching wrestling and football before he moved up to the administrative level.He served as a principal and then moved into an assistant superintendent position. He became superintendent of the Yuba City Unified School District in 2002.One of Godwin's biggest draws to position with the Folsom-Cordova district is that it's closer to where he grew up. In fact, he sees himself retiring from the district. He said doesn't really have interest in going anyplace else."I'm a roots kind of guy," he said.Some could also say he's a visionary.In what he considers to be one of his crowning achievements with the Yuba City district, Godwin got the community involved in the process of determining how its newest high school would operate when it opens for the 2005-06 school year."I led the community in a discussion to re-think high school," Godwin said. When the school opens, the program will offer tools to prepare students for life after high school. It will be more suited to the individual student and their own learning pace, versus the "teach the class as whole" model, he explained."Schools operate for the students," he said, noting his commitment to academics. "They need to be designed for them."Under Godwin, the district has also shown overall academic improvement and improvement with English as a second language learners.He said the Folsom-Cordova district will present challenges, the biggest being the growth the district is experiencing as well as making it continue to succeed academically.Godwin doesn't plan on making any sweeping changes in the district. He wants to take the time observe and learn about the district."I have two ears, two eyes and one mouth," Godwin said. "I will use them accordingly."Though he is returning to the area he grew up in, most of his family has since moved away.His daughter teaches English at a middle school in the Natomas Unified School District. His son is a screenwriter in Southern California.Godwin said he plans to find a home within Folsom-Cordova's boundaries, adding he has a few lined up to see.