Little Wins

In this episode, host Karen Borchert sits down with Wade Stanford, Superintendent of Westwood ISD in rural Texas, a “small but mighty” district of just over 1,300 students where trust, empowerment, and relationships drive every decision.

From navigating a 20–25% student mobility rate and growing homelessness to building a relational police department and a culture of “horizontal accountability,” Wade shows how a family atmosphere with a team spirit turns little wins into lasting change.

Together, Karen and Wade explore what it means to lead with positive intent, why every role is a leadership role, and how simple, consistent practices like no direct instruction the first three days of school and making sure no student goes hungry create deep, human-centered school culture.

💡 Little Wins in This Episode:

1. Leading a “small but mighty” district: How Westwood ISD meets the needs of a highly mobile and often hidden homeless student population with wraparound care.

   
   

2. Redefining school policing: Why Wade launched a district police department focused on relationships, soft uniforms, and early intervention instead of punishment.

   
   

3. Horizontal accountability: How “everybody holds everybody accountable” creates trust—from students speaking up to assistant principals giving honest feedback to the superintendent.

   
   

4. From coach to superintendent: The story of Coach Hagler’s biology class, a high school track meet, and the moment Wade knew he was called to education.

   
   

5. No direct instruction the first three days: How Westwood uses the start of school to build relationships, ensure kids are fed and safe, and set a foundation for learning.

   
   

6. “Everybody’s a leader”: The belief statement that empowers food service, admin assistants, and teachers alike to lead from where they are.

   
   

7. Family atmosphere, team spirit: Why Westwood embraces the heart of family but the standards and accountability of a high-performing team.

Key Moments

00:01 Introducing Superintendent Wade Stanford and Westwood ISD

01:20 A rural district with high mobility—and why relationships matter more than ever

02:45 What a 20–25% mobility rate really means for kids and families

09:09 “Horizontal accountability” and students speaking up when something isn’t right

11:25 Building trust through vulnerability, positive intent, and honest feedback

13:14 Coach Hagler’s biology class and the moment Wade chose education

18:39 Knowing when you’re truly ready for the next stage of your career

20:51 No direct instruction the first three days—only relationships, safety, and care

27:23 “Everybody’s a leader; they lead from where they’re at”

31:17 A family atmosphere with a team spirit—and why teams don’t tolerate dysfunction

40:15 One thing any educator can do to strengthen culture right now

Connect with Wade Stanford

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wade-stanford-9319a3ab
Website: https://www.westwoodisd.net/

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🧵 About the Podcast:

Little Wins is the podcast that digs into the small, deliberate actions school leaders are taking to build strong, human-centered cultures.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Alpaca for more conversations on building powerful school cultures.

In this episode, host Karen Borchert sits down with Frank Macri, Superintendent of Voorheesville Central School District in upstate New York, a small, tight-knit community that “bleeds purple and gold” and treats the school as its gathering place.

A Voorheesville resident for over 20 years and a former music teacher and jazz saxophonist, Frank shares how leading where you live changes everything how he thinks about visibility, presence, and the tiny interactions that build trust. From greeting students, to tracking his connections with over 200 staff members, to a district-wide “Blackbirds” mantra, Frank shows how intentional, everyday actions turn culture into a lived experience for students, staff, and families.

💡 Little Wins in This Episode:

1. From First-Gen Grad to Superintendent: How Frank’s journey from aspiring musician to educator shaped his belief in school as a place that breaks cycles and opens doors.

   
   

2. Culture in the Micro-Moments: Why a sprint down the hallway and the feedback that followed transformed how he thinks about presence, tone, and perception.
   
   
3. The Connection Tracker: How logging meaningful interactions with staff and students helps ensure everyone feels seen, valued, and included.

   
   

4. Learning to Lead (Again): How professional development at Harvard and in situational leadership reframed his approach to visibility, support, and growth for his team.

   
   

5. Shared Decisions, Clear Roles: Inside Voorheesville’s committee and shared decision-making model and why “input” doesn’t always mean “final say.”

Key Moments

01:19 “We bleed purple and gold”: Community, homecoming, and fireworks on campus

03:03 From first-gen high school graduate to music teacher and school leader

04:09 Jazz saxophone, caroling, and bringing music into the superintendent’s role

05:36 When running to a situation escalated everyone else and what it taught him about perception

07:37 Smiling, whistling, and greeting students: tiny behaviors with big impact

09:31 The “connection tracker”: how Frank logs interactions with 200+ staff members

17:19 Professional development, Harvard courses, and discovering the ladder of inference

20:18 One Minute Manager, situational leadership, and building a goal-setting culture

24:37 How admin goal tracking shifted focus, feedback, and personal growth

29:14 Redesigning shared decision making, committees, and incentives for educator voice

Connect with Frank Macri

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-macri-9a54b8124 

Website: https://www.voorheesville.org/

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Alpaca Resources Library: https://www.getalpaca.com/resources-library 

🧵 About the Podcast:

Little Wins is the podcast that digs into the small, deliberate actions school leaders are taking to build strong, human-centered cultures.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Alpaca for more conversations on building powerful school cultures.

In this episode, host Karen Borchert sits down with Dr. Andy Crozier, Superintendent of Central Lee Community School District in rural southeast Iowa, a district where homegrown pride meets award-winning culture.

A Central Lee alum himself, Dr. Crozier returned home to lead the district that shaped him and has spent the past decade proving that culture is a strategy. From visible leadership and weekly scoreboards to thoughtful staff recognition and quality-first decisions, Andy shows how consistent, intentional actions turn values into results.

Together, Karen and Andy explore how presence, trust, and pride create a ripple effect across classrooms, staff, and community, and how happy teachers really do make happy kids.

💡 Little Wins in This Episode:

1. From Student to Superintendent: How Dr. Crozier’s journey home shaped his leadership philosophy.

2. Culture as Strategy: Building award-winning schools through visibility, recognition, and accountability.

3. Happy Teachers → Happy Students: Why employee joy is at the heart of student success.

4. The Power of Presence: How weekly walkthroughs, one-on-ones, and PLC visits fuel authentic connection.

5. Recognition That Matters: Why high-quality staff gifts and visible appreciation strengthen pride and belonging.

Key Moments

00:01 Introducing Dr. Andy Crozier and Central Lee CSD

02:15 Small-town pride and culture that feels like family

13:45 Turning feedback into growth and systems of visibility

16:58 How weekly “wins and measures” create sustainable change

20:14 Scoreboards, accountability, and the 4 Disciplines of Execution

26:07 Walkthroughs, PLC visits, and visibility as a superintendent

28:27 “Little Wins” that drive culture from Yeti cups to recognition

39:00 “Find a way to be in a good mood”: The mindset that changes everythin

Connect with Dr. Andy Crozier
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-crozier-92106925a
Website:https://www.centrallee.org/

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Alpaca Website: https://www.getalpaca.com/
Alpaca Resources Library: https://www.getalpaca.com/resources-library 

🧵 About the Podcast:

Little Wins is the podcast that digs into the small, deliberate actions school leaders are taking to build strong, human-centered cultures.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Alpaca for more conversations on building powerful school cultures.

In this episode, host Karen Borchert sits down with Dr. Adam Magliari, Superintendent of Mediapolis Community School District in southeast Iowa — a rural district of just under 1,000 students, where pride runs deep and connection fuels everything.

A former PE teacher and longtime high school principal, Dr. Magliari brings both heart and systems thinking to leadership. His doctoral research on teacher burnout and retention continues to shape how he leads with intentional listening, shared decision-making, and a relentless belief that “it takes all of us.”

Together, Karen and Adam unpack how Mediapolis (known locally as “Mepo”) lives out its vision, Motivated by Excellence, Pride, and Opportunity. From preschool expansion and strategic planning to student “Lighthouse Teams” and staff mentorship, this episode shines a light on how small, deliberate actions build thriving school cultures.

💡 Little Wins in This Episode:

1. “It Takes All of Us”: How one simple motto inspired collaboration across every level of the district.

   
   

2. Individualized Consideration: What Dr. Magliari’s research reveals about supporting and retaining great teachers.
   
   
3. The Lighthouse Team: A leadership model empowering staff — and now students — to own their school’s goals.
   
   
4. Community Connection: Partnering with the city to align school and community vision through 2050.

   
   

5. Culture in Action: From announcing football games to joining the lunch line, visibility and humility drive trust.

Key Moments

00:02 Introducing Dr. Adam Magliari and the Mediapolis community

03:20 Launching the district’s first preschool

06:30 Building two-way trust with the community

09:30 Visibility, involvement, and leadership by example

13:00 From student teacher struggles to superintendent lessons

19:00 The “Four I’s” of transformational leadership

22:30 Why individualized consideration matters most

43:00 Career exploration and “grow your own” educator programs

44:38 Celebrating staff ownership and shared wins

46:10 Advice for new leaders: “Change takes time, listen first.”

Connect with Dr. Adam Magliari 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-magliari-877801331
Website: https://www.meposchools.org/

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Alpaca Resources Library: https://www.getalpaca.com/resources-library 

🧵 About the Podcast:

Little Wins is the podcast that digs into the small, deliberate actions school leaders are taking to build strong, human-centered cultures.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Alpaca for more conversations on building powerful school cultures.

In this episode of Little Wins, host Karen Borchert sits down with Matt Smith, Principal of Kiski Area Senior High School in Pennsylvania, a hometown leader proving that joy and connection can transform school culture.

A proud Kiski graduate himself, Matt returned to lead his alma mater 30 years later with a clear philosophy: be visible, be authentic, and celebrate every win, big or small. From music between classes to his “CAVS LEAD” ticket system for leadership and empathy, to showing up on the school’s live morning show, Matt has created a culture where everyone feels seen and valued.

He shares how a “senior prank” became a driveway breakfast, why he eats lunch at a student desk in the hallway, and how a small idea like purposeful positivity can ripple through an entire building.

💡 Little Wins in This Episode:

• Purposefully Positive: A simple mindset that reframes every conversation toward what’s working.

  
  

• CAVS LEAD Tickets: Students and staff recognized for leadership, empathy, accountability, and determination.

  
  

• Visible Leadership: Morning announcements and hallway lunches as daily connection points.

  
  

• Joy in the Hallways: Replacing bells with music to make every transition fun.

  
  

• Hire for Heart: Why connecting with kids matters more than the perfect interview answer.

  
  

• Aspiring Educators Program: Building the next generation of teachers through early classroom experience.

Key Moments

00:01 Welcome to Little Wins

01:19 What you feel when you walk Kiski’s halls

03:35 Coming home: leading his alma mater

05:24 Year 1 as principal—being himself and setting tone

07:08 “Purposefully positive” leadership and hiring the right team

08:50 The CAVS LEAD ticket system

13:53 Music instead of bells: joy in transitions

19:26 Morning announcements and hallway visibility

25:29 The musical cameo: celebrating student work

31:48 Aspiring Educators program

37:59 Senior sunrise, sunset, and student-led traditions

42:30 The senior prank breakfast

44:26 The power of being yourself

Connect with Matthew Smith

Website: https://highschool.kiskiarea.com/ 

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🧵 About the Podcast

Little Wins is the podcast that digs into the small, deliberate actions school leaders are taking to build strong, human-centered cultures—one meaningful win at a time.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Little Wins for more stories of courage, connection, and culture from leaders who prove that big change starts small.

In this episode of Little Wins, host Karen Borchert sits down with Chris Smith, Superintendent of Ellicott School District 22 in Calhan, Colorado. Nestled under the shadow of Pikes Peak, Ellicott is a rural district where Chris’s leadership story comes full circle—he’s not just the superintendent, but also a proud graduate, former teacher, and lifelong community member.

Chris shares how his journey from foster homes to the superintendent’s chair shaped his belief that leadership starts with showing up. From greeting families at bus drop-off to broadcasting thank-yous on the district radio, he models a culture of presence, gratitude, and service.

Through stories of resilience, humor, and heart, Chris reminds us that school culture isn’t built all at once—it’s built over time, through relationships and small daily wins.

💡 Little Wins in This Episode:

• Leadership Through Service: Chris shows how visibility and presence create lasting trust.
• First Impressions Matter: Why he suits up on the first day to honor the profession and set the tone.
• Cheers at the Door: Creating a “Norm” culture where everyone feels seen and welcomed.
• Homegrown Talent: Hiring graduates builds pride and belonging across generations.
• Everyday Gratitude: A radio shoutout to transportation staff becomes a district-wide ritual.
• Resilient Roots: From foster homes to superintendent, Chris leads with empathy and perspective.
• Keep Showing Up: Culture grows from consistency, commitment, and care.

  
  

Key Moments:

00:00 Welcome to Little Wins

02:00 Life and learning in rural Ellicott

06:00 Serving military families and building trust

10:45 Returning home to teach where it all began

18:10 First impressions and new teacher welcome

19:50 Tai Chi, Dungeons & Dragons, and unexpected student connections

32:40 Building culture through visibility and service

35:00 Dressing up for the first day: small signals, big meaning

39:20 Checking the tiles—how Chris supports staff quietly and personally

42:20 Three words that define Ellicott’s culture

45:00 One little win worth celebrating

46:00 Leadership lessons for every educator

Connect with Chris Smith
Ellicott School District 22: https://www.ellicottschools.org/

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🧵 About the Podcast:

Little Wins is the podcast that digs into the small, deliberate actions school leaders are taking to build strong, human-centered cultures, one meaningful win at a time.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Alpaca for more conversations on building powerful school cultures—one little win at a time.

In this episode of Little Wins, host Karen Borchert sits down with Dr. Ricky Stephens, Superintendent of Keene Independent School District in Keene, Texas, a small district doing big things through culture, character, and connection.

Over his 13 years leading Keene ISD, Dr. Stephens has shaped a district guided by one simple but powerful promise: Every child, every need, every day. From launching the Keene 22—a set of everyday habits and character expectations—to transforming classrooms into hands-on learning experiences, his story is a testament to what happens when a community leads with trust and kindness.

In this conversation, Dr. Stephens shares how small acts, like holding the door open or greeting students by name, have become the heartbeat of a district that values people as much as performance. He reveals how Keene’s “house system” builds belonging across grades, how teachers model empathy and presence, and why a long-term commitment to “making learners, not takers” is changing everything—from student confidence to test scores.

Whether you’re leading a large urban district or a single-school community, this episode will inspire you to slow down, find your why, and invest in the little things that make big culture possible.

💡 Little Wins in This Episode:

The Keene 22: A simple, powerful framework that teaches students life habits—like shaking hands, showing gratitude, and respecting others’ ideas—that prepare them to be better humans.

Makers, Not Takers: From transformation rooms to classroom “emergency rooms,” Keene students learn by doing—and become active creators of their education.

Culture by Design: A decade-long commitment to relationships, not quick fixes, builds trust and long-term success.

The House System: Inspired by the Ron Clark Academy, Keene’s color-based houses connect students across grades and backgrounds to create true belonging.

Argue Without Anger: Through classroom debates and public-speaking events, students learn to disagree without hate and communicate with confidence.

Little Acts, Big Lessons: From holding doors to saying “thank you,” Keene 22 habits shape a district where kindness is contagious.

Key Moments

00:01 Welcome to Little Wins

03:42 Finding the “Why” at Keene ISD

08:05 The Transformation Room: Turning Classrooms into Real-World Labs

13:08 Discovering the Ron Clark Academy

17:31 How the House System Builds Belonging

19:41 What Is the Keene 22?

22:47 Teaching Students to “Argue Without Anger”

26:19 Modeling Culture Through Hiring and Habits

32:07 Stories of Everyday Wins—from Classrooms to the Community

35:13 Trusting the Long Game in School Leadership

42:05 Small Wins That Prove It’s Working

44:26 How Personal “Whys” Create Healthy Cultures

Connect with Dr. Ricky Stephens
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricky-stephens-9b9737179/
Keene ISD Website: https://www.keeneisd.org 

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🧵 About the Podcast
Little Wins is the podcast that digs into the small, deliberate actions school leaders are taking to build strong, human-centered cultures—one meaningful win at a time.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Little Wins for more stories of courage, connection, and culture from leaders who prove that big change starts small.

In this episode of Little Wins, host Karen Borchert sits down with Maria Libby, Superintendent of Five Town CSD and MSAD 28 in Camden, Maine. With a background that spans teaching, environmental advocacy, outdoor education, and now district leadership, Maria brings a rare blend of curiosity, compassion, and courage to her work.

She shares how culture, for her, “isn’t optional”—it’s built intentionally through joyful traditions, shared rituals, and small, human moments. From Friday-morning bagel breakfasts to phone-free leadership retreats, Maria’s story is a masterclass in weaving purpose into every decision. Her team’s motto this year, “I Choose Joy,” is more than a sticker; it’s a daily reminder that school culture begins with how we show up—for our students, our colleagues, and ourselves.

Whether she’s launching assemblies that make middle-schoolers feel like rock stars, greeting every staff member by name, or hosting her district’s own podcast to elevate student voice, Maria models what it means to lead with both heart and high standards.

💡 Little Wins in This Episode:

• Culture Is Not Optional: Maria reminds us that joy, connection, and belonging aren’t extras—they’re the work.

  
  

• Stickers with a Story: Each year’s sticker (“Nimble,” “Gratitude,” “I Choose Joy”) anchors a district-wide theme that guides how people show up.

  
  

• Bagels and Belonging: Weekly central-office breakfasts protect time for laughter, connection, and being human together.

  
  

• Assemblies That Unite: Monthly gatherings where students cheer each other on—and even teachers join the band—build shared joy and pride.

  
  

• Name Every Face: Maria learns every student’s and staff member’s name to ensure everyone feels seen.

  
  

• Student Voice at the Center: From chocolate-chip-cookie focus groups to a district podcast, Maria keeps students in the conversation.

  
  

• Joy, Love & Quality: Her three guiding words define what it means to lead a district that’s both warm and world-class.

Key Moments

05:50 Finding Joy Amid Challenges

09:07 Finding Joy Amid Challenges

12:58 Teaching for Purpose and Balance

15:54 "Sailing Leadership Lessons"

18:59 Intentional Leadership and School Culture

21:14 Building Trust Through Leadership

25:36 "Creating the Best Years Together"

29:44 Phone-Free School Boosts Engagement

32:21 Weekly Team Bonding Boosts Culture

35:18 "Prioritizing Team Connection Time"

37:09 "Learning as an Ecosystem"

43:56 Super Story: Voices in Education

45:34 Elevating Student Voices

49:56 "Community, Phones, & School Leadership"

Connect with Maria Libby 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marialibby 

Website: https://csd.fivetowns.net/ 

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Alpaca Website: https://www.getalpaca.com/
Alpaca Resources Library: https://www.getalpaca.com/resources-library 

🧵 About the Podcast:

Little Wins is the podcast that digs into the small, deliberate actions school leaders are taking to build strong, human-centered cultures, one meaningful win at a time.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Alpaca for more conversations on building powerful school cultures—one little win at a time.

In this episode of Little Wins, Karen Borchert sits down with Troy Hopkins, superintendent of North Stonington Public Schools in North Stonington, Connecticut. In a small district with just two buildings and 750 students, Troy leads with heart, humor, and a clear belief that culture, risk-taking, and visibility are the work.

Troy shares how being a student again—literally taking quizzes alongside kids—helps teachers feel at ease and gives him real insight to advocate for classrooms. He talks about modeling risk through memorable convocation themes (a mini-basketball, a robot, a hammer… and even a Flash costume) to give staff permission to try, iterate, and have fun. And he explains why stepping back to let others lead—like handing a tech plan to a teacher team—builds capacity, buy-in, and better results.

Whether you’re leading a rural district or a large system, you’ll find practical ideas for zapping, not sapping energy; creating teacher-led professional learning; and staying future-focused with AI, efficiency, and purposeful fun at the center.

💡 Little Wins in This Episode:

• Be a Student (Again): Sit with kids, take the quiz, feel the flow—then give feedback from a learner’s seat. Visibility that actually lowers anxiety and raises insight.

  
  

• Props with a Purpose: Mini basketballs (“take your shot”), a robot (demystify AI), a hammer (“Is there a better way?”)—memorable anchors that normalize risk-taking and iteration.

  
  

• Permission Culture: When leaders show up in costume or try something new, everyone gets permission to create, experiment, and find joy in the work.

  
  

• Let Others Lead: Shift from directing to developing—teacher-led tech planning produced a comprehensive, funded roadmap with real ownership.

  
  

• Celebrate Longevity & Belonging: From new-teacher lunches with mentors to a 47-year custodian’s standing ovation—rituals that say, “You matter here.”

Key Moments

02:10 Career Path to Superintendent

07:05 "Be a Learner" Classroom Quizzes

11:27 "Take Your Shot" Mini Basketball

13:20 Demystifying AI for Feedback

14:37 The Flash & Efficiency

15:28 "Is There a Better Way?" Hammer

24:28 Teacher-Led Tech Plan & Buy-In

37:34 Celebrating 47 Years of Service

39:21 Immerse Yourself in the Learning

Connect with Troy Hopkins

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-hopkins-5560a068
Website: https://www.northstonington.k12.ct.us/ 

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Alpaca Website: https://www.getalpaca.com/
Alpaca Resources Library: https://www.getalpaca.com/resources-library 

🧵 About the Podcast:

Little Wins is the podcast that digs into the small, deliberate actions school leaders are taking to build strong, human-centered cultures, one meaningful win at a time.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Alpaca for more conversations on building powerful school cultures—one little win at a time.

In this episode of Little Wins, host Karen Borchert sits down with Dr. Jessica Sonntag, Superintendent at Hinckley-Big Rock CUSD #429 in Illinois. Leading a small, close-knit district with deep community roots, Dr. Sonntag shares how intentional choices, calming spaces, personalized support for staff, and a bold “phones away, bell-to-bell” policy are restoring attention, dignity, and joy to learning.

From redefining building aesthetics with a shared color palette and secure, welcoming entries to partnering with first responders on crisis communication, Jessica models courageous, thoughtful leadership. She also breaks down structural tweaks, like a single common lunch and conference-style PD that create time for clubs, relationships, and real adult learning. If you’re rethinking culture without a massive budget, this conversation is a playbook.

💡 Little Wins in This Episode:

• Design for Calm → A shared, muted district color palette gives teachers autonomy within a cohesive, soothing environment.

  
  

• Welcome with Intention → Farmhouse-cozy, human office spaces + clear entry flow reduce noise and anxiety the moment you arrive.

  
  

• Phones Away, Bell-to-Bell → Lockable pouches and clear, zero-exceptions expectations reclaim attention and reduce social media fallout.

  
  

• One Lunch, One Community → A single common lunch opens time for clubs, connection, and five extra minutes of instruction per class.

  
  

• Care for the Hive → Beekeeping and marigold vs. black walnut metaphors remind everyone they share responsibility for culture.

Key Moments

03:07 Celebrating Nostalgia and Calm in School Buildings

05:25 Redesigning Spaces with Teacher & Student Voice

09:51 From Special Education Teacher to Superintendent

13:04 Meeting People Where They Are—Leadership Philosophy

17:58 Eliminating Smartphones and Smart Tech in Classrooms

24:20 Restoring Joy, Conversation, and Engagement

29:39 Partnering with Parents and First Responders on Safety

34:26 Bridging Veteran and New Teachers’ Perspectives

37:15 Personalizing Professional Learning for Staff

39:18 One Common Lunch to Build Community

44:30 Caring for the Hive: Shared Responsibility for Culture

Connect with Dr. Jessica Sonntag

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-sonntag-ed-d-83a93171 

Website: https://www.hbr429.org/ 

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Alpaca Resources Library: https://www.getalpaca.com/resources-library 

🧵 About the Podcast:

Little Wins is the podcast that digs into the small, deliberate actions school leaders are taking to build strong, human-centered cultures, one meaningful win at a time.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Alpaca for more conversations on building powerful school cultures—one little win at a time.