Summary: Dr. Jim explores successful change management in leadership with Heidie Ciesielski, Superintendent of Fenton Area Public Schools. Heidie shares her district's story of transformation by building leadership capability and capacity among educators. She discusses overcoming traditional assumptions, navigating union dynamics, and leveraging strategic planning to empower teacher leaders. The conversation captures how investment in people, strategic communication of benefits, and strong...

Summary: Dr. Jim discusses leadership and retention strategies with Dr.Tad Everett, superintendent of Sterling Public Schools District, as they dive into transforming school administration. With a focus on refining leadership from within, Tad shares how strategic frameworks and personal development tools led his district to improve retention rates from 79% to 94%. The conversation explores the importance of understanding and supporting team members through tailored approaches, challenging...

Tune in as host CT sits down with Dr. Stacy Winslow, Superintendent of Derry Township School District, on the power of focused, community-driven leadership in education. Dr. Winslow shares her path from teacher to superintendent, emphasizing the importance of aligning district priorities with community values and fostering student growth through social-emotional learning and equity. This episode offers insights for leaders interested in creating impactful, student-centered environments by...

Summary: Dr. Jim is joined by Dr. John Asplund, superintendent of Galesburg 205 district in Illinois, to explore the challenges of leading a rural, underfunded, and diverse community with a high rate of low-income families. They discuss strategic initiatives to establish a "community of wellness" by addressing basic infrastructure and student needs, leveraging local resources, and developing educator support systems. Discover how Asplund's emphasis on community engagement and creative...

Summary: Join Dr. Jim Lack and Chris Rogne, superintendent of Lake Mills, Iowa Community School District, as they dive into the challenge of fostering growth in rural K-12 schools. Chris shares strategies for embedding professional development and creating effective PLCs tailored to small districts. Discover how Lake Mills overcame constraints to promote culture and growth opportunities, ensuring high expectations and positive relationships within its tight-knit community. This conversation...

Join host CT as he speaks with Joelle Magyar, Superintendent of Avon Lake City Schools, on community-centered leadership in education. Joelle shares her journey from teacher to superintendent, highlighting the balance of tradition, resilience-building, and modern educational practices. She explores aligning community values with school goals and the role of authenticity in leadership. This episode provides valuable insights for leaders aiming to boost student success through meaningful...

Summary: Dr. Jim chats with Dr. Jeremy Olson, superintendent of the Bemidji School District, to explore innovation in the K-12 educational landscape. They delve into striking a balance between maintaining standardized educational processes and fostering innovation within schools. Jeremy shares insights from his journey across various school sizes, discussing the importance of establishing a consistent vision, the role of feedback and communication loops, and empowering leaders to innovate...

Summary: Join Dr. Jim as he digs into innovative talent strategies with Mary Morem, Superintendent of Houston Public School District 294 in Minnesota. Discover scrappy ways to grow talent without substantial funding, leveraging local colleges, grant writing, and non-traditional teaching roles. Mary shares her unique six-year mapping strategy for long-term educational success, blending online and brick-and-mortar approaches. This episode explores how district leaders can collaborate with...

Dr. Fred Rundle, superintendent of Mercer Island School District, discusses the district's unique position between Seattle and Bellevue, emphasizing the community's commitment to quality education. Explore how public schools are adapting to competitive pressures from private and charter schools, with insights into recent initiatives like cell phone policies. Gain valuable leadership perspectives on building and nurturing effective teams, and learn how to foster a culture of continuous growth...

Summary: Join host CT as he chats with Dr. Susan Elliott, Superintendent of Upper Moreland Township School District, to discuss leadership and community engagement in education. Delve into Susan's unique journey to superintendency, the importance of active listening, and the value of nurturing relationships. Discover the strategies she employs to foster leadership within her district, ensuring every voice is heard. This episode offers listeners insights into aligning educational leadership...

Summary: Dr. Jim welcomes Pat Wallace, superintendent of Danville Community School District, to discuss strategies for fostering an innovative, fail-forward culture in educational settings. Pat shares insights from his successful record of improving schools and underscores the importance of building community, rediscovering educational purpose, and developing leadership. They explore the transformative impact of focusing on small, incremental improvements and long-term growth over...

Summary: Join us on a journey of educational transformation with Michael Horn, as we explore innovative strategies to reimagine learning in the 21st century. Discover practical insights on embracing innovation, personalized learning, and empowering educators to create dynamic classrooms. Engage in discussions on community involvement, future readiness, and the path to preparing students for a rapidly evolving world. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on reshaping education for the future...

Summary: Dr. Jim explores strategies for building leadership depth and capability within organizations through relationship-building. Joined by Dr. Christine Tucci Osorio, Superintendent of District 622, they discuss how understanding team members' strengths and fostering connections lead to a positive work culture. Christine shares her approach to engaging educators and non-licensed staff, emphasizing the importance of knowing employees personally and professionally. This episode offers...

Summary: Join CT co-founder of EngageRocket, as he sits down with Dr. Mary Catherine Reljac, superintendent of Fox Chapel Area School District. Dive into the world of educational leadership and explore Dr. Reljac's approach to fostering collaboration, student voice, and community integration within her district. Discover insights on leadership development, strategic planning, and the district's remarkable post-COVID academic achievements. Emphasizing people-first leadership, Dr. Reljac...

In this episode, CT sits down with Toni Presta, the dynamic superintendent of Jefferson Union High School District, to uncover her strategic approach to enhancing equity in education. Together, they explore the unique attributes of the Jefferson Union school district, Toni's commitment to equity, and the journey behind her impactful leadership style. This conversation delves into how authentic leadership and student-focused initiatives have shaped an educational environment that strives for...

Summary: Join Dr. Jim and Dr. Nate Perry as they explore the power of mentorship in K-12 education. They discuss strategies for developing successful mentorship programs that enhance teacher retention and development. Discover how a sense of community and effective onboarding can support educators from diverse backgrounds and experience levels. Learn from Dr. Perry’s approach, which seeks to build connections and reduce burnout, emphasizing both instructional and social elements. Ideal for...

Summary: Dr. Jim welcomes Dr. Dan Butler, superintendent of the Western Dubuque County Community School District, to discuss effective leadership transitions and building a cohesive leadership playbook. Dr. Butler shares insights from his 21-year career journey from teacher to superintendent, emphasizing clarity, feedback, and trust as pillars of successful transitions. Learn about the strategies and frameworks Dr. Butler implemented to foster clarity, inclusive feedback, and leadership...

Host CT Leong sits down with Dr. Kory Kalahar, superintendent of the Wenatchee School District in Washington state. Dr. Kalahar shares insights from his 27-year journey in the district, highlighting both the community's transformation and the strategic initiatives that have been implemented under his leadership. From a focus on diversity and inclusion to preparing students for contemporary job markets, this conversation delves deeply into the heart of educational leadership and the importance...

Summary: Dr. Jim discusses innovative strategies to address the K-12 education talent crisis with Dr. Brenda Lewis. They explore a groundbreaking "grow your own" program leveraging international talent to fill critical gaps in Minnesota's Fridley Public Schools. Dr. Lewis shares her approach to overcoming cultural barriers, creating supportive onboarding processes, and engaging existing staff. The conversation highlights the benefits of a full staff, including improved teacher morale and...

Summary: Explore how Dr. Pete Hannigan, Superintendent of Hawthorne School District 73, transformed his district by focusing on listening, communication, and accountability. In a conversation with Dr. Jim, Dr. Hannigan shares his approach to navigating change, building trust, and enhancing culture and climate in education. Learn about the importance of engaging stakeholders, leveraging professional learning communities, and balancing infrastructure and people needs. This episode offers...

Join CT Leong as he explores the intersection of business tactics and education with Dr. Mike McLaughlin, superintendent of the San Leandro Unified School District. Discover how adopting a business mindset can enhance educational management, from strategic planning and community engagement to innovative facilities and leadership development. Dr. McLaughlin shares his experiences in driving change, strengthening community ties, and fostering an environment of continuous improvement within...

Summary: Join Dr. Jim and Waupaca School District Superintendent Ron Saari as they explore the transformative power of community collaboration in rural school districts. Discover how strategic partnerships with local government and the Chamber of Commerce can address declining enrollment and limited resources. Learn about the innovative use of a grant writer to secure over $5 million in funds, fostering economic development and reversing enrollment declines. Gain insights into building...

Summary: In this episode, CT and Dr. Bertrando explore the unique attributes of Garnet Valley School District and its role as the community's center. Dr. Bertrando discusses the district's innovative initiatives, like the creation of the "E-School," designed to compete with cyber charter schools while offering personalized education. The conversation delves into leadership principles, defined autonomy, and accountability within the school system, touching upon his personal experiences and...

Summary: In this episode, Dr. Jim chats with Dr. Mike Connolly, superintendent of CCSD 21, in a comprehensive dialogue about effectively executing transformation initiatives in educational settings. Drawing from his extensive experience, Dr. Connolly shares lessons learned and strategies for success, including the importance of understanding community dynamics, building organizational trust, and centering transformations on student needs. The conversation delves into the challenges of...