In this episode of Stronger School, host Jesse Roy welcomes Dr. Jeremy S. Owoh, Superintendent of Jacksonville North Pulaski School District and Board President of ISTE+ASCD, for a conversation about preparing educators, students, and school systems for long-term success. As a district leader and national education advocate, Dr. Owoh shares how personalized professional learning, strong school-home partnerships, and intentional leadership are helping create learning environments where both educators and students can thrive.

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Owoh explains how Jacksonville North Pulaski has transformed professional development by replacing one-size-fits-all training with personalized learning pathways tailored to educators' individual needs. He also discusses innovative teacher residency partnerships that strengthen the educator pipeline, the importance of engaging families as true partners in education, and why community collaboration is essential to student success. The conversation explores the evolving role of educational technology, emphasizing that leaders must proactively shape conversations around AI, screen quality, and innovation while ensuring technology enhances—not replaces—great teaching.

Dr. Owoh closes by encouraging education leaders to remain focused on a simple but powerful question: Is this decision best for students? Whether supporting teachers through personalized professional learning, strengthening community partnerships, or preparing students for an AI-driven future, he believes every initiative should ultimately improve opportunities for learners. His message is clear: stronger schools are built when leaders invest in educators, embrace thoughtful innovation, and keep students at the center of every decision.

Key Moments

00:49 Starting the school year with culture and relationships

02:18 Personalizing professional learning for educators

05:28 Supporting new teachers through mentorship

08:45 Building a stronger teacher pipeline

12:40 Strengthening school and family partnerships

17:11 Engaging the broader community in education

22:24 Why education leaders must shape AI conversations

28:15 Screen quality over screen time

32:03 Innovation should enhance, not replace, great teaching

Connect with Dr. Jeremy S. Owoh | Superintendent of Schools, Jacksonville North Pulaski School District

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

District: https://www.jnpsd.org/

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

In this special episode of Stronger School, Jesse Roy hosts two inspiring conversations with education technology leaders who believe that meaningful innovation starts with people, not platforms. Lisa Berghoff, Director of Instructional Technology at Township High School District 113, and Patricia Aigner, Director of Technology and Communications at Rutland City Public Schools, share how building trust, investing in educators, and keeping students at the center of every decision are transforming technology from a collection of tools into a catalyst for better teaching and learning.

Lisa reflects on how her background in special education continues to shape her approach to instructional technology, emphasizing that every technology decision should begin by asking which students need additional support and how educators can better meet those needs. She discusses navigating the rapidly evolving world of AI through collaboration with students, teachers, and regional partners while sharing her unique approach to change management by embedding herself within each department to understand educators' daily experiences. Patricia complements that perspective by exploring how AI, strategic planning, and thoughtful professional learning can save teachers time, strengthen instruction, and improve student outcomes. Together, they reinforce that technology succeeds only when it is aligned with educational goals and supported by strong relationships.

Both leaders leave listeners with a powerful reminder that stronger schools are built by investing in people first. Whether through personalized professional development, authentic communication, collaborative leadership, or simply taking time to understand the challenges educators face each day, lasting innovation depends on trust. Their shared message is clear: when school leaders prioritize relationships, empower teachers, and thoughtfully integrate technology, they create learning environments where both educators and students can thrive.

Key Moments

03:10 Using special education to shape technology decisions

08:24 Building stronger professional networks through ISTE

12:31 AI, accessibility, and supporting every learner

19:12 Why collaboration drives better AI decisions

27:18 Communication as the foundation of change management

34:45 Building trust through authentic relationships

39:52 Supporting teachers with purposeful professional learning

Connect with Lisa Berghoff | Director of Instructional Technology, Township High School District 113

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

District: https://hphs.dist113.org/

Connect with Patricia Aigner | Director of Technology, Rutland City Public Schools

District: https://www.rutlandcitypublicschools.org/

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

In this episode of Stronger School, host Steven Anderson welcomes Dr. Ronald Taylor, former superintendent and current executive search consultant with HYA, for a conversation about the leadership principles that create thriving schools and school systems. Reflecting on a career that spans the classroom, district leadership, and executive coaching, Dr. Taylor shares how staying student-centered while never losing sight of the people behind the work has shaped every stage of his journey.

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Taylor explores the importance of creating coherent school cultures where every initiative is grounded in a clear purpose and connected to student success. He also offers practical strategies for addressing chronic absenteeism, emphasizing the need for strong family communication, intentional school culture, and helping every student develop a genuine sense of belonging. The conversation highlights how data-driven decision-making and authentic relationships work together to improve outcomes, reminding leaders that meaningful change happens one student and one family at a time.

Looking ahead, Dr. Taylor reflects on the challenges facing the next generation of school leaders, from navigating AI and emerging technologies to supporting students whose educational experiences were shaped by the pandemic. He encourages leaders to balance innovation with human connection and shares one piece of advice that has guided his career: make time to know the people you serve. Whether leading a classroom, a school, or an entire district, stronger schools are built through authentic relationships, trust, and a commitment to helping every person feel seen, valued, and connected.

10 Steps for School Leaders to Address Chronic Absenteeism: https://eoschools.org/10-steps-to-address-chronic-absenteeism-for-school-leaders/

Key Moments

00:35 A journey from classroom teacher to superintendent

06:09 Why clarity and belonging drive school success

09:25 Addressing chronic absenteeism with families

14:14 Creating school cultures where students belong

20:20 Making attendance everyone's responsibility

24:10 Leadership lessons from executive coaching

28:11 Why education is always about people

31:45 Preparing leaders for the age of AI

35:20 Balancing innovation with human connection

Connect with Dr. Ronald Taylor | Associate (Consultant) in Partnership, HYA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ronald-taylor-59999981
District: https://hyasearch.com/

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

In this episode of Stronger School, host Steven Anderson welcomes Dr. Ronald Taylor, former superintendent and current executive search consultant with HYA, for a conversation about the leadership principles that create thriving schools and school systems. Reflecting on a career that spans the classroom, district leadership, and executive coaching, Dr. Taylor shares how staying student-centered while never losing sight of the people behind the work has shaped every stage of his journey.

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Taylor explores the importance of creating coherent school cultures where every initiative is grounded in a clear purpose and connected to student success. He also offers practical strategies for addressing chronic absenteeism, emphasizing the need for strong family communication, intentional school culture, and helping every student develop a genuine sense of belonging. The conversation highlights how data-driven decision-making and authentic relationships work together to improve outcomes, reminding leaders that meaningful change happens one student and one family at a time.

Looking ahead, Dr. Taylor reflects on the challenges facing the next generation of school leaders, from navigating AI and emerging technologies to supporting students whose educational experiences were shaped by the pandemic. He encourages leaders to balance innovation with human connection and shares one piece of advice that has guided his career: make time to know the people you serve. Whether leading a classroom, a school, or an entire district, stronger schools are built through authentic relationships, trust, and a commitment to helping every person feel seen, valued, and connected.

10 Steps for School Leaders to Address Chronic Absenteeism: https://eoschools.org/10-steps-to-address-chronic-absenteeism-for-school-leaders/

Key Moments

00:35 A journey from classroom teacher to superintendent

06:09 Why clarity and belonging drive school success

09:25 Addressing chronic absenteeism with families

14:14 Creating school cultures where students belong

20:20 Making attendance everyone's responsibility

24:10 Leadership lessons from executive coaching

28:11 Why education is always about people

31:45 Preparing leaders for the age of AI

35:20 Balancing innovation with human connection

40:05 Building stronger schools through authentic relationships

Connect with Dr. Ronald Taylor | Associate (Consultant) in Partnership, HYA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ronald-taylor-59999981
District: https://hyasearch.com/

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

In this episode of Stronger School, host Steven Anderson welcomes Juwan Withers, Chief Technology Officer for Chickasaw City Schools, to discuss what it takes to build an innovative school system in one of Alabama's smallest independent school districts. Having experienced the district's journey as both a student and now a district leader, Juwan offers a unique perspective on how strong relationships, flexibility, and a community-first mindset have shaped Chickasaw's approach to educational technology and student success.

Throughout the conversation, Juwan shares how serving in multiple roles across the district has helped him better understand the needs of students, families, teachers, and administrators. He explains how Chickasaw leverages integrated data to proactively address challenges like chronic absenteeism, using attendance, discipline, counseling, and geographic insights to identify trends before they become larger issues. The discussion also explores the advantages and challenges of leading technology in a small district, from navigating vendor relationships to embracing AI in ways that directly support teaching, learning, and operational efficiency.

Juwan also highlights the district's commitment to family engagement through dedicated community outreach, parent education events, and programs that extend support beyond the classroom. Whether discussing AI literacy, student safety, or community partnerships, his philosophy remains consistent: meaningful innovation starts with knowing the people you serve. He closes with a powerful reminder that stronger schools are built on authentic relationships, where every decision is guided by the needs of students, families, and the community.

Key Moments

00:33 A journey from student to district CTO

03:31 Building a school district from the ground up

05:18 Doing more with less in a small district

06:59 Why relationships are Chickasaw's greatest strength

07:45 Using data to reduce chronic absenteeism

10:02 Navigating technology as a small school district

13:17 AI's growing role in education

13:52 Building and testing AI solutions locally

16:07 Strengthening schools through community partnerships

18:16 Why relationships matter most in leadership

Connect with Juwan Withers | Chief Technology Officer, Chickasaw City Schools
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juwan-withers-671b68176
District: https://www.chickasawschools.com/

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

In this episode of Stronger School, host Trip Kucera welcomes Dr. Julie Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Project Tomorrow, for a conversation about how research and data can help school leaders make smarter decisions in an increasingly complex educational landscape. Drawing on nearly three decades of Project Tomorrow's work with K-12 schools, Dr. Evans shares how understanding the voices of students, teachers, parents, and administrators can transform research into practical strategies that improve teaching, learning, and district operations.

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Evans reflects on the evolution of the Speak Up Research Project and the changing role of technology in education. She explores how student expectations, parent priorities, and educator needs have shifted over time, emphasizing that technology should be viewed as a purposeful tool rather than an end in itself. The conversation also examines the growing importance of durable skills like critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration in an AI-driven world, along with the need for school systems to rethink instruction to prepare students for an uncertain future.

Dr. Evans also highlights Project Tomorrow's partnership with PowerSchool through the EdTech Pulse research and introduces the vision behind the upcoming Stronger School Index. By helping districts better measure technology effectiveness, connect operational excellence to student outcomes, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement, she believes leaders can make more informed decisions while building greater trust with their communities. She closes with a simple but powerful reminder that stronger schools are built by empowering people first, creating cultures where educators are encouraged to innovate, collaborate, and grow together.

2026 Pulse Report: https://www.powerschool.com/pulse-b2s-2026/

Key Moments

00:22 The mission behind Project Tomorrow

03:18 How the Speak Up Research Project has evolved

06:33 What students and teachers consistently value

12:32 Why durable skills matter in the age of AI

18:54 The partnership behind EdTech Pulse

26:45 District challenges that keep leaders up at night

30:29 Why data and connected systems are top priorities

33:13 Measuring technology effectiveness beyond screen time

41:24 Introducing the Stronger School Index

50:09 Why empowering people builds stronger schools

Connect with Dr. Julie Evans | Chief Executive Officer, Project Tomorrow

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

Organization: https://www.tomorrow.org/

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

In this episode of Stronger School, host Jesse Roy welcomes Chris Cromwell, Instructional Technology Coordinator for West Chester Area School District, for a thoughtful conversation about why this is one of the most exciting and transformative moments in education. Drawing on his experience as both a classroom teacher and instructional technology leader, Chris shares how bridging the gap between teaching and technology has shaped his approach to supporting educators, fostering innovation, and keeping students at the center of every decision.

Throughout the discussion, Chris explores how AI, personalization, and educational technology are creating new opportunities while challenging educators to rethink traditional classroom practices. He explains why today's conversations around technology should focus less on fear and more on intentional implementation, helping schools balance innovation with reflection. The conversation also highlights West Chester's work to redefine its Portrait of a Graduate through broad community engagement, ensuring students, families, educators, and district leaders all have a voice in shaping the skills and experiences that matter most for the future.

Chris also reflects on the importance of collaboration across technology, curriculum, and district leadership, emphasizing that there are rarely simple solutions to complex educational challenges. Instead, he encourages leaders to step back, learn from past experiences, and bring diverse perspectives into decision-making before implementing change. He closes with a reminder that stronger schools are built when leaders remain reflective, embrace collaboration, and align every technology decision with meaningful learning outcomes for students.

Key Moments

00:22 Bridging the gap between teaching and technology

02:53 Why this is an exciting time for education

04:33 Learning from past technology shifts

07:12 Keeping students at the center of innovation

08:53 Redefining the Portrait of a Graduate

10:23 Listening to community and student voices

11:40 The value of learning alongside peers at ISTE

14:01 Why there is no AI silver bullet

15:17 Finding balance in purposeful technology use

17:08 Rethinking district technology ecosystems

19:22 Advice for leaders navigating educational change

Connect with Chris Cromwell | Instructional Technology Coordinator, West Chester Area School District

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-cromwell-667759295
District: https://www.wcasd.net/

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

In this episode of Stronger School, hosts Jesse Roy and Steven Anderson welcome Dr. Karen Cheser, Superintendent of Durango School District 9-R in Colorado, for a conversation about leading innovation in a rural district while ensuring every student has access to meaningful opportunities. Drawing on her experience serving geographically diverse communities, Dr. Cheser shares how her district is preparing students for the future by focusing on equity, career-connected learning, and a shared vision that extends far beyond the classroom.

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Cheser explains how initiatives like the district's Portrait of a Graduate, strategic planning, and an innovative mobile STEAM learning lab are helping bridge opportunity gaps for students in remote communities. She also explores the evolving role of educational technology, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing productive learning tools from passive screen time. The conversation dives into AI implementation, highlighting why districts should focus on responsible use, teacher support, digital citizenship, and ensuring every student develops the skills needed for an increasingly technology-driven future.

Dr. Cheser also offers practical advice for district leaders navigating rapid change, encouraging them to create a shared vision with students, educators, and the broader community before aligning every instructional decision, professional learning opportunity, and resource around that common purpose. Rather than treating innovation as a collection of disconnected initiatives, she advocates for making the district's vision the guiding force behind every decision. She closes with a powerful reminder that stronger schools are built when leaders make intentional promises to students and consistently deliver on them.

Key Moments

00:32 Creating opportunity in a rural school district

02:59 Why ISTE continues to inspire innovation

05:22 Rethinking technology beyond screen time

07:53 The moral imperative of digital access

09:42 Building AI guidelines instead of banning AI

12:16 Supporting learners through AI

13:39 Training teachers for responsible AI use

14:44 Why strategic AI implementation matters

15:50 AI as a thought partner for educators

16:53 Creating a shared vision for every student

17:44 Turning a Portrait of a Graduate into action

Connect with Dr. Karen Cheser | Superintendent, Durango School District

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

District: https://www.durangoschools.org/

Follow us on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

In this episode of Stronger School, host Trip Kucera sits down with Dr. Cecelia Gillam, Science Teacher at Benjamin Franklin Senior High School in New Orleans, to explore how trust, curiosity, and innovation can transform teaching and learning. Drawing on more than two decades in the classroom, Dr. Gillam shares her unconventional path into education and explains why empowering teachers is one of the most important investments school leaders can make.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Gillam discusses why schools must move beyond treating teachers and students as data points and instead create environments where educators are trusted to teach creatively and authentically. She explains how personalized learning, project-based instruction, and the Modern Classroom Project have reshaped her classroom, leading to stronger student engagement and measurable academic growth. The discussion also explores the responsible use of AI in education, highlighting why students should be taught to think critically about AI-generated content, identify misinformation, and use emerging technologies as tools for learning rather than shortcuts.

Dr. Gillam also shares practical advice for school and district leaders, emphasizing that lasting improvement begins with supportive leadership, ongoing professional learning, and authentic collaboration with teachers. Rather than relying on punitive accountability systems, she encourages leaders to build trust, seek regular feedback from educators and students, and create opportunities for hands-on, curiosity-driven learning. She closes with a simple but powerful reminder: stronger schools are built when leaders trust their people and give them the support they need to help students thrive.

Key Moments
03:09 Why trusting teachers improves retention
05:52 Meeting today's learners through active learning
07:42 How personalized learning transformed the classroom
10:38 Inspiring curiosity instead of chasing scores
13:19 Teaching students to use AI responsibly
15:23 Helping students identify deepfakes and misinformation
19:00 How students are embracing AI more thoughtfully
22:24 Building teacher trust through ongoing support
25:08 Bringing classroom voices into school decisions
26:17 Expanding hands-on science opportunities
28:40 Why stronger schools begin with trusting teachers


Connect with Dr. Cecelia Gillam | Science Teacher, Benjamin Franklin Senior High School
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecelia-gillam

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

In the first episode of Stronger School, host Jesse Roy welcomes Jean-Claude Brizard, President and CEO of Digital Promise, for a thought-provoking conversation about what it truly takes to build stronger schools in today's rapidly evolving education landscape. Drawing on his experience as a former superintendent and leader of one of the nation's foremost education innovation organizations, Jean-Claude shares why meaningful transformation is about much more than adopting new technology.

Throughout the conversation, Jean-Claude explains how Digital Promise works at the intersection of research, innovation, and implementation to help school systems solve complex challenges. He discusses why education technology companies must move beyond being vendors and become true partners, collaborating with districts to design solutions that fit the realities of classrooms, educators, and students. The discussion also explores how connected data systems can help leaders address persistent challenges like chronic absenteeism, improve decision-making, and create more equitable outcomes for students.

Jean-Claude also highlights inspiring examples from Digital Promise's League of Innovative Schools, where districts across the country are reimagining teaching, learning, and community engagement. From student-led demonstrations of Portrait of a Graduate initiatives to districtwide approaches for developing computational thinking, he illustrates how sustainable innovation happens when educators, students, and communities share ownership of change.

Key Moments

01:39 How Digital Promise drives education innovation

03:14 Why vendors must become true district partners

05:09 Using connected data to solve chronic absenteeism

07:03 Moving beyond procedural learning with AI

08:06 Inside the League of Innovative Schools

11:00 District examples of successful change management

12:41 Building community ownership through Portrait of a Graduate

14:03 Why school leaders must become community organizers

16:06 Separating meaningful learning technology from screen time

16:53 Keeping humans at the center of AI

18:40 How curriculum and pedagogy must evolve alongside AI

19:21 The leadership mindset behind stronger schools

Connect with Jean-Claude Brizard | President & CEO, Digital Promise

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-claude-brizard-0080a810 

Website: https://digitalpromise.org/ 

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/ 

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.