Flockworks hires first Executive Director
FORT BRAGG, CA — The nonprofit Flockworks recently hired Jeff Totsch as its first Executive Director. Totsch, from Evanston, Illinois, had relocated with his young family to Fort Bragg just prior to the job offer from Flockworks.
Flockworks, known for its creative, community-based art projects such as Art in the Schools and the many wall murals around town, has served the local community since 2006. The nonprofit was developed and run by artist Janet Self, who is still involved in Flockworks.
Last year, Flockworks expanded its services to include a contract with the Fort Bragg Unified School District to operate the district’s after-school programs (KUDOS) at all four schools. Flockworks was already providing art opportunities in the classrooms.
The school district received state grant funds to offer parents the 2021 mandated program of the “nine-hour school day.” Under this law, students are provided with an option after school until 6 PM.
The program is free, and schools cannot have wait lists. Parents may select whatever days or hours they wish for their children’s attendance.
With the acquisition of funding from the state, the school district was able to offer a contract to Flockworks that allowed the nonprofit to grow from two to over 60 employees working in the schools. The nonprofit currently serves over 350 students in the four schools.
According to Totsch, “There has to be a nice, safe, reliable childcare place, and it does help the local community. Not only are we enabling parents to work where they need to, but we’re providing good jobs to the community members.”
Totsch also spoke of the nonprofit’s relationship with the school district and Janet Self’s forward thinking. “The school district has been an amazing partner. We share the same vision. Janet made sure we would do this in a way that Flockworks serves its mission and we’re good employers.”
He continued, “The money we get from the state grant stays in the community as well.” He added, “We have to be good employers for the staff that we have.” Totsch listed increasing pay, 401K match, better health insurance benefits, a more robust PTO, and paid federal holidays.
Totsch sees the Flockworks program as in competition with other major employers in the area. “We have to offer jobs good enough to draw people in rather that to other employers. We don’t want a constant turnover.”
Totsch stressed that Flockworks is applying its mission statement to fit into the after-school program. “That’s what’s been really important for us,” he said, “not only to make sure we figure it out, but we continue and provide more opportunities.”
He added, “We don’t want to be just an afterschool provider.” He described the curriculum of the program as including connecting with community artists, field trips, people to come in and conduct activities related to the curriculum.
He explained, “We just want to make it so the kids love their experience after school. They have a long day, from 8 AM to 6 PM.” He continued, “A big part of our program is student choice and making sure students have the ability to design and pick what they want to do after school.” At all school sites, Flockworks provides healthy snacks.
At Redwood Elementary School, which serves TK through Grade 2, the KUDOS afterschool program includes enrichment, outdoor playtime, and an art center for almost 160 students. Some attend art lessons at the Mendocino Art Center. There are also field trips to Wiggly Giggly Park.
At Dana Gray Elementary School, which serves Grades 3 to 5, about 120 students enjoy KUDOS activities such as homework time, playground time, cooking, and video games. Some take swim lessons at CV Starr and art lessons at Mendocino Art Center. Students have also attended a Gloriana performance. Coming up will be field trips to the public library.
At Fort Bragg Middle School, which serves Grades 6 to 8, the KUDOS afterschool program currently serves about 50 students, providing activities such as homework help, computer use, 3D printing, coding, and about-town bike riding. Collaboration will be coming soon with the Senior Center for Outdoor Gardening.
Totsch noted, “These activities fulfill Flockworks’ mission to be a conduit to all these community groups, including trips to the Noyo Science Center and to the Food Forest.”
At Fort Bragg High School, the ASSETS after-school program is designed completely around student choice. Teachers in every subject area are available to assist with homework. Enrichment opportunities include pop-up art, a gaming club, a supervised weight room, cooking, and library access for students’ interests.
Totsch stressed that Flockworks has not abandoned its core mission to bring art experiences to the community. The nonprofit has hired a new community outreach director. Totsch said, “We want to make sure we’re representing the community and not serving just one population of people.”
He explained, “The coast is diverse. We want to make sure to serve those under-represented areas on the coast. We want more community partnerships and bring hands-on, creative experiences we’ve been doing since 2006.” Totsch listed events Flockworks has recently been part of–Fiesta Latina, National Night Out, the Paul Bunyan Parade, the Mendocino Fourth of July Parade, and Art in the Garden.
As Executive Director, Totsch immediately took on the responsibilities of administration, focusing on efficiency, human management, logistics, and developing an evaluation process to measure the success of the programs. He hopes to attract new board members who have experience with large operations. He also plans to pursue new funding sources and “develop a concrete, 5-year strategic plan.”
Totsch, his spouse, and their two children, aged nine and ten, have finally settled into their own home. Fort Bragg is a dramatic change compared to a suburb of Chicago. Totsch said, “It’s what we were looking for. We love it. It’s been the best thing we’ve ever done, doing things as a family by hiking more and trips to beaches.”
He added, “We’re trying to show our kids there’s much more to life than screens. Climate change in Chicago brought a small window of opportunity for outdoor activities with -30 degrees in the winter and 100+ degrees in the summer.”
Since his start at Flockworks this past June, Totsch has had much to learn. However, he is undaunted by the responsibilities for someone who used to teach high school industrial technology electives and served on the executive board for his local teachers’ union of 350 members.
He said, “I’m excited, and I think this year is going to be a really big year for us. I’m excited to see where everything goes.” He added, “I am thankful for the position we have in the school district to serve this community.”