In this episode of Autonome, host Fran Kenton, Founder and Creator of Autonome, sits down with Moises M. Merlos, Director of Student Services at Banning Unified School District. With more than two decades in public education, Moises shares how his journey, from aspiring medical professional to district leader, shaped a deeply student-centered approach to systems change.

Fran and Moises explore how attendance, school connectedness, and social-emotional supports intersect to drive student success. Moises walks through Banning USD’s comprehensive strategy: attendance recovery programs, wellness centers, expanded learning, community partnerships, and incentive systems designed to reengage students and families. The conversation highlights why improving attendance is about more than funding, it’s about belonging, trust, and consistent adult relationships.

They also discuss how rural context shapes student needs, why middle school requires targeted supports, and how strong Tier 1–3 systems can serve the whole child. Throughout the episode, Moises emphasizes purposeful change, clear communication, and hands-on leadership as essential ingredients for sustainable impact.

Key Moments

05:03 "Focusing on Whole-Child Support"

09:42 Boosting Attendance Through Engagement Programs

11:45 School Wellness Centers Boost Support

16:04 TK & Kindergarten Post-Pandemic Struggles

20:12 "Full-Day TK and Kindergarten"

21:54 Elementary STEAM Centers Expansion

26:27 "Commitment to Growth and Community"

30:35 "Effective Communication and Purpose"

32:37 "Building Strong Tiered Support"

36:13 Addressing Absenteeism and Engagement

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This conversation offers a practical, systems-level look at how districts can redesign student services to improve attendance, engagement, and wellbeing. Moises shares concrete examples, from wellness centers to community shoe drives, that show how small, thoughtful interventions can remove barriers to learning.

You’ll also hear a powerful reminder that sustainable change depends on trust, collaboration, and clear purpose. Whether you’re a district leader, principal, or student services professional, this episode provides actionable ideas for building inclusive, whole-child systems that help students, and families truly thrive.

Connect with Moises M. Merlos | Director of Student Services, Banning Unified School District

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moises-merlos-ed-d-81a7b279
Website: https://www.banning.k12.ca.us/

Connect with Fran Kenton and Autonome

Fran Kenton
Founder and Creator, Autonome
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-kenton-a0a7969a/

Autonome
Website: https://www.autonome101.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autonome101/

About Autonome

Autonome is the podcast where district leaders share practical, scalable ways to build students’ foundational life skills—wellbeing, identity and purpose, relationships, and executive function—so they can manage life today and be ready for what’s next.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Autonome for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of student success.