In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Morris Leis, Superintendent of Coffee County Schools in Georgia. Recorded live at the AASA Conference, the conversation offers an in-depth look at Dr. Leis’ remarkable 16-year journey as a superintendent, including 14 years leading his hometown district.

A native of Coffee County, Dr. Leis shares how returning home wasn’t just a professional move—it was a personal calling. From his early days as a social studies teacher to his leadership roles across Ben Hill and Wayne counties, Dr. Leis brings a wealth of experience and a steady hand to district leadership. In this episode, he opens up about the importance of board relationships, consistent communication, and hiring strong school leaders.

Listeners will hear how Dr. Leis has championed community trust through the strategic use of ESPLOST funding—building state-of-the-art facilities like new elementary schools, a performing arts center, and a naval JROTC indoor training center. His focus on safety is equally strong, having established an in-district police department and layered security systems across all schools.

Above all, Dr. Leis speaks to the heart of what it means to lead with integrity, transparency, and a deep commitment to student success. Whether you're a seasoned educator or a new leader in the field, this episode offers invaluable insights into sustaining leadership, building community partnerships, and creating a district culture rooted in care and excellence.

Key Moments

03:24 Transparent Communication with Board Members

08:30 New Indoor Multi-Use Facility

12:13 Building a Community Police Department

14:18 Gaggle's Role in Student Safety

16:28 Doctor Morris Leis in Georgia

Connect with Dr. Morris Leis

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morris-leis-b3142934/

Website: https://www.coffee.k12.ga.us/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with two of the nation’s most respected education leaders—Dr. Kristi Wilson and Dr. Susan Enfield—for an unfiltered conversation on leadership, resilience, and the realities of the superintendency. Together, they delve into their new book, On Fire, Under Fire, or Fired, a candid chronicle of 40 superintendents navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and the political and professional turbulence that followed.

Dr. Wilson, former president of AASA and long-time superintendent in Arizona, and Dr. Enfield, a nationally recognized former superintendent from Nevada and Washington, reflect on the urgent need to reframe the narrative around superintendents—not as embattled bureaucrats but as committed public servants with unmatched passion for students and communities. They explore themes like mentorship, systemic equity, political acumen, and the power of networks that sustain leaders through crises.

What emerges is not just a book, but a blueprint—for current and aspiring superintendents to find strength, strategy, and solidarity in a job that’s as rewarding as it is relentless. From war stories to wisdom, the episode is a tribute to the courage and complexity of the role—and a call to action for communities to support those who lead their schools forward.

Key Moments

04:00 Celebrating the Superintendent Role

07:56 Superintendents: Dedicated to Service

11:02 Keys to Success: Prepare, Listen, Connect

14:53 Team Building & Situational Awareness

17:05 "Engaging and Aligning with the Board"

19:19 Lessons from Crisis Management

Connect with Dr. Kristi Wilson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-wilson-ed-d-28597933/

Connect with Dr. Susan Enfield

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

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Devon Horton, superintendent of Georgia’s DeKalb County School District—home to over 92,000 students and the third-largest school system in the state. Broadcasting from AASA’s national conference, this candid conversation dives into Dr. Horton’s 25-year journey in public education and the bold transformation he’s leading in DeKalb.

From his early teaching days in Chicago Public Schools to his leadership roles in East St. Louis, Louisville, and Evanston, Horton shares how every step shaped his philosophy: “students don’t fail—systems do.” Now at the helm of DeKalb, he’s reimagining those systems with precision and vision.

Listeners will hear how Dr. Horton restructured DeKalb’s regional model to provide laser-focused support through the district’s Horizon initiative—a bold approach targeting the most vulnerable schools with intensive resources, coaching, and academic leadership. He discusses his strategic hiring of 63 new principals and a revamped leadership cabinet, bringing in top-tier talent to match the district’s ambition.

Dr. Horton also unpacks DeKalb’s innovative moves—from launching elementary sports to planning a districtwide STEAM initiative and a sweeping student assignment redesign. Throughout, Davis highlights Horton’s values-driven leadership, commitment to equity, and relentless drive to ensure every student has access to opportunity.

Key Moments

04:43 Evolution of Leadership in DeKalb

07:14 Educational Transformation and Leadership Focus

11:11 Hiring and Supporting Effective Principals

14:14 High-Impact School Closure Strategy

16:03 District-Wide STEAM and Athletic Revamp

Connect with Dr. Devon Horton

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-devon-horton-53690661

Website: https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. David K. Moore, Superintendent of the School District of Indian River County, for a masterclass in transformative educational leadership. As a former counselor turned nationally recognized superintendent, Dr. Moore brings a compelling blend of heart, strategy, and unrelenting drive to his work—qualities that have propelled his district from the bottom third in Florida to the state’s top ten.

Dr. Moore candidly shares the playbook behind Indian River’s extraordinary rise: a relentless focus on data—not just academic outcomes, but also adult behavior and operational efficiency—paired with a districtwide redesign that flattens hierarchy and accelerates decision-making. The results are staggering: a 96% graduation rate, a 95% rate of schools earning “A” or “B” grades, and a leap from 38th to 9th in state rankings since 2018-2019.

More than numbers, Moore’s story is rooted in a deep commitment to equity and innovation. From rebuilding financial stability to launching strategic plans like ACHIEVE 2025 and the African American Achievement Plan, Moore has crafted a model of leadership that balances urgency with empowerment. His passion for systems thinking, staff ownership, and student success is evident in every initiative—and every word of this interview.

If you’re looking to understand what it truly means to lead with impact in public education, this episode delivers an unfiltered, inspirational look at how one superintendent is rewriting the future for an entire community.

Key Moments

02:12 From Miami-Dade to Indian River

03:45 Taking SDIRC from 38th to 9th in Florida

05:18 The secret sauce: using data on adult behavior and meeting efficiency to drive outcomes.

07:06 "Think fast, act faster"

08:31 Breaking down silos with dual reporting lines

10:02 Pandemic as a leadership accelerator

11:37 From school counselor to superintendent

13:05 Designing for impact

14:48 Clarifying who makes which decisions

16:00 Building a culture of ownership, not just accountability

Connect with Dr. David K. Moore

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-david-k-moore-0445a1342/

Website: https://www.indianriverschools.org/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host and former superintendent Addison Davis sits down with two powerhouse educational leaders—and cousins—Dr. Ariel Lajara and Dr. Renato Lajara, both Assistant Superintendents in the School District of Philadelphia. What unfolds is more than a professional conversation; it’s a moving, unfiltered exploration of family legacy, community resilience, and transformative leadership in urban education.

Born of humble beginnings—where their fathers left school early to support their families—the Lajara cousins have turned personal history into professional purpose. Ariel, a product of Philadelphia’s public schools, and Renato, who emigrated from the Dominican Republic at age seven, both found education not only as a career but as a calling to serve the communities that raised them.

Together, they dive into what’s working in Philly: data-driven decision-making, authentic community partnerships, and a relentless focus on empowering students and principals alike. From reclaiming the dinner table as a space for values-driven leadership to building equitable, high-performing schools, their approach is deeply human and unapologetically strategic.

Listeners will hear how the Lajaras have built trust, dismantled silos, and shifted mindsets—proving that when leadership is grounded in service, systems change becomes not only possible, but sustainable. It’s a masterclass in educational leadership and a heartfelt reminder that the path to student success is paved with grit, vision, and heart.

Key Moments

03:15 Family Legacy: From Dropouts to Doctorates

06:42 Returning to Philly: Leading Where They Were Raised

09:38 Reclaiming the Dinner Table for Educational Equity

13:56 From Compliance to Authentic Student Engagement

17:21 Instructional Leadership Over Operations

20:45 Empowering Principals as Change Agents

24:12 Building Community Partnerships and Parent Trust

28:03 Data-Driven Growth and Academic Gains

31:19 Common Language, Shared Vision

35:47 Servant Leadership: Supporting, Not Supervising

Connect with Dr. Ariel Lajara

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ariel-lajara-6b6a8421b/

Website: https://www.philasd.org/

Connect with Dr. Renato Lajara

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-renato-m-lajara-b3206487/

Website: https://www.philasd.org/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. John VanWagoner, Superintendent of Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS), for a candid conversation on leadership, innovation, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of public education.

With more than two decades of experience spanning the classroom, county, and state levels, Dr. VanWagoner offers listeners a grounded yet forward-thinking perspective on what it takes to lead a modern school district. From his early days as a teacher to his time at the Michigan Department of Education and now at the helm of TCAPS, he shares powerful insights into the challenges and opportunities superintendents face in today’s climate.

The two discuss the value of national conferences like AASA, the importance of building trusted networks with fellow leaders, and the necessity of adapting to political and financial headwinds—including the looming uncertainty around federal funding. Dr. VanWagoner also underscores the power of student voice and community engagement, calling them essential tools in making informed, impactful decisions.

This episode is more than a conversation—it's a masterclass in superintendent leadership, packed with practical takeaways for aspiring and veteran leaders alike. Whether you're leading a district or supporting one, Dr. VanWagoner’s reflections on resilience, collaboration, and the pursuit of what's best for kids are sure to resonate.

Key Moments

06:15 Navigating Political Challenges in Education

08:40 Career Insights in Education Management

13:28 Financial Constraints Post-COVID

16:21 Empowering Student Voices

17:26 "Superintendent Insights: Student Engagement"

Connect with Dr. John VanWagoner

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-vanwagoner-07bb80190/

Website: https://www.tcaps.net/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host and Strategos Partner Addison Davis sits down with Dr. John B. Gordon III, Superintendent of Suffolk Public Schools, to explore what it truly means to lead with both innovation and impact. With over 27 years of experience in education, Dr. Gordon shares how his career—from substitute teacher and basketball coach to superintendent—has shaped his student-first philosophy and bold leadership style.

Listeners will hear how Suffolk is redefining educational access with Virginia’s only elementary-level STEM lab school, a visionary partnership with 21st Century Ed. Dr. Gordon breaks down how early STEM exposure is transforming learning, offering students hands-on experience with 3D printing, maker spaces, and more—starting as early as kindergarten.

But the conversation doesn’t stop at instruction. Dr. Gordon and Davis delve into district branding, equity, and student engagement through an unprecedented Nike partnership that reaches every school level. From fresh turf fields to custom gear, it’s all part of fostering pride and identity in the Suffolk community.

Navigating today’s politically charged educational landscape, Dr. Gordon offers wisdom on “staying purple,” maintaining focus on students amid partisan pressures, and building strong board relationships. His honest reflections on leadership, strategy, and sustainability offer inspiration and actionable advice for aspiring superintendents nationwide.

Key Moments

02:15 Dr. Gordon on the value of superintendent networking—shared struggles, shared solutions.

04:40 Launching Virginia’s only elementary STEM lab school—innovation starts early.

08:20 How a district-wide Nike deal builds pride, equity, and student engagement.

10:45 Branding meets strategy—using partnerships to create self-sufficiency and belonging.

12:00 Innovation means doing things differently—not just doing more.

16:10 Navigating polarized politics—why staying “purple” keeps kids at the center.

21:00 Onboarding new board members with purpose—context, connection, and clarity.

26:30 Advice for aspiring superintendents: study the climate, build your coalition, stay authentic.

29:10 Leading with data, relationships, and vision—sustaining a district-wide culture of excellence.

Connect with Dr. John B. Gordon III

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

Website: https://www.spsk12.net/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis, Strategos Partner, sits down with Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong, Superintendent of Portland Public Schools, for an insightful conversation on leadership, literacy, and the challenges of guiding Oregon’s largest school district.

Dr. Armstrong, eight months into her tenure, shares her strategic approach to driving positive change in Portland Public Schools, emphasizing three key priorities: advancing literacy, strengthening relationships, and ensuring safe and well-maintained learning environments. She highlights the urgent need for literacy reform, calling it a “civil right” and detailing the district’s city-wide book distribution campaign.

Facing a $40 million budget deficit, Dr. Armstrong discusses her proactive efforts to engage the community and legislators in securing essential funding. She also speaks candidly about the importance of trust-building, particularly in the wake of a teacher strike, and her leadership in navigating Portland’s $1.8 billion bond renewal to modernize aging school facilities.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Armstrong’s passion for education and commitment to equity shine as she reflects on her personal journey from childhood poverty to leading a major urban school district. With her student-first mindset, she is determined to create a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking educational environment in Portland.

Key Moments

00:00 Portland Challenges: Housing and Homelessness

06:06 Empowering Literacy Beyond School Hours

09:35 $1B Maintenance Requires Bond Funding

13:13 "Portland's Inspiring Educational Leadership"

14:00 "See You in Classrooms"

Connect with Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kimberlee-armstrong-88172412/

Website: https://www.pps.net/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged: In-Depth with Davis, host Addison Davis sits down with trailblazing educational leader Dr. Tiffany Anderson, a seasoned superintendent whose 20+ year career spans three states and a powerful legacy of breaking racial and gender barriers.

As the first African American female superintendent in several school districts—including Topeka, Kansas, home of the historic Brown v. Board case—Dr. Anderson shares her deeply personal journey of leading with purpose, building equity, and transforming communities through systems-level change.

From restoring full accreditation in struggling districts to cutting homelessness by over 50%, her data-driven, community-centered strategies have turned theory into action. Davis and Anderson delve into the unique challenges of modern educational leadership, the growing intersection of politics and public education, and the importance of building relationships—whether it's at the board table or in the grocery store aisle.

They explore how authentic engagement, parent advocacy, and wraparound services have shaped her success, and how superintendents today can sustain impact by focusing on systems, not just programs.

Key Moments

04:56 Loved directing the curriculum and solving departmental challenges.

06:46 Long-term curriculum leadership navigating educational standards.

09:24 Focus on control, support, and accountability.

13:30 Students with disabilities show growth and understanding.

18:02 Get to know your team; encourage partnership.

Connect with Tiffany Anderson

Website:https://www.topekapublicschools.net/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged: In Depth with Davis, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross, Superintendent of Ypsilanti Community Schools and a nationally recognized leader in educational equity and innovation. With over 13 years in the superintendent seat and a remarkable turnaround legacy, Dr. Zachery-Ross brings insight, grace, and an unshakable commitment to public education.

Recorded live at the AASA National Conference, this conversation explores the power of mentorship, the necessity of political engagement, and the urgency of providing equitable access to transformative tools like AI. Dr. Zachery-Ross reflects on her journey from classroom teacher to a superintendent who empowers colleagues and communities alike, sharing how her leadership philosophy—rooted in authenticity, vision, and support—has inspired lasting impact.

Listeners will hear candid reflections on the pressures and responsibilities of leading through crisis, how she builds resilient educational ecosystems, and why it’s critical for marginalized students to see themselves in leadership. With accolades like the Effie Jones Humanitarian Award and recognition for her work in AI, Dr. Zachery-Ross proves that systemic change is not only possible—it’s necessary.

Whether you’re an aspiring superintendent, a seasoned educator, or simply passionate about education, this episode offers rich takeaways on leadership, legacy, and lifting others as you climb. Tune in to hear why Dr. Zachery-Ross is one of the most sought-after voices in education today—and how she’s shaping the future, one district at a time.

Key Moments:

02:10 Dr. Zachery-Ross reflects on 13 years as a superintendent—why longevity matters.

03:28 Mentorship is reciprocal—supporting others sharpens her own leadership.

06:08 Receiving the Dr. Effie Jones Humanitarian Award affirms her impact.

06:47 Advocates for AI access in underserved communities—equity through technology.

08:43 Educators must lead ethical tech use—learning from past mistakes.

10:00 From apolitical educator to active policy advocate—superintendents must engage.

12:16 Advice for new superintendents: know yourself, know your community, build your network.

15:30 Fostering a fail-safe culture empowers teams to innovate and stay.

16:20 Celebrating leadership that sustains purpose, resilience, and hope.

Connect with Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross

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

Website: https://www.ycschools.us/