Build Highlands Back Podcast with Jonathan Raymond

Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools

Hosted by Jonathan Raymond, Executive Director of Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools in Sacramento, this podcast highlights the power of adult education. Highlands serves adult learners 22 and older, from all walks of life, who have not earned a high school diploma, offering a pathway to new opportunities. Jonathan sits down with students, staff, legislators, and community leaders to explore real stories of perseverance, the policies shaping education, and the impact of education on families and communities.

Episodes

  1. May 14

    Episode 7 - Jerry Simmons on the 5/19 SCOE Appeal

    Jonathan sits down with HCCTS' general law counsel, Jerry Simmons, of Young, Minney & Corr to discuss the appeal HCCTS is bringing before the board at the Sacramento County Office of Education on May 19th, 2026. They explain what the appeal is and what it isn't!

    12 min

  2. Feb 18

    Episode 6 - Charles Husted - Safety, Security & Service

    Jonathan discusses a life of public service with HCCTS' new Director of Safety and Security, Charles Husted.

    19 min

  3. Jan 21

    Episode 5 - Dr. Stacey Ault & Dr. Addie Ellis

    Jonathan Raymond, Executive Director of Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools discusses the importance of holistic student services for adult learners and the positive community impact they can have.

    36 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    Episode 4 - Eric Chapman - HCCTS Chief Educational Officer

    In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Eric Chapman, Chief Educational Officer for Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools, to explore his experiences in education and shares some details about ambitious academic rebuild taking shape at Highlands.

    33 min

  5. 10/31/2025

    Ep. 2 - Kathy Chao Rothberg - Lao Family

    Jonathan sits down with Kathy Chao Rothberg to discuss the state of adult education in California and the importance of accessibility of education and the ways it benefits a community.

    38 min

  6. 09/05/2025

    Ep. 1 - Meet Jonathan Raymond

    To accept the role as the new Executive Director for Highlands Community Charter and Technical School, Jonathan Raymond also had to accept the very real challenges that face HCCTS. In this Episode, Jonathan and Studio 23x producer Nate Garcia discuss Jonathan's vision for the future of Highlands.

    19 min
  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

About

Hosted by Jonathan Raymond, Executive Director of Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools in Sacramento, this podcast highlights the power of adult education. Highlands serves adult learners 22 and older, from all walks of life, who have not earned a high school diploma, offering a pathway to new opportunities. Jonathan sits down with students, staff, legislators, and community leaders to explore real stories of perseverance, the policies shaping education, and the impact of education on families and communities.

Information