Stronger School

In this episode of Stronger School, host Joshua Sushan welcomes Taylor Stockton, Chief Innovation Officer at the U.S. Department of Labor, for a conversation about how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, the workforce, and the opportunities available to the next generation of learners. Taylor shares how the Department of Labor is approaching AI with a focus on evidence rather than speculation, emphasizing that AI is augmenting human skills rather than replacing them. He explains why preparing students for the future begins with ensuring they have the knowledge and confidence to use AI responsibly.

Throughout the discussion, Taylor explores the Department of Labor's AI literacy initiatives, including the AI Literacy Framework and the Make America AI Ready program, which provides accessible AI education for learners across the country. He also discusses the growing need for stronger connections between K-12 education, workforce development, higher education, and industry to prepare students for careers in both emerging technologies and high-demand skilled trades. The conversation highlights the importance of real-time data, cross-sector collaboration, registered apprenticeships, and unified workforce planning to help states and school districts respond more effectively to a rapidly changing economy.

Taylor closes by encouraging education leaders to embrace AI with both optimism and responsibility. He emphasizes that AI literacy should be embedded throughout education rather than treated as a standalone initiative, while ensuring teachers, parents, students, and community leaders all have a voice in shaping its implementation. His message is clear: stronger schools are built when innovation is grounded in collaboration, supported by reliable data, and focused on preparing every student for success in an AI-powered future.

Key Moments

01:39 Why AI literacy matters for every American

05:59 Building the AI Literacy Framework

09:35 Preparing students for high-demand careers

13:12 Connecting K-12, workforce, and industry

18:18 Using real-time data to guide workforce decisions

22:25 Breaking down data silos across education

27:11 Strengthening partnerships between education and labor

Connect with Taylor Stockton | Chief Innovation Officer, U.S. Department of Labor

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

Website: https://www.dol.gov/

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

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In this episode of Stronger School, host Kellie Ady welcomes Justin Dayhoff, Chief Financial Officer of Clark County School District, for a conversation about why school finance should always begin and end with students. Drawing on a career that spans the classroom, district leadership, state education, and education research, Justin shares how his journey from music teacher to CFO has shaped his belief that every budgeting decision should ultimately improve outcomes for learners. He explains why financial leadership is no longer just about balancing budgets, but about strategically investing resources where they can make the greatest difference.

Throughout the discussion, Justin explores how districts can better connect financial data with student outcomes by breaking down data silos and aligning spending with strategic priorities. He explains why conversations about return on investment should focus on evidence, thoughtful measurement, and continuous improvement rather than simple adoption metrics. The conversation also examines student-based budgeting, equitable resource allocation, enrollment forecasting, and the growing importance of helping school communities understand how funding decisions are made through transparent communication and accessible data.

Looking ahead, Justin discusses how AI, machine learning, and integrated data systems can help districts make smarter financial decisions while supporting long-term strategic planning. He encourages district leaders to view compliance as the foundation—not the goal—of financial leadership, emphasizing that the future belongs to CFOs who can connect budgets, data, and strategy to meaningful student outcomes. His message is clear: stronger schools are built when every dollar is intentionally aligned to helping students succeed.

Key Moments

00:47 From music teacher to district CFO

06:57 Why every budget should begin with students

10:12 Looking beyond traditional ROI in education

12:40 How student-based budgeting supports equity

14:36 Building trust through transparent school funding

17:39 Navigating enrollment declines and budget pressures

21:21 What makes a strong investment proposal

23:10 Tracking investments beyond implementation

24:44 Breaking down financial and data silos

27:34 Aligning budgets with strategic priorities

29:24 Why compliance is the floor, not the ceiling

Connect with Justin Dayhoff | Chief Financial Officer, Clark County School District

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

District: https://ccsd.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, host Trip Kucera welcomes John Bailey, Nonresident Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, for a conversation about what decades of education technology can teach us about today's AI revolution. Drawing on leadership experience spanning the U.S. Department of Education, the White House, and education policy, John reflects on why previous waves of technology often overpromised and underdelivered—and why generative AI presents a fundamentally different opportunity for schools.

Throughout the discussion, John explores how districts can thoughtfully adopt AI by focusing on meaningful educational outcomes rather than technology adoption alone. He explains why productive struggle remains essential for student learning, shares practical examples of how teachers can integrate AI without replacing critical thinking, and discusses the growing role of AI as a tool for supporting educators rather than simply delivering student-facing experiences. The conversation also examines how AI can help teachers personalize instruction, make sense of complex data, improve communication, and reduce administrative workload while keeping educators firmly at the center of every decision.

Looking ahead, John offers an optimistic vision for the future of education, emphasizing that schools should move deliberately through small pilots, build trust with teachers and families, and remain laser-focused on improving teaching and learning. He also explains why reading, writing, reasoning, and mathematics are becoming even more important in an AI-powered world, preparing students to work alongside increasingly capable AI systems. His message is clear: stronger schools won't be built by adopting more technology—they'll be built by using AI intentionally to empower educators, strengthen relationships, and improve student outcomes.

In this episode of Stronger School, host Joshua Sushan welcomes Governor Martin O'Malley, former Mayor of Baltimore, Governor of Maryland, and Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, for a conversation about how data-driven leadership can transform public education. Drawing on decades of public service, Governor O'Malley shares how systems like CitiStat, StateStat, and SecurityStat helped improve government performance by focusing on one essential question: Is what we're doing actually working? He explains why data should never be about numbers alone, but about improving outcomes for the people those numbers represent.

Throughout the discussion, Governor O'Malley explores how education leaders can use connected data systems to better understand student needs, identify effective interventions, and strengthen collaboration across schools, families, and communities. He shares real-world examples from Maryland, including how measuring leading indicators like classroom breakfast programs helped improve student achievement and why transparency builds the trust needed to drive meaningful change. The conversation also examines the importance of breaking down data silos, using longitudinal student information to support learners over time, and ensuring every stakeholder has access to the information needed to make informed decisions.

Looking ahead, Governor O'Malley discusses how K-12 education must evolve to prepare students for an AI-driven workforce by strengthening career pathways, expanding employer partnerships, and creating more flexible learning opportunities beyond the classroom. He emphasizes that collaborative leadership—not isolated decision-making—will determine whether schools successfully prepare students for the future. His closing message is one of optimism: with today's technology, educators have an unprecedented opportunity to personalize learning, strengthen school systems, and create better outcomes for every student.

Key Moments

04:30 The question every leader should ask

07:20 Using leading indicators to improve student success

10:12 Breaking down data silos across education

14:18 Why transparency builds public trust

18:36 Connecting workforce data to student pathways

22:45 Preparing every student with career-ready skills

26:51 The power of collaborative leadership

30:09 Expanding learning beyond the classroom

Connect with Governor Martin O'Malley | Former Governor of Maryland

Website: https://www.martinomalley.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 sits down with Congressman Kevin Kiley, U.S. Representative for California's 3rd Congressional District and Chair of the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, to discuss the evolving role of federal leadership in K-12 education. Drawing on his experience as a high school English teacher, California legislator, and member of Congress, Congressman Kiley shares how those perspectives have shaped his approach to education policy and why supporting teachers and school leaders remains central to improving student outcomes.

Throughout the conversation, Congressman Kiley explores several of the biggest issues facing K-12 education today, including federal funding, special education, school choice, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in classrooms. He discusses the importance of fully funding IDEA, expanding educational opportunities for families, and using AI to reduce administrative burdens for teachers while enhancing personalized learning for students. The conversation also addresses the importance of balancing innovation with safeguards around privacy, academic integrity, and responsible AI implementation, while emphasizing that professional development will play a critical role as technology continues to evolve.

Looking ahead, Congressman Kiley reflects on how schools can prepare students for an increasingly technology-driven future without losing sight of the fundamentals of great teaching. He emphasizes the value of strong parent engagement, high expectations for every learner, collaborative leadership, and creating opportunities for educators to learn from one another. His message is clear: while technology will continue to reshape education, stronger schools will always be built through empowered teachers, engaged communities, and a shared commitment to student success.

Key Moments

00:33 From classroom teacher to Congress

02:06 Understanding the realities facing school leaders

04:00 Why education deserves greater national attention

06:10 The federal role in K-12 funding

08:20 Addressing special education funding challenges

10:36 School choice and expanding family options

17:00 AI as a tool to support teachers

19:05 Helping students learn with AI while protecting critical thinking

22:15 AI safety, privacy, and professional development

Connect with Congressman Kevin Kiley | U.S. Representative for California's 3rd Congressional District
Website; https://kiley.house.gov/

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 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.