In today’s episode, host Nate Lichte sits down with David Carson, Superintendent at Gooding School District (ID). A longtime educator and rural leader, David shares a “listen first” approach to culture—learning community history, aligning decisions to local values, and celebrating wins so the positive story travels farther than the noise.

From districtwide PLCs and full-day kindergarten to a four-day instructional calendar with targeted Friday supports, David explains how Gooding focuses resources where they matter most. He also unpacks sustainable trust-building: transparent funding conversations, visible celebrations (yes, even the reader board on Main Street), and equipping staff as community storytellers who carry the message into neighborhoods and local businesses.

Nate and David close with practical guidance for new superintendents: build your mentor network, stay visible, and never stop asking great questions—especially when the stakes are high and the context is uniquely local.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome & David’s pathway into leadership

03:33 Meet Gooding SD: rural context, community identity

05:59 “Listen first”: learning the local story before decisions

09:03 Classroom visibility with principals—walk-throughs that build trust

12:02 Celebrating wins publicly (and why it’s harder than it sounds)

14:44 Using a community reader board to share data & good news

19:42 Post-pandemic recovery: PLCs, full-day K, monthly PD days

24:35 Four-day school week: why it works and Friday supports

28:32 Moving from five to four days—process, surveys, and buy-in

33:38 Sustainable funding in a rural context—reserves, grants, tradeoffs

38:00 Levies & facilities: telling the story so voters understand the “why”

41:38 Advice for first-time superintendents—mentors, networks, and balance

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you’re leading in a rural community—or anywhere trust is earned in conversations, not memos—this episode is a playbook. Learn how to pair curiosity with clarity, turn small wins into public momentum, and organize time (PLCs, PD days, targeted Fridays) so instruction and culture move together.

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.

In this episode, host Nate Lichte sits down with Jeremy Fewell, Superintendent of Mississinewa Community Schools (IN). From a district with high transfer enrollment and significant poverty, Jeremy walks through a “students-first always” approach: transparent communication, data-anchored decisions, and community partnerships that meet real needs.

They discuss how Mississinewa engages families early through strong preschool pathways, centers safety and access in operational calls (like weather delays), and uses a community-built strategic plan to align budgets, programming, and culture. Jeremy also shares how listening tours, system-to-systems meetings, and visible leadership (yes, serving lunch) strengthen trust and retention.

Nate and Jeremy dig into the push-pull of open enrollment, supporting local taxpayers while maintaining rich AP/dual-credit and CTE opportunities, and planning for legacy facilities, while keeping every decision tied back to what serves students best.

Timestamps

05:18 "District Challenges and Opportunities"

08:00 Building Relationships, Strategic Planning Success

12:17 Balancing Out-of-District Enrollment

13:45 "Decisions Anchored by Students"

17:01 Leading by Example in Decisions

22:24 "Fostering Growth Through Dialogue"

25:05 Community Collaboration in Rural Mississeno

26:47 School Partnerships Enhance Arts Access

31:09 School Funding Referendum Necessity

34:57 "Focus on Relationships First"

37:30 Breaking Generational Poverty Together

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you lead in a district where every decision must stretch resources without shrinking opportunity, this conversation will resonate. Jeremy offers a grounded playbook for aligning strategy with community values, balancing enrollment realities with taxpayer trust, and proving—daily—that student well-being and safety come first.

Connect with Jeremy Fewell
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-fewell-ed-s-9b009893
Website: https://www.lewiscass.net/ 

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 the 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.

In today’s episode, host Nate Lichte sits down with Dr. Chris Daughtry, Superintendent of Lewis Cass Schools (IN). With deep roots in rural education and service in the Air Force Reserve, Chris shares how he’s leading through listening, rebuilding trust, and shaping a strategic plan that reflects both fiscal responsibility and community pride.

From launching a districtwide strategic plan built on clear pillars to mentoring future leaders and refreshing 1950s facilities, Chris offers a grounded look at how rural districts can thrive by focusing on people, purpose, and place.

Nate and Chris also explore aligning district goals with community values, creating in-house instructional models, and redefining “success” through belonging, safety, and engagement.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and introduction to Dr. Chris Daughtry

02:24 From classroom teacher to superintendent—mentorship and leadership growth

05:26 Defining success in a rural district: growth, safety, and fiscal stewardship

07:06 Listening tours and aligning goals with community values

10:18 Building a strategic plan rooted in district pillars

12:27 Preparing students for career pathways and modernizing facilities

13:47 Recruiting and retaining teachers in small-town Indiana

19:49 Mentoring future leaders and sustaining the pipeline

23:26 Elevating staff voice through collaboration and shared decision-making

34:42 Advice for rural superintendents—relationships first, always

Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you lead in a rural or close-knit district, Chris’s story will resonate. You’ll hear how small schools can lead with flexibility, how culture and strategy intertwine, and why listening first creates lasting change. It’s a masterclass in grounded leadership—rooted in community, built on relationships, and driven by doing what’s best for kids.

Connect with Dr. Chris Daughtry
Website: https://www.lewiscass.net/ 

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 the 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.

In today’s episode, host Nate Lichte sits down with Kellen Adams, Superintendent of Schools at Leavenworth USD 453. A 17-year educator and entrepreneur, Kellen brings a business-minded lens to district leadership, balancing budget realities, community dynamics, and culture building in one of Kansas’s most unique ecosystems.

From managing declining enrollment and high mobility to strengthening partnerships with faith and business communities, Kellen shares how a simple cadence, data, story, and relationship keep trust high and decision-making clear. He unpacks why “people first” promises matter, how radical transparency diffuses tension, and where entrepreneurial thinking (ROI, opportunity cost, recruitment as growth) helps districts navigate uncertainty.

Nate and Kellen also explore practical steps for aspiring superintendents: leaning into weak spots, seeking operational reps, and building authentic community relationships that go far beyond transactions.

Timestamps

03:06 From business/finance to coaching and education

08:47 Declining enrollment and budget pressure

10:10 High mobility, student and staff turnover

12:25 Communicating budget realities: data, story, relationship

15:25 People-first promises, no layoffs, raises, transparency

18:55 Entrepreneurial lens: ROI, opportunity cost, recruitment

23:50 Advice to aspiring superintendents, lean into gaps

35:37 Future outlook, prepare for renaissance or managed decline

Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you’re leading through constrained budgets, enrollment shifts, or rapid staff turnover, Kellen offers a practical blueprint: communicate early and often, anchor decisions in people, and apply a clear ROI lens to recruitment and community engagement. It’s a masterclass in balancing optimism with operational rigor—without losing sight of kids, colleagues, and purpose.

Connect with Kellen Adams
Website: https://www.usd453.org/ 

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.

In today’s episode, host Nate Lichte sits down with Rusty Taylor, Superintendent of Lakeland Joint School District (ID). New to the role yet seasoned across nearly every seat in a school system, Rusty shares how he’s centering relationships, aligning teams, and rebuilding momentum with a simple north star: kids first.

From launching a districtwide TRUST statement (Trust, Respect, Unify, Succeed, Transparency) to empowering principals and elevating classified staff, Rusty explains how clear expectations and consistent presence can transform culture and performance.

Nate and Rusty also explore turning strategy into action, connecting ambitious goals to everyday behaviors, and using data with heart while modeling the work that inspires teams to follow.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and why service work shapes servant leadership

00:39 Path to Lakeland and “read and react” leadership in the first months

04:04 From hospitality to education and what skills transferred

08:01 Early classroom lessons, coaching, and learning from losses

11:18 Reading district culture and context after leadership transitions

14:28 Building the TRUST framework and defining each element

18:55 Principals as culture carriers and speaking a common language

21:38 Strategy into practice, district support, empowerment, and classified staff

27:33 Competitive goals, data use, and continuous improvement

41:16 Leadership legacy, advice for aspiring superintendents

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you’re a district leader focused on culture, clarity, and execution, Rusty’s approach offers practical guidance. You’ll hear how a simple shared framework anchors behavior, why presence and relationships matter, and how to connect big goals to meaningful daily action. It’s a grounded, optimistic blueprint for building a district where students thrive because the adults align.

Connect with Rusty Taylor
Website: https://www.sd272.org/ 

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.

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.

In today’s episode, host Nate Lichte sits down with Dr. Gustavo Balderas, Superintendent of Beaverton School District and incoming Superintendent of the Puget Sound Educational Service District. With 35 years in education, including 15 as a superintendent across Oregon, Washington, and California. Dr. Balderas brings a wealth of experience and a personal story rooted in resilience.

He shares his journey from growing up as the child of migrant farmworkers and an English learner to becoming the National Superintendent of the Year. Together, Nate and Dr. Balderas explore what it takes to recruit and retain bilingual teachers, build strong district cultures, and create pathways for emerging leaders. They also dive into how mentorship, relationships, and systemic structures can transform schools and close opportunity gaps.

Looking ahead, Dr. Balderas reflects on his upcoming transition to Puget Sound ESD, where he will support more than 35 districts and 425,000 students across the Seattle metro area, scaling collaboration and impact on a regional level.

Timestamps

 01:53 Growing Up as a Migrant Child & Early Educational Experiences

 04:57 From ESL Student to National Education Leader

 08:25 Recruiting & Retaining Bilingual and Diverse Teachers

 10:41 Building Healthy District Cultures

 12:31 The Role of Mentorship and Sponsorship in Leadership

 14:54 Preparing to Lead Puget Sound Educational Service District

 16:44 Building Relationships for Successful Transitions

 18:27 Creating Pathways for Emerging Latino Leaders

 20:38 Optimism for the Future of Public Education

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you’re an educator, school leader, or anyone passionate about equity in education, this conversation with Dr. Balderas offers powerful insights. His story exemplifies the American dream, from migrant farmworker roots to national leadership, and underscores the importance of mentorship, diversity, and systemic change. You’ll hear how he has built teacher pipelines, improved graduation rates, and cultivated inclusive school cultures, all while keeping 

Connect with Gustavo Balderas

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustavo-balderas-d-ed-35343710

Website: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.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, equity, and the future of learning.