In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Karen Barber, Superintendent of Santa Rosa County School District, to discuss leadership, strategic planning, and the power of hope in education.

Dr. Barber shares how her district has prioritized financial stability, student engagement, and instructional leadership, leading to an A+ S&P rating, increased dual enrollment and career tech opportunities, and a 1.5% rise in graduation rates. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship in leadership, explaining why developing a pipeline of strong, diverse leaders is crucial for the future of education.

A champion of student-centered learning, Dr. Barber discusses how Santa Rosa County has expanded AP courses, industry certifications, and even launched new extracurricular programs like esports and orchestra. She and Davis explore the impact of effective principals, the role of strategic planning, and how her district conducted 33,000 stakeholder surveys to align its mission with community needs.

Beyond academics, Dr. Barber dives into the science of hope, explaining how schools can foster students' goals, pathways, and willpower to improve success rates. Her leadership philosophy—centered on love, education, and preparation—has transformed Santa Rosa into a model of academic achievement and student well-being.

Tune in for a conversation packed with leadership insights, actionable strategies, and a vision for the future of education.   

Key Moments

00:00 Mentorship and Leadership Pipeline

05:47 Evidence-Based Leadership in Education

06:55 Hiring Top-Tier Principals

10:45 Strategic Planning Through Stakeholder Engagement

14:25 Three Elements of Hope

15:55 Florida School's Innovative Leadership

Connect with Dr. Karen Barber

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-barber-71b43831/

Website: https://santarosaschools.org/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Lamar Goree, the newly appointed superintendent of Duncanville ISD and a nationally recognized transformative leader in education. Dr. Goree shares his journey from leading Caddo Parish Public Schools in Louisiana—where he implemented groundbreaking initiatives that improved graduation rates, academic excellence, and school performance—to his decision to transition to Texas and take the helm at Duncanville ISD.

Dr. Goree and Davis dive deep into the complexities of educational leadership, from knowing when it’s time to move on from a district to the importance of building strong relationships with board members, political leaders, and community stakeholders. They explore the challenges of navigating today’s political climate in education and the role of superintendents in fostering high-quality instruction, student-centered innovation, and a strong district culture.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Goree reflects on his leadership philosophy—balancing data-driven decision-making with a personal, relationship-driven approach. He also shares his vision for Duncanville ISD, where he is focused on expanding career and technical education (CTE), increasing student choice, and creating a culture of excellence.

Whether you’re an educator, district leader, or simply passionate about the future of public education, this episode provides valuable insights into the mindset and strategies of one of the most respected superintendents in the country. Tune in to hear how Dr. Goree is shaping the next chapter of Duncanville ISD.

Key Moments

03:33 "Reflecting on Career Transitions"

07:27 From Urban to Smaller Systems

12:00 Build Relationships for School Success

15:06 Championing Future Leaders' Potential

16:12 Inspirational Leadership Tribute

Connect with Dr. Lamar Goree

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/t-lamar-goree-ph-d-975023151/

Website: https://www.duncanvilleisd.org/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Erika Mitchell, Chair of the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) Board of Education, for an in-depth discussion on leadership, equity, and the challenges of serving a dynamic urban school district.

Mitchell, who has served on the APS Board since 2018, shares candid reflections on her journey, the highs and lows of board service, and the unwavering commitment that keeps her fighting for students and communities every day. From nearly stepping away from public service to doubling down on her purpose, Mitchell highlights the resilience required to advocate for real change.

The conversation explores the critical relationship between superintendents and school boards, emphasizing trust, alignment, and a shared commitment to student success. Mitchell underscores the importance of keeping students at the center of every decision, pushing back against political agendas, and fostering collaboration among board members.

A central theme of the discussion is Mitchell’s leadership in ensuring smooth superintendent transitions, most notably in guiding APS through a leadership change with a focus on stability and shared governance. She speaks about the importance of selecting leaders who are not only visionary but also deeply invested in the community they serve—leaders who understand that working in APS means prioritizing schools over city politics.

With passion and insight, Mitchell shares her deep-rooted connection to APS, recounting her family’s generational ties to the district and her drive to ensure that Atlanta’s schools continue to provide transformative opportunities.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on governance, resilience, and the power of student-centered leadership.

Key Moments

00:00 Reaffirming Commitment to School Board

05:04 Selecting Effective School Superintendents

09:06 Atlanta Education and Opportunity Legacy

09:58 Education's Impact and Responsibility

13:44 "Board Collaboration for Children"

Connect with Erika Mitchell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-y-mitchell/

Website: https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host and Strategos Partner Addison Davis sits down with veteran educator Melindo Persi, President of MAP Educational Consultants, to discuss his remarkable 69-year career in education. From his early days as a teacher to his swift rise to superintendent after just seven years in the classroom, Persi shares an extraordinary journey shaped by leadership, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to student success.

Persi recounts his tenure in 15 different school districts across New Jersey, navigating significant changes in education, including the evolution of special education programs and district takeovers. His experience spans roles as an assistant superintendent, business administrator, and even fiscal monitor during state interventions in struggling school districts. Throughout the conversation, Persi reflects on the challenges of modern education, contrasting past practices with today's technological advancements and policy shifts.

A particularly compelling moment comes when Persi recalls his time leading the New Jersey School for the Deaf, despite having no prior experience with sign language, as well as his role in spearheading a special education consortium that later became a dedicated school district. His ability to pivot and lead through change is a testament to his deep-rooted passion for education.

With humor and humility, Persi credits his upbringing—balancing his father’s business mindset with his mother’s dedication to teaching—for shaping his leadership philosophy. His insights provide a masterclass in resilience and innovation for today’s education leaders.

Key Moments

00:00 "Unexpected Job Transition Story"

04:26 Reviving Troubled School Districts

07:39 "Thank You, Mel Persi"

Connect with Melindo Persi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindo-a-persi-1b3529bb/

Website: https://www.mapconsulting.com/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Jeff Patterson, the visionary CEO and founder of Gaggle, a leading provider of student safety solutions. Patterson shares the inspiring journey of launching Gaggle in 1998 as a secure student email provider and how it evolved into a critical tool for monitoring and preventing self-harm, cyberbullying, violence, and other threats in school districts across the country.

With 25 years of experience tackling student safety in digital spaces, Patterson discusses the life-saving impact of Gaggle’s technology, which proactively identifies and intervenes in crisis situations. From monitoring Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and online communications to implementing human-reviewed alerts and emergency response systems, Gaggle has become an essential partner for districts prioritizing student mental health and well-being.

Davis and Patterson explore the importance of 24/7 monitoring, the role of school administrators in crisis response, and the growing need for holistic safety solutions beyond traditional web filters. They also discuss Gaggle’s expanding services, including teletherapy, a crisis counseling line, and AI-driven safety enhancements that ensure schools provide a psychologically safe learning environment.

Tune in for an insightful conversation about the evolving landscape of student safety and how Gaggle continues to innovate to save lives every day.

Key Moments

00:00 Gaggle's Impact on Student Safety

04:28 Beyond School Hours: Safety Matters

08:20 Company Criticism: Seeking Solutions

10:16 Teletherapy & Crisis Line Launch

14:18 Streamlined School Safety Strategy

16:14 Improving Student Support Systems

Connect with Jeff Patterson

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

Website: https://www.gaggle.net/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Marty Pollio, the outgoing Superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) in Kentucky. Dr. Pollio, a dedicated educator with over 26 years of service to JCPS, reflects on his transformative journey in education. Appointed Superintendent in 2018, he shares his efforts to reshape the district, from enhancing school culture and student achievement to implementing the Academies of Louisville and revamping the student assignment system to ensure every child can attend a local school.

Dr. Pollio also discusses his leadership during challenging times, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and securing a historic bond referendum that led to the construction of 26 new schools. He speaks candidly about the importance of strong, diverse leadership teams, emphasizing the need for strategic hires that prioritize student success.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Pollio's passion for equity and education shines as he reflects on his legacy and the collaborative approach he’s championed in his district. His candid insights on balancing leadership and family, overcoming adversity, and prioritizing the needs of students make this episode an inspiring listen for educators and leaders alike. As he approaches the end of his tenure, Dr. Pollio’s commitment to his community remains steadfast, leaving a lasting impact on JCPS.

Key Moments

04:54 Journey to Becoming a Principal

08:50 Focus on District Kids, Not Economy

10:25"Decentralized District Leadership Challenges

15:11 Value of External Hires

16:09 "Us Against the World" Experience

Connect with Dr. Marty Pollio 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marty-pollio-16672023

Website: https://www.jefferson.kyschools.us/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, Addison Davis interviews Dr. Mark Shanoff, the newly appointed Superintendent of the School District of Osceola County. Dr. Shanoff brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as Chief Information Officer in Orange County Public Schools and Chief Operating Officer in Volusia County Schools. His multifaceted background gives him a unique perspective on district leadership, blending operational efficiency with a student-focused approach.

Dr. Shanoff shares how he is building upon the strong foundation laid by his predecessor, Deborah Pace, and taking Osceola County Schools to the next level. He discusses his innovative approach to district operations, focusing on cross-functional alignment and ensuring that every decision supports the core mission of student achievement. He also delves into his philosophy of performance-based contracts, which he believes should apply not only to educators but also to external vendors, ensuring accountability and a focus on results.

The conversation highlights Dr. Shanoff's vision for the future, particularly how Osceola is navigating significant student growth. With the district expected to reach 100,000 students in the next five years, Dr. Shanoff emphasizes the importance of designing schools that reflect the community's values and support dynamic, innovative learning experiences.

Tune in to hear Dr. Shanoff's insights on educational leadership, the challenges and opportunities of growing districts, and the creative solutions he's implementing to prepare students for success.

Key Moments

03:49 Leadership and Student Achievement Alignment

07:25 Creating Consistent Accountability Frameworks

10:53 "CIO to Superintendent Transition"

13:23 Adapting Leadership: Learn and Evolve

18:44 Building Spaces Aligned with Values

19:43 "Spotlight: Leader Mark Shanoff"

Connect with Dr. Mark Shanoff

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMarkShanoff/

Website: https://www.osceolaschools.net/

In this episode of Superintendent Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Francisco Durán, Superintendent of Arlington Public Schools, for an insightful discussion on leadership, equity, and the evolving landscape of education.

With over 31 years of experience in public education, Dr. Durán shares his journey from Philadelphia to Arlington, detailing his passion for student success and the critical role of equity-driven leadership. He reflects on the challenges and opportunities of leading a transient yet deeply engaged community in Arlington, where 80% of residents don’t have children in the school system yet remain strong supporters of public education.

The conversation delves into pressing issues facing today’s schools, including the rising concerns around student mental health, the impact of social media, and the implementation of proactive SEL initiatives. Dr. Durán highlights Arlington’s innovative approach, from embedding mental health professionals in schools to pioneering a district-wide telehealth program.

A dedicated advocate for literacy, Dr. Durán also discusses the urgent need to strengthen foundational reading skills across all grade levels. He underscores the importance of structured literacy at the secondary level, ensuring that students—regardless of background—have access to the tools they need to succeed.

Tune in to hear a thought-provoking dialogue on educational transformation, leadership, and the future of learning. Dr. Durán’s leadership offers a powerful blueprint for fostering inclusive, student-centered education.

Key Moments

05:37 Service and Community Commitment

07:50 Building Culture and Mental Health Integration

11:42 Arlington Schools' Mental Health Initiative

15:46 Social Media's Positive Impact on Youth

18:20 Literacy is a Civil Right

21:47 Diverse Representation in Education Leadership

Connect with Dr. Francisco Duran

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-francisco-dur%C3%A1n-a1693848/

Website: https://www.arlington.k12.ma.us/

In this episode of Superintendent Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Demetrus Liggins, Superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools, for a candid and inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and the future of education.

Dr. Liggins, who has dedicated his career to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for students, shares his journey from an aspiring English professor to a transformative superintendent. With experience leading at all levels—elementary, middle, and high school—he brings a unique perspective on educational leadership.

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Liggins highlights the challenges and triumphs of his tenure in Fayette County, including navigating the aftermath of the pandemic, fostering a culture of compassion, and driving academic excellence. He also reflects on his time as Superintendent in Greenville ISD, where he led a significant turnaround in student achievement and financial stability.

A key focus of the conversation is Fayette County’s commitment to holistic student success—addressing social-emotional learning, mental health, and equity alongside academic performance. Dr. Liggins shares insights into innovative strategies that have propelled student outcomes, including targeted interventions and a community-backed initiative to enhance school safety and well-being.

This episode is a must-listen for educators, aspiring superintendents, and anyone passionate about transformative leadership in education. Tune in as Dr. Liggins and Addison Davis discuss the power of leadership, the importance of staying true to your mission, and the unwavering belief that every student deserves a pathway to success.

Key Moments

[00:02:30] – Dr. Demetrius Liggins' journey from Texas to Kentucky

[00:03:30] – The impact of being a principal at all three levels

[00:06:25] – First superintendency in Texas and navigating challenges

[00:09:52] – Leading with compassion after his predecessor’s passing

[00:12:47] – Investing in social-emotional learning and mental health

[00:13:42] – Academic gains: Eliminating school improvement designations

[00:15:56] – Raising teacher salaries and building a strong leadership team

[00:16:59] – Advice for aspiring superintendents: Staying true to your ‘why’

Connect with Dr. Demetrus Liggins

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demetrus-liggins-ph-d-658075a7/

Website: https://www.fcps.net/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, In-depth with Davis, your host Addison Davis dives into an enlightening conversation with Jeremy Calles, the forward-thinking superintendent of Tolleson Union High School District. Having transitioned from the role of CFO to superintendent in July 2023, Jeremy brings a unique perspective and innovative approach to tackling the challenges of educational leadership. Together, Addison and Jeremy explore the impactful measures Jeremy has implemented, such as doubling the average teacher salaries to create a stronger workforce and supporting the district with 5 credit rating upgrades.

Jeremy shares insight into his ambitious initiatives, like engaging WestEd for a comprehensive curriculum review and leveraging AI technology through Microsoft Copilot to streamline lesson planning. He reveals his plans for a commitment day at State Farm Stadium, aimed at guiding students towards their post-high school futures.

The discussion also touches on the implementation of AI cameras to enhance school security and the inventive strategy of pairing teaching styles with student learning preferences to optimize classroom effectiveness. Listen in as Jeremy reflects on valuable lessons learned in his first year as superintendent, emphasizing the crucial importance of time management and maintaining a student-focused true north.

Addison praises Jeremy for his innovative vision and leadership, driving transformative changes in the Tolleson Union High School District. This episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the integration of technology in education and the power of innovative leadership to create meaningful change. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or an education enthusiast, this conversation will inspire and challenge you to rethink the possibilities within the educational landscape.

Key Moments

05:41 Empowering Students through Education Pathways

09:09 Aligning Student-Teacher Learning Styles

12:01 Balancing Educational Leadership Demands

14:51 "Leveraging Innovation Through Communication"

Connect with Jeremy Calles

Website: https://www.tuhsd.org/