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.