Today on the podcast we have Dr. Kusum Sinha, Superintendent of Schools, with the Garden City Public Schools.  Garden City is located in Long Island NY and has approximately 3,900 students served in 7 schools.  Kusum was appointed to the superintendency in July of 2018 and she is in his 8th year.  

Dr. Kusum Sinha brings over 25 years of experience in various leadership roles, including Director of PPS, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, and Assistant Superintendent for HR and Leadership Development. These positions have honed her leadership skills. Dr. Sinha has presented to state and regional audiences on diverse topics such as special education, universal design, instructional technology, AI, curriculum alignment and accountability, ENL, and parent-school partnerships.  Her systems-thinking approach has been pivotal in developing a vision, driving positive changes, and fostering innovation within the district. She has spearheaded the creation of innovative indoor and outdoor learning spaces, enhancing the learning environment and operational efficiency. Her commitment to integrating technology and innovative practices has transformed the educational landscape, providing students with access to cutting-edge resources and learning opportunities. Dr. Sinha also serves on the AASA governing board and participates in several local and national organizations.

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This episode of Achieving Joy & Mastery in Public Schools celebrates Lyndonville’s dynamic music program through the voices of educators, students, and community leaders. Featuring live performance clips, NYSSMA All-State achievements, community traditions, and a vibrant music booster organization, the episode showcases how a rural district uses the arts to build belonging, pride, and opportunity.

A big thank you to superintendent, Dr. Heather Lyon and the following guests:

• Amy Kroll – Music Booster President
• Becky Botsford – Elementary Instrumental Music
• Kelly Follman – Secondary Instrumental Music
• Jennifer Trupo – Vocal Music
• Emily Kroll – Student Musician
• Gavin Draper – Student Musician

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Or visit our website E-NSSA.org

In this episode, we explore the structure, mission, and future direction of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA). We talked about how statewide athletic decisions get made, how new sports are added, how rules are enforced, and how NYSPHSAA balances competitive excellence, safety, and student well-being across all member schools.  Guests on this podcast were: Dr. Robert J. Zayas – Executive Director, New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and Adam Stoltman – Superintendent, Alden Central School District; and First Vice president of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA). 

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Or visit our website E-NSSA.org

Today we’re going to be discussing "The Power of Community Partnerships"  specifically how Roy-Hart responded to the childcare crisis in your community.  NYS refers to this part of the Niagara region as expereincing a child-care drought.  However, in Roy-Hart, the school district has partnered with two unique entities to solve this particular crisis.

In this episoide we speak with:

Jill Heck - Superintendent of Roy-Hart

Dan Mault - Elementary School Principal

Jon Goodwin - Pastor at Hartland Bible Church

Kristen Totah - Director of at Little Critters Childcare

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Or visit our website E-NSSA.org

Joining the podcast is Dr. Jared T. Bloom, superintendent of the Franklin Square UFSD.  In this episode, Jared shares his professional journey as an early adopter of technology, and all of its benefits personnaly and professionally.  Jared also shares how his district has been moving forward with specific AI tools for students, teachers, admi.nistrators and district leaders. Jared spent the early part of his career gaining technological expertise working in various expanding technology companies during the early dot-com era before deciding on a career change. He started his teaching journey as an English teacher at Franklin K. Lane High School in Brooklyn/Queens. He served in numerous public education roles, including teacher, department chair of English, director of technology and data, Title I coordinator, grant writer, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, and superintendent of schools. He was named the 2017 Administrator of the Year for Western Suffolk BOCES Model Schools and received the 2018 Long Island University Chapter Phi Delta Kappa Distinguished Leadership Award and the 2018 Public Service Award from the Suffolk County Martin Luther King Jr. Commission. Dr. Bloom currently serves as superintendent in the Franklin Square Union Free School District. He has also been an adjunct instructor at Hofstra University, an instructor at Long Island University and Stony Brook University, and has served in leadership roles for numerous national and state organizations.

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Today on the podcast we have Christopher Swiatek, the superintendent of the Frontier Central School District. Chris has been the superintendent here since 2021, and previously served as the superintendent of Franklinville Central Schools in Cattaraugus County.  Prior to pursuing a career as a professional educator, Chris served in the U.S. Air Force. In this episode, Chris discusses their comprehensive school safety system known as SHIELD.

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Today on our podcast we have Dr. Matt Gaven a dedicated educational leader currently serving as the Superintendent of the Rockville Centre Union Free School District in New York. 

With an extensive background in educational administration, Matt has been a pioneer in integrating technology into instructional practices. His visionary approach has spearheaded the implementation of numerous district-wide initiatives, including leading one of the first 1:1 iPad initiatives in the nation to the development of secondary courses focused on the use of AI in research. His work has been recognized by Apple’s Distinguished School program, Linux Magazine, and The League of Innovative Schools.  Matt’s commitment to enhancing student learning through innovative strategies is evident in his work, from authoring a comprehensive K-12 Computer Science Curriculum, to hosting LI’s first Hackathons, to creating engaging educational videos on a range of topics from Growth Mindset to the Revolutionary War. His leadership in technology and curriculum development continues to inspire transformative changes in educational practices, preparing students for the challenges of the future.

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Episode: Empowering Student Voice Through Ex Officio Board Membership

 Guests:

• Dr. Darren Brown-Hall, Superintendent, Williamsville CSD
• Board President: Crystal Kaczmarek-Bogner
• Board Parliamentarian: Maureen Poulin Mentor to student Board Members
  
  
• Ex Officio Student Board Members:
  • Salil Karkhanis – Williamsville East
  • Giselle Maurice – Williamsville North
  • Deepratan Purba  – Williamsville South
    
    

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Or visit our website E-NSSA.org

In this episode of Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools, Dr. Matt Frahm, the superintendent of Clarence CSD, flips the script and interviews Dr. Brian Graham, the superintendent of Grand Island CSD.  The conversation focused on the power of podcasting and the ability to tell stories that shine a spotlight on public education.  This podcast is in its 4th season with over 17,000 downloads and 93 episodes published. 

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Or visit our website E-NSSA.org

Today on our podcast we have Douglas Scofield, the Superintendent of the Iroquois Central School District. Doug is in his 15th year as superintendent and previously served here as the assistant superintendent for finance and personnel, which he began in 2006.  Joining the podcast was Chad Barry, the lead School Resource Officer in the district.  Together, they shared how over the past 20+ years they have built a culture of safety, care and a community that believes in kindness.

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Or visit our website E-NSSA.org