Rethink Possible

Bob reconnects with Dr. Tim Anderson, who is now the Superintendent for Northfield Public Schools. Tim reflects on his first 90 days as superintendent, describing the increased volume of responsibility, communication demands, and time spent with the school board. He credits his assistant superintendent experience—especially coaching principals and building learning-centered systems—with preparing him for the role, while emphasizing the importance of honoring his predecessor’s successes, clarifying what will remain unchanged, and establishing his own leadership. Anderson also discusses protecting time for reflection and joy, leaning into his authentic self.

In this episode, Bob is joined by Dr. Robb Virgin the new superintendent for Wayzata Public Schools. Robb talks about the first 90 days on the job, the transition from assistant superintendent to superintendent, and what has surprised him the most about the process. He also discusses how his previous role has prepared him for this new position and the importance of learning all areas of the district, even if it's not your specific role. He also talks about how he plans to honor what came before him and establish his leadership at the same time. Robb shares how he is gathering and analyzing data to inform his decision-making process, the challenges and opportunities he has faced in his first 90 days on the job, and advice for aspiring school leaders and what has led to his success in this position.

In this podcast episode, Bob hosts Dr. Emily McDonald, assistant superintendent for Lakeville Public Schools. They discuss the process of developing and implementing a district operational plan that is integrated across district departments and aligned with the strategic plan as well as supporting the building improvement plans. This plan helps to align the district's strategic plan and goals with the work of every department in the district. Emily discusses the planning, the communication plan, both internally and externally, and the training support along the way. Finally, Emily talks about the importance of the district teams engaging in the same work expected of buildings, iterating and making changes, and building it into the total system.

In this episode, Bob talks with Nancy Paez, an assistant superintendent for Saint Paul Public Schools. She discusses her role in shaping professional learning structures for principals in the district. She emphasizes the importance of investing in principals, as research shows they are the number one influence on student outcomes. Paez is working with a group of principals to co-create professional learning opportunities for the upcoming school year, keeping in mind the district's strategic plan and the need for balance between taking principals out of their schools and providing them with valuable learning.

Bob meets up with Dr. Tim Anderson, Executive Director of Academics for Prior Lake Savage Area Schools. He shares what he has termed the six pillars of leadership practice of focus and alignment, clarity precedes competence, systemness, capacity building, monitor and support, and celebrate values and victories. These pillars can be applied to any leadership challenge and are focused on connecting initiatives to priorities, providing clarity, creating a strong system, building capacity, monitoring progress and providing support, and recognizing achievements. This framework is designed to help leaders focus on the most important aspects of their practice in order to improve student outcomes.

In this podcast, Dr. Chris Belmont, the assistant superintendent for Burnsville, Eagan, Savage Schools, discusses his transition from being a building leader to a district leader. He talks about the importance of building trust, being open to new ideas, and communicating effectively as cornerstones of successful leadership. Dr. Belmont also shares the challenges he faced in this transition, such as the shift in decision-making, responsibility, and time demands. He also discusses how to stay centered on the various aspects of district leadership and the importance of building up future leaders.

In this episode, Bob talks with Dr. Tyrone Brookins, the assistant superintendent of South Washington County Schools. They discuss how the creation of a TOSA Dean position at the elementary level is way to attempt better support and create an administrative pipeline. Dr. Brookins shares how this role was created through repurposing 11 positions and creates the opportunity for principals to better focus on new math and social studies standards, manage changing demographics in schools, and improve student proficiency on state tests. The goal is for all principals to have a clear framework for instructional leadership and for the district to see increased student learning.

In this episode, Bob has a conversation with Dr. Alison Gillespie, assistant superintendent in White Bear Lake Area Schools about principals’ need for instructional leadership and how she led the development of White Bear Lake Schools plan to support them. She discusses the importance of creating a collaborative space for principals to learn from each other and using a new evaluation tool to provide a common language for instructional leadership. She also mentions the role of a principal coach in facilitating the process and how they track progress through individual check-ins for principal evaluation and development. Finally, she discusses the challenges and goals of driving professional development leadership capacity for principals.

Bob sits down with Assistant Superintendent Nate Swenson of Edina Public Schools for a conversation around the implementation of AI from an inquiry-based approach in schools. Nate discusses the implementation team starting from the position of declaring that AI is a powerful tool and put together a one page for staff to discuss roles, responsibilities, and ethical use of AI. As the main driver for the work, the team is representative of the district and includes people who are skeptical about AI. They conducted empathy interviews and surveys to better understand how people were feeling. For training, they are focusing on integrating AI in the classroom and making work more efficient. They have a communications plan in place to keep the community informed. The key to success is having the right people at the table, including representatives from all stakeholder groups, bringing leadership along, and keeping the school board informed and supportive. The district plans to create an AI implementation team and develop an AI use plan.

In this episode, Bob connects with Dr. Nick Lightfoot, assistant superintendent at Hopkins School District, who discusses his experience with policy development and monitoring for school districts. He shares examples of how policies are created and communicated with the community, and discusses the role of state statute, collective bargaining agreements, and school board governance in shaping policies. He also shares examples of internal and external challenges with policies as well as where to begin, resources to use, and mechanisms for tracking, monitoring, and updating policies and procedures.