Felix for Rio Kids

“I want every child to love learning

—and to learn well.”

Dr. Felix Eisenhauer

Happy, Healthy Kids!

Happy, Healthy Kids!

I would appreciate your vote. As the father of a Rio fourth grader, a Professor of Music at Ventura College, and a church Music Minister, I’ve spent over 25 years as an educator asking one guiding question:

Does this benefit our children?

Since joining the board in 2016, I’ve worked to ensure our schools are places where kids are happy, healthy, and thriving by supporting:

  • SAFETY: Introducing lockdown drills and safety upgrades to improve campus security. 

  • WELLNESS: Expanding counseling services, opening wellness centers, and launching the Global Empathy anti-discrimination program.

  • ACADEMICS: Emphasizing reading instruction and hands-on learning, and limiting screen time.

  • STUDENT ENRICHMENT: Expanding music, arts, sports, field trips, and after-school programs, including our annual musical, Think Together, and outdoor science at our Rio District Farm. 

  • FACILITIES: Creating outdoor learning spaces at Del Mar and Del Sol, modernizing Vista’s library, developing Rio District’s Farm, and middle school construction at Real and Plaza, 

  • FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP: Safeguarding and using RiverPark CFD funds only for RiverPark schools.

I am endorsed by Council Member Gabe Teran and with your support, I will continue to champion safe and engaging schools for every child in our community.         

Hot Topics: Rio’s Journey Into the Future

  • I am a firm supporter of a cell phone ban in all schools. Studies and research show that phones in the school inhibit learning and distract students. We want to create the optimal learning environment.

  • I believe technology should serve great teaching—not replace it. I continue to advocated for thoughtful, age-appropriate screen use, safer digital resources, and more opportunities for students to learn through books, conversation, music, art, experiments, gardens, projects, and other hands-on experiences. My goal for the current school year is to implement a grade level specific screen use time policy.

  • Children do best when they feel safe and support at school, during extra curricular activities, and at home. Bringing these worlds together is optimal for overall support and achievement. It warms my heart when parents can volunteer at their child’s school, teachers can lead after-school clubs, and administrators can continue emphasizing school environments where everyone feels welcome. I believe in providing programs that support children academically, mentally, physically, and emotionally, and providing resources for the many adults (faculty, staff, family) that guide students on their journey.

  • Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. Yes! But more. Much more. I want students to have a hands-on learning experience that doesn’t just teach them how to have a computer think for them, but challenges them to engage in critical thinking, constructive analysis and self-reflection, so they can solve problems in every facet of life out in the world. Students also benefit from outdoor learning, and I have worked hard to incorporate outdoor learning spaces.

  • We are educating the future of our community right here, right now - no small task or responsibility! Each child should be equipped with the tools and opportunities so they are prepared to move on to the next phase of life successfully. This means continuing to develop their reading and math skills, as well as providing them with a variety of enrichment opportunities so they have the confidence to use those skills throughout their lives.

Building

Schools

Where

Children

Thrive!

Breaking ground at Rio Del Sol - Dr. Felix Eisenhauer is 5th from the left in the red shirt.

I believe some of the best learning happens when children are reading, creating, performing, building, growing, and exploring. I have supported stronger reading and academic support, libraries and literacy projects, the Rio District Farm and school gardens, hands-on science and outdoor learning, and expanded student enrichment. Opportunities across Rio include Kindermusik, Mariachi, the annual musical, arts programs, Writers' Fairs, Math Challenges, overnight field trips, chess, athletics, and ROTC. 

Over the past several years, my work on the Rio School Board has focused on creating safe, welcoming schools and learning environments where children can thrive. I have supported improvements to campus fencing, doors, locks, cameras and communication systems; emergency preparedness and pedestrian safety; renovated playgrounds and campuses; and new outdoor learning spaces, including the Outdoor Learning Centers at Rio Plaza and Rio del Mar.

Healthy children are better prepared to learn. I have advocated for healthier school meals with less added sugar and more freshly prepared food, improved kitchens and cook training, Farm-to-Table opportunities, composting and recycling, and expanded counseling and wellness support.

Looking ahead, I continue to support investments in our RiverPark schools, including Del Mar's new outdoor learning spaces and Literary Pathway, improvements at Del Sol, and a reimagined Vista library. I remain committed to ensuring RiverPark CFD funds support our neighborhood school facilities. I am also pursuing opportunities that connect students with their futures, including college visits, community partnerships, and a proposal for education savings accounts that would give every Rio student a financial start toward college or career training.

Have a question or concern? You can fill out the form below and I’ll get back to you, or email me at FelixforRio@gmail.com.

~Dr. Eisenhauer