Episode Summary: 

In this episode of Inspire Shasta, Shasta County Superintendent of Schools Mike Freeman returns to the show for Episode 12 to look back on 2024–25 and set the tone for 2025–26. 

Episode snapshot

• New year, new theme: Moving from last year’s Anything Is Possible to this year’s call to action: Make It Happen—a focus on doing the few things that matter most, with urgency and intention. (Shoutout to past guest Carla James’s “do it scared” inspiration.) 
  
  
• Activation moments: Team “All Call” banner where staff wrote what they’ll make happen—and a new “Made It Happen” sticker tradition to celebrate real wins across SCOE. 
  
  
• Four pillars for 2025–26:
  1. Organization-wide culture of excellence
  2. Safe, effective learning environments
  3. Successful programs grounded in data & accountability
  4. Strong partnerships that help people succeed
     These also serve as a filter for priorities: anything is possible, but we can’t do everything. 
• Scoreboard & accountability: Build a scoreboard so teams know when we’re winning—and when to pivot. “Mike Freeman 2.0” asks to be held accountable. 
  
  
• Celebrating partners: Starting board meetings by honoring a community partner—simple, sincere recognition that strengthens collaboration. 
  
  
• Leadership & mentorship: Double-down on developing leaders and normalizing a “winning or learning” mindset. 
  
  

Memorable quotes

• “Give me a scoreboard so we know when we’re winning—and when to improve.” 
  
  
• “We want to be part of people’s success stories.” 
  
  

Listen & share: Subscribe to Inspire Shasta, leave a review, and pass this episode along to a colleague or community partner who’s ready to make it happen.