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Community First Leadership: How Dr. Bradford Lusk is Shaping Hamilton’s Future
In today’s episode, host Nate Lichte sits down with Dr. Bradford Lusk, who serves as the Superintendent of Hamilton Community Schools in Hamilton, Michigan. Known for his authentic, community-first leadership, Dr. Lusk shares how he rebuilt trust, restored engagement, and positioned his rural district for innovation and growth.
From hosting “Scoop with the Sup” at a local ice cream shop to leading the district through a $41M facilities bond, Dr. Lusk explains how listening first, communicating transparently, and celebrating community partnerships have transformed Hamilton’s culture.
Nate and Dr. Lusk also explore the district’s Prepared for Purpose vision—how career-connected pathways, personalized learning, and creative partnerships are preparing every student for what’s next, whether college, trades, or the workforce.
Timestamps
01:02 Introducing Hamilton Community Schools & Community Culture
04:58 Dr. Lusk’s Journey from Educator to Superintendent
09:06 “Improvise, Adapt, Overcome” — A Leadership Mindset
12:24 Listening to Lead: Rebuilding Trust After Transition
15:33 Building Authentic Relationships with Families & Staff
18:11 “Scoop with the Sup” — Community Conversations Over Ice Cream
19:27 Strengthening Communication & Owning the Narrative
26:30 Passing a $41M Bond & Investing in Local Partnerships
31:26 Personalized Pathways & The “Prepared for Purpose” Vision
39:19 Advice for Aspiring Superintendents and New Leaders
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you’re a district leader or educator passionate about culture, communication, and community-centered innovation, this conversation with Dr. Lusk offers real, practical inspiration. You’ll hear how Hamilton’s focus on relationships, transparency, and storytelling helped rebuild trust and sparked a culture of growth. From reimagining communications to preparing every student for life beyond school, Dr. Lusk’s insights remind us what authentic leadership looks like in action.
Connect with Dr. Bradford Lusk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradford-lusk-phd/
Website: https://www.hamiltonschools.us/
Follow Us:
Nate Lichte LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-lichte/
Lebra Website: https://www.lebrahq.com/
Lebra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lebrahq
About Lebra Podcast
The Lebra Podcast is where host Nate Lichte speaks with education leaders and innovators about the future of schools, uncovering stories and strategies that create meaningful impact.
👉 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the Lebra Podcast for more conversations on leadership, culture, and the future of learning.
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By Nate LichteIn today’s episode, host Nate Lichte sits down with Dr. Bradford Lusk, who serves as the Superintendent of Hamilton Community Schools in Hamilton, Michigan. Known for his authentic, community-first leadership, Dr. Lusk shares how he rebuilt trust, restored engagement, and positioned his rural district for innovation and growth.
From hosting “Scoop with the Sup” at a local ice cream shop to leading the district through a $41M facilities bond, Dr. Lusk explains how listening first, communicating transparently, and celebrating community partnerships have transformed Hamilton’s culture.
Nate and Dr. Lusk also explore the district’s Prepared for Purpose vision—how career-connected pathways, personalized learning, and creative partnerships are preparing every student for what’s next, whether college, trades, or the workforce.
Timestamps
01:02 Introducing Hamilton Community Schools & Community Culture
04:58 Dr. Lusk’s Journey from Educator to Superintendent
09:06 “Improvise, Adapt, Overcome” — A Leadership Mindset
12:24 Listening to Lead: Rebuilding Trust After Transition
15:33 Building Authentic Relationships with Families & Staff
18:11 “Scoop with the Sup” — Community Conversations Over Ice Cream
19:27 Strengthening Communication & Owning the Narrative
26:30 Passing a $41M Bond & Investing in Local Partnerships
31:26 Personalized Pathways & The “Prepared for Purpose” Vision
39:19 Advice for Aspiring Superintendents and New Leaders
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you’re a district leader or educator passionate about culture, communication, and community-centered innovation, this conversation with Dr. Lusk offers real, practical inspiration. You’ll hear how Hamilton’s focus on relationships, transparency, and storytelling helped rebuild trust and sparked a culture of growth. From reimagining communications to preparing every student for life beyond school, Dr. Lusk’s insights remind us what authentic leadership looks like in action.
Connect with Dr. Bradford Lusk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradford-lusk-phd/
Website: https://www.hamiltonschools.us/
Follow Us:
Nate Lichte LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-lichte/
Lebra Website: https://www.lebrahq.com/
Lebra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lebrahq
About Lebra Podcast
The Lebra Podcast is where host Nate Lichte speaks with education leaders and innovators about the future of schools, uncovering stories and strategies that create meaningful impact.
👉 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the Lebra Podcast for more conversations on leadership, culture, and the future of learning.