Superintendent Patrick Malley sits down with Paula Dobson, who recently transitioned from Principal of Haslett Middle School to Director of Student Services. Paula reflects on her journey from special education teacher to building leader, and shares what it takes to build a strong school culture rooted in relationships and genuine care for students. They discuss middle school, what makes it challenging, what makes it special, and why the daily rhythms of connection matter so much. Paula also opens up about her philosophy on continuous learning and improvement, and how supporting teachers in service of students shapes everything she does as a leader. Their conversation explores what it means to lead with purpose during some of students' most formative years, and how that same commitment to growth and belonging will shape her work across the entire district.