In Superintendents Unplugged hosted by Strategos Partner Addison Davis, we dive deep into the transformative work happening in Park City School District with Superintendent Dr. Jill Gildea. Known for her innovative leadership and commitment to fostering a thriving culture for students and staff, Dr. Gildea shares her visionary approach to education and her efforts to prepare learners for a dynamic future.

Dr. Gildea discusses the district’s groundbreaking initiatives, including the expansion of universal preschool programs aimed at providing equitable access for all 3- and 4-year-olds. She highlights the community-driven efforts to design age-appropriate spaces and creative funding models that leverage partnerships with local businesses, philanthropic organizations, and sliding-scale tuition systems.

This episode also explores how Park City is redefining secondary education through career pathways and real-world learning experiences. Dr. Gildea showcases innovative programs such as drone aviation certifications, culinary arts competitions, and a unique CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) program that pairs students with local businesses to solve real-world challenges.

Tune in to hear how Park City is leading with purpose and becoming a model for innovation in public education. Whether you're an educator, parent, or advocate, this episode offers invaluable insights into the future of learning.

Key Moments

05:24 Innovative School Funding Strategies

09:33 Expanding Schools for Career Pathways

12:25 Pathways Through Stackable Credentials

16:14 Jill Leads Early Education in Utah

Connect with Dr. Jill Gildea

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

Website: https://www.pcschools.us/

In Superintendents Unplugged, host and Strategos Partner Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Peter Finch, Superintendent of the West Valley School District in Washington State, to discuss innovative approaches to educational leadership, early learning, and workforce development.

Dr. Finch shares insights into his district’s commitment to fostering a growth mindset and continuous improvement—principles that have driven his 24-year tenure in West Valley, including 20 years as Assistant Superintendent and now in his fourth year as Superintendent. His leadership has been pivotal in implementing research-based practices aimed at closing achievement and opportunity gaps across all grade levels.

Join us for this engaging discussion on Superintendents Unplugged, where we spotlight the visionary leaders shaping the future of education, one district at a time.

Key Moments

[00:02:10] - Guest introduction: Dr. Peter Finch’s background and leadership journey.

[00:03:28] - West Valley’s holistic approach to student achievement and closing the achievement gap.

[00:04:52] - Importance of early learning and community collaboration for kindergarten readiness.

[00:06:09] - How professional development and partnerships are expanding education beyond district employees.

[00:08:30] - Overview of the local economy and its impact on career pathways in education.

[00:09:46] - The role of robotics and automation in shaping the future workforce.

[00:12:06] - The Innovation Center: Multi-age cohorts, project-based learning, and career pathways.

[00:14:50] - The transition to mastery-based learning and student-paced progression.

[00:16:29] - Dual-credit programs: Increasing access to college-level courses and student success rates.

[00:18:22] - Student-led advocacy: Expanding dual-credit opportunities and state funding.

Connect with Dr. Peter Finch

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-finch-a38a82

Website: https://www.wvsd208.org/

In this episode of Superintendent Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Lori Gonzalez, Superintendent of Lamont Elementary School District, to discuss how she’s transforming education through community engagement, student empowerment, and holistic support.

With over two decades of experience as a teacher, administrator, and district leader, Dr. Gonzalez shares her journey in fostering a culturally responsive school environment. She dives into the impact of securing over $8 million in California Community Schools Grant funding, which has enabled Lamont schools to implement an innovative telehealth and wellness initiative. This program ensures students and families have access to multilingual doctors and essential healthcare services—helping children stay healthy and in the classroom.

Beyond academics, Dr. Gonzalez emphasizes the power of student and community voices. She introduces her Superintendent Student Advisory Council, a platform where students across all grade levels contribute ideas to improve their educational experience. She also highlights her Cafecito with the Superintendent sessions, fostering open dialogue with parents and educators.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Gonzalez offers valuable advice for aspiring superintendents, advocating for a leadership approach rooted in listening, learning, leading—and most importantly, love. Her passion for education and unwavering commitment to student success shine through in every initiative she leads.

Tune in to hear how Dr. Gonzalez is redefining educational leadership by creating inclusive, student-centered, and community-driven schools.

Key Moments

05:18 Promoting Student Psychological Safety

07:08 Engaging Parents and Associations

12:51 Engaging Families at Lamont School

Connect with Dr. Lori Gonzalez

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-gonzalezedu/

Website: https://www.lamontschooldistrict.org/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis, a former superintendent and current Strategos Partner, discusses the intersection of education and innovation with Jennifer Ferrari, CEO and President of the Education Research and Development Institute (ERDI).

Jennifer shares her journey from classroom teacher to district leader and now CEO, providing a behind-the-scenes look at how ERDI bridges the gap between educational leaders and solution providers. Through its unique model, ERDI fosters collaboration to address pressing challenges in PK-12 education, from personalized learning to AI-driven classroom strategies.

Addison and Jennifer discuss the transformative power of ERDI's think tank approach, where superintendents and industry innovators convene to validate ideas, refine solutions, and forecast educational trends. Jennifer highlights ERDI’s mission to create authentic relationships and action-oriented dialogues that ensure products meet real-world needs. The conversation explores the organization’s focus on equity, workforce resiliency, and future-readiness for students alongside the pivotal role of AI in education.

Key Moments

05:13 Testing market impact, expansion, articulating value proposition.

06:26 Multifaceted corporate readiness strategy with expert partners.

12:04 Collaborative leadership at ERDI transforms education daily.

14:36 Two startup strands: incubator events and partners.

16:13 Opportunity to learn and grow together.

Connect with Jennifer Ferrari

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-l-ferrari-25b64a9/

Website: https://www.erdius.org/

In this episode of Superintendent Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Baninder Goomer, Chief Academic Officer of Edison Township Public Schools, to discuss the evolving landscape of education, leadership, and student engagement.

Goomer, whose journey into education was shaped by a lineage of passionate educators, shares her unique perspective on fostering academic excellence while navigating the complexities of a diverse student population. She highlights the transformative power of early childhood education, emphasizing the need for strong foundational skills in literacy and numeracy. Her commitment to equity and innovation has led to significant curriculum reforms, ensuring that students of all backgrounds receive high-quality learning experiences.

A key focus of their discussion is parental engagement, particularly in a district with varying cultural expectations. Goomer shares how she has worked to bridge the gap between academic rigor and conceptual understanding, reshaping gifted and talented programs to be more inclusive and inquiry-driven. She also touches on the district’s shift towards standards-based grading, designed to provide a clearer picture of student mastery.

Throughout the conversation, Goomer and Davis explore the challenges of educational leadership, from fostering trust among educators to balancing community expectations. With humor and deep insights, this episode offers valuable takeaways for educators, administrators, and parents alike.

Tune in to hear how Edison Township is redefining student success and preparing learners for an ever-changing world.

Key Moments

03:33 Embracing Elementary Leadership Transition

07:43 Inquiry-Based Math Program Enhancement

11:39 Diverse Educational Goals Explained

14:23 Inclusive Gifted Education for All

16:44 Core Values and Collaborative Parenting

Connect with Baninder Goomer

Website: https://www.edison.k12.nj.us/

In this episode of Superintendent Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Scott Menzel, Superintendent of Scottsdale Unified School District 48, to discuss leadership, educational equity, and navigating the evolving challenges of public education.

Dr. Menzel, a 22-year veteran in district leadership, shares his journey from Michigan to Arizona and how his nontraditional path into education shaped his systems-thinking approach. With a deep commitment to equity and inclusion, he explains how Scottsdale Unified’s future-focused strategic plan is creating new opportunities for over 20,000 students.

The conversation dives into the complexities of school safety, mental health support, and the increasing political pressures facing superintendents today. Dr. Menzel highlights the importance of social-emotional learning, the role of community partnerships, and the urgent need to sustain mental health funding beyond ESSER grants.

They also tackle the realities of leading during the COVID-19 pandemic, the growing impact of social media on students, and how superintendents can foster strong relationships with school boards despite shifting political landscapes.

With passion and insight, Dr. Menzel offers practical advice on sustaining leadership, building resilient school cultures, and ensuring every student has access to a high-quality education.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion about the future of education and the leadership strategies driving meaningful change.

Key Moments

04:09 Pursuing Systemic Solutions Education

08:08 Safe and Welcoming School Environments

11:08 Social Workers Essential in Schools

13:15 Superintendents' Multifaceted Challenges

Connect with Dr. Scott Menzel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-menzel-b1245b11/

Website: https://www.susd.org/

In this episode of Superintendent Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with one of the most influential figures in K-12 education, Alberto M. Carvalho, Superintendent of Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Broadcasting from the Council of the Great City Schools annual conference, Davis and Carvalho engage in a thought-provoking discussion on transformational leadership, system-wide innovation, and the critical role of data-driven decision-making in urban education.

Carvalho, a nationally recognized education leader with a 14-year tenure as Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, shares his insights on successfully turning around struggling districts and fostering high-performance cultures. He discusses LAUSD’s Ready for the World Strategic Plan, highlighting initiatives like STEAM Lab Makerspaces, the Education Transformation Office, and the Cultural Arts Passport. Carvalho also breaks down the data-driven accountability systems that have accelerated student achievement, reduced absenteeism, and driven financial stability.

The conversation delves into the challenges of leading large urban districts, the importance of equity-centered policies, and why superintendents must be willing to take bold risks to drive systemic change. Carvalho also offers leadership advice for current and aspiring superintendents, urging them to embrace courage, innovation, and relentless advocacy for students.

Tune in to hear how one of America’s most accomplished superintendents is shaping the future of public education—one bold decision at a time.

Key Moments

05:20 Fixing Systems, Not Broken Kids

06:27 Inspiration and Accountability in Leadership

10:38 Historic Academic Gains in Underperforming Schools

13:16 "Transformative Community Progress Achievements"

18:11 Inspiring Leadership Impact

Connect with Alberto M Carvalho

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alberto-carvalho-33aa66193/

Website: https://www.lausd.org/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis interviews Dr. Justin Henry, Superintendent of Goddard Public Schools in Kansas. Dr. Henry, who has led the district since 2011, shares his experience overseeing one of the state’s fastest-growing school districts, now serving over 6,200 students. With a focus on community engagement and strong school-board relationships, he highlights how these elements have contributed to his district's sustained success.

Dr. Henry discusses the importance of strategic planning and how Goddard’s plan, built with input from stakeholders, has been a critical tool during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasizes the role of hiring excellent principals as the foundation for a thriving school system, explaining how great leadership at the school level creates a ripple effect throughout the district.

Listeners will also hear Dr. Henry reflect on leadership qualities such as humility and vulnerability. He shares how embracing mistakes and learning from them can strengthen trust and drive improvements across the district. This episode offers valuable insights for aspiring educational leaders on fostering community, building strong teams, and navigating change in education.

Timestamps

00:00 Exploring educational leadership with Superintendents Unplugged.

06:08 Hiring great principals leads to great teachers.

08:31 Collaborating with the community, a strategic plan guides decisions.

10:32 Adaptation during the pandemic revealed unexpected learning opportunities.

13:10 Change involves relationships and daily care.

Connect with Dr. Justin Henry

Website: https://macnjake.com/consultant/dr-justin-henry/

=============================

Learn more about Strategos Group: https://www.strategosgroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategos-group-public-affairs/

Subscribe to the Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@strategospodcastnetwork

=============================

PODCASTS

🎧 Capital Class with Adam Giery: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast

🎧 On the Clock with Todd Dallas Lamb: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-the-clock

🎧 Swimming Upstream with Tom Luna: https://swimming-upstream.captivate.fm/listen

🎧 On Balance with Dr. Rod Berger: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-balance

🎧 To the Point with Jim Horne and Doug Mesecar: https://to-the-point.captivate.fm/

Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD

=============================

#educationmanagement #educationleadership #education

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host and Strategos Partner Addison Davis sits down with David Law, the superintendent of Minnetonka Public Schools in Minnesota and the incoming president of AASA, The School Superintendents Association. With over 11 years of experience as a superintendent in Minnesota, Law has become a respected leader in educational innovation, equity, and community engagement. He shares insights from his journey, starting as a math teacher and advancing through administrative roles in prominent districts before assuming his current position.

David Law discusses the evolving challenges of educational leadership, emphasizing the importance of community trust, transparency, and preparing students for a rapidly changing future. Highlighting Minnetonka’s mentorship initiatives and his district's focus on career readiness, he explains how fostering connections between students and industry professionals inspires and equips the next generation. He also shares his philosophy on building leadership capacity within his teams and the critical need for system-wide thinking in education.

As AASA’s president-elect, Law outlines his vision for supporting all public school districts, advocating for educational equity, and embracing innovative solutions to meet the diverse needs of students nationwide. Whether you're an educator, parent, or advocate for public education, this episode offers invaluable perspectives on navigating the complexities of educational leadership and driving systemic change.

Tune in for an engaging conversation with a trailblazer in education committed to creating brighter futures for all students.

Key Moments

05:24 Leadership Legacy: Minnetonka's Commitment

08:45 Aspirations for Student Mentorship

12:24 Rebuilding Trust Through Transparency

13:12 Promoting Parental Engagement in Education

17:14 Cultivating Leadership and Growth

Connect with David Law

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-law-7079a843/ 

Website: https://www.minnetonkaschools.org/

In this inspiring episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Gladys I. Cruz, District Superintendent of Questar III BOCES, to explore the transformative power of educational leadership and innovation. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Cruz has been at the forefront of pioneering initiatives that reshape how students engage with learning.

Dr. Cruz shares insights into launching groundbreaking programs like the project-based Tech Valley High School and a comprehensive STEM-focused high school integrated within a college campus. She discusses how strategic partnerships with businesses and higher education institutions have expanded opportunities for students, enabling them to earn college credits, engage in real-world internships, and develop essential skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

The conversation also delves into the importance of collaboration among educational leaders and how professional networks have fueled Dr. Cruz’s ability to implement bold changes. She emphasizes how fostering strong relationships with school boards and prioritizing self-care are critical components of sustainable leadership.

Tune in to hear how Dr. Cruz is redefining student success and empowering the next generation through visionary leadership.

Timestamps

00:00 "Superintendents Unplugged" Podcast Launch

03:27 Power of Collaboration in Education

07:07 "Launching Project-Based Learning School"

09:35 Yearly Career Exploration Program

14:56 Courageous Leadership in Education

17:13 Balancing Education and Self-Care

Connect with Dr. Gladys I Cruz

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gladys-i-cruz-5788271/

Website: https://www.questar.org/about/central-administration/cruz/

=============================

Learn more about Strategos Group: https://www.strategosgroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategos-group-public-affairs/

Subscribe to the Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@strategospodcastnetwork

=============================

PODCASTS

🎧 Capital Class with Adam Giery: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast

🎧 On the Clock with Todd Dallas Lamb: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-the-clock

🎧 Swimming Upstream with Tom Luna: https://swimming-upstream.captivate.fm/listen

🎧 On Balance with Dr. Rod Berger: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-balance

🎧 To the Point with Jim Horne and Doug Mesecar: https://to-the-point.captivate.fm/

Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD

=============================

#educationmanagement #educationleadership #education