Commitment To Improvement: Chief Operations Officer Tom Tafoya Interviewed On Studer Education’s Podcast
Chief Operations Officer Tom Tafoya was recently featured on Studer Education’s Accelerate Your Performance Podcast, where he got to share more about Visions and our commitment to improving how we serve our students and families each day. The episode, titled, “Getting 1% Better Every Day,” explores how Vision’s collective dedication to enhance systems and processes ultimately allows us to provide a better educational experience for our students.
Striving for Excellence
At Visions, our commitment to students begins with our staff and how we work together. We believe that hiring the right people—those who are deeply committed to our mission of continuous improvement and supporting students —is the foundation for success.
This commitment is reflected in the talented individuals who choose to work here. Tom shares, “I have tech guys that could be working in Silicon Valley… They choose to be here because of the mission.” Our team members not only bring expertise but also a personal connection to our students’ experiences. Many of Visions staff see themselves in the students we serve. “We were those kids,” Tom explains.
That shared passion translates into action: refining enrollment processes, hiring social workers and counselors, and expanding enrichment opportunities such as student activities and clubs. It’s also about fostering strong collaboration between the business and instructional sides of our organization.
“It’s the combination of building systems that can support the delivery of great instructional services and supports and programs—it’s that partnership.”
Enhancing Systems for Success
One example of that partnership in action is our LPAD Student Support System™(LPAD SSS). Originally designed to streamline technology orders for students, LPAD has evolved into a comprehensive platform that connects nearly every aspect of our operations. Today, it supports enrollment management, student and parent communications, student events, asset management, and more.
Thanks to vendor integrations and ongoing refinements, processes are faster, more reliable, and simpler for both families and staff, reducing guesswork and eliminating delays. As Tom noted, “Visions was one of the first schools to put this in place.” This innovation exemplifies how we continually adapt to better serve students and families, ensuring systems work hand in hand with people to create the best possible experience.
About Studer Education
Studer Education partners with school districts to improve student success by developing leaders, strengthening organizational culture, and aligning strategies for continuous improvement.