In this episode of Education Unlocked, host Sri Narayanan sits down with Dr. Jessica Black, Expanded Learning Opportunities Coordinator at Riverside Unified School District, to explore what it truly means to lead beyond the bell. Dr. Black shares her journey from teaching some of the most marginalized students to designing districtwide systems rooted in empathy, access, and belonging. Together, they discuss leadership philosophy, staff development, innovation in enrichment, and why joy and safety are the true measures of success in expanded learning.

Today’s episode features Elizabeth Oberreiter, a seasoned education leader with over a decade of experience supporting schools in their growth and improvement journeys. Elizabeth is known for her thoughtful approach to school quality, her deep respect for educators, and her ability to guide teams through meaningful reflection and change. Her work brings her into close partnership with diverse school communities, where she focuses on understanding each school’s story, strengths, and aspirations.

In this episode, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ryan Smith breaks down what it really means to lead HR in a modern school district—far beyond paperwork, contracts, and compliance. Drawing on nearly 30 years in education leadership, Ryan shares how culture, courage, and people-centered systems shape every aspect of district success.

He discusses the shift from traditional HR to strategic, purpose-driven leadership; the role of empathy in labor relations; the impact of strong staffing alignment; and how AI is rapidly transforming HR workflows. Ryan also reflects on the mindset required to build trust, navigate negotiations, and support the people who support students.

In this episode, Chad Freeman, Assistant Director of Student Services at Alvord Unified School District, shares his journey from the classroom to district leadership-and the insights he’s gained along the way. We explore how Alvord is redefining student success through belonging, equity, and innovation in student services. From real stories of impact to the future of student support systems, Chad offers a thoughtful look at what it truly means to meet students where they are and help them thrive.

In this inaugural episode, I sit down with Superintendent Dr. Amy Alzina to unpack the real strategies that drive excellence at scale.

We discuss how she builds a thriving school culture, leverages deep community partnerships, and leads with a clear, student-centered vision that has produced exceptional outcomes year after year.

For superintendents, district leaders, and administrators looking for practical insights and bold ideas to transform their systems—this conversation sets the tone for what Education Unlocked is all about.

Listen to Episode 1 and hear what’s possible when leadership meets innovation.