Superintendent Voices

A Community Can

How Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat is working for—and with—the people of Peoria, Illinois.

From Scout to Super

In the Scouts, Dr. Hank Thiele learned to solve problems on the fly—and he hopes to instill the same skill in his students.

Not the Same Old Story

How Dr. Dianne Kelly is working to rewrite the K-12 rule book.

Working Together

A Q&A with Superintendent Dr. Pete Hannigan and Communications Specialist Samantha Cook.

Embracing Inclusivity

Dr. Rupak Gandhi shares how Fargo Public Schools is standing up for all kids with purpose and pragmatism.

Amy Rovai Gregory: Building Connections, Building Capacity

A Q&A with Amy Rovai Gregory on culturally responsive family engagement

Dr. Peter Hannigan: Communicating to Different Generations

Dr. Pete Hannigan and Samantha Cook discuss generational differences in the workplace, effective communication strategies to engage their community, and the importance of strong school culture.

Dr. Wendy Birhanzel: Opportunity Against All Odds

Colorado superintendent Dr. Wendy Birhanzel is proving that putting kids first creates opportunities and changes lives.

Debbie Critchfield: The Power of School Communications

Debbie Critchfield, Superintendent of Public Instruction in Idaho, shares her experience in school communications and the ins and outs of internal communications.

Dr. Quintin Shepherd's Relentless Compassion

How one Texas superintendent prioritizes people and refuses to give up on kids

Dr. Melissa Thompson: How to Onboard Board Members

In an era of contentious board meetings and board elections, Dr. Melissa Thompson, former superintendent of Swallow School District, shows a smart, common-sense approach to helping school boards succeed with onboarding.

Dr. Mitzi N. Morillo: Five Lessons on Influence

Guest writer Dr. Mitzi N. Morillo gives her take on authenticity and influence.

Dr. Andi Fourlis is knocking down walls in education.

This Arizona superintendent is revolutionizing team teaching and promoting collaboration in Mesa Public Schools.

Jeffrey Collier & Coty Kuschinsky: Collective Authorship

Jeffrey Collier and Coty Kuschinsky discuss how Saginaw ISD is using collective authorship to build a stronger brand to better serve their staff and community.

Christy Perry: Fierce and Fearless

How Superintendent Christy Perry is Clearing the Path Forward

Dr. Robert Hunt: Crisis, Growth & Leadership

Dr. Robert Hunt talks with us about managing crises, both at a professional and personal level, how to best communicate during difficult times, and how to grow and recover after.

Dr. Andy Crozier: The Millennial Superintendent

Dr. Andy Crozier shares an inside look at a new generation of leaders.

Dr. Jeffrey Collier: What If & Why Not?

As Saginaw ISD’s storyteller in chief, Dr. Jeffrey Collier doesn’t shy away from authentic and enthusiastic district communications.

Ambassadors in Action

Four school leaders share how they empower staff members at every level to be strong brand advocates.

Dr. Tiffany Anderson: Sneakers to the Ground

Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Anderson is leading a new legacy of learning in Topeka and beyond

SchoolCEO Conversations: Coping with COVID-19

How superintendents are boosting morale amid extended school closures

SchoolCEO Conversations: Saving the arts may save your schools, too.

Dr. Nathan Street explains how the arts can be a tool to build community support.

SchoolCEO Conversations: Culture vs. Climate and why the difference matters

How New York superintendent Dr. Jason Andrews and his team use PLCs and student feedback to create an environment where all means all.

SchoolCEO Conversations: Can partnering with businesses meet student needs?

Tim Doak, leader of two rural districts in Maine, explains how community partnerships with local businesses can help support student needs.

Julie Lauck: Placing Therapy Dogs

Superintendent Julie Lauck of Indiana's Valparaiso Community Schools shares her un-fur-gettable story.

SchoolCEO Conversations

Get a glimpse into how three school leaders practice school marketing.

Dr. Jill M. Siler: Moving Beyond Survival Mode

A Conversation with Dr. Jill M. Siler

Dr. Brian Creasman: Fit to Lead

Through #FitSupts, Dr. Brian Creasman shares the transformative power of wellness for life and leadership.

Dr: Baron Davis: King's Gambit

In South Carolina, Dr. Baron R. Davis is innovating through the unpredictable and bringing teachers of color to the classroom.

The Cultural Lens

Snapshots of school leaders creating strong cultures in their districts through careful, deliberate effort.

Dr. David Miyashiro: Creating a Culture of Storytelling

In this Superintendent Perspective, Dr. David Miyashiro shares how students in Cajon Valley USD learn to share their stories—with a little help from TED.

Dr. Deborah Gist: Radical Collaboration

How Dr. Deborah Gist is empowering families to rebuild the high school experience.

Dr. Candace Singh: Developing Leaders

Dr. Candace Singh of Fallbrook Union Elementary School District is creating opportunities for teachers, students, and aspiring female leaders across the country.

Dr. Mark Bedell: Safe Havens

At Kansas City Public Schools, Dr. Mark Bedell is building safety, belonging, and equity.

Dr. Nisha Patel: Promise, Purpose, and Podcasts

In Missouri's Fox C-6 School District, Dr. Nisha Patel is cascading the district's values across all communications.

Dr. Joe Sanfelippo: Just a Minute of Your Time

Guest Writer Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, Superintendent of Fall Creek School District in Wisconsin, shares his unique approach to staying connected with his community and challenging others to lead.

Looking for Leaders

What six superintendents look for in building-level administrators

Superintendent Q&A: Dr. Betsy Webb

How one superintendent is transforming teachers into leaders

Francisco Escobedo: Conductor of Dreams

Superintendent Francisco Escobedo is changing the lives of students through community, collaboration, and the arts.

Creating a Culture of Customer Service in Schools

How one Kentucky superintendent is using customer service techniques to transform his schools.

Superintendent Q&A: Rick Cobb

How Dr. Rick Cobb is using marketing to transform his 14,000-student district

Branding with Ambition

How one career and technical education center empowers students to help craft their brand

Southern Hospitality

How Dr. Thomas Taylor is cultivating a culture of customer service at his Maryland district

School Shoutout A Joyful Revolution

How one Indiana district implements joy to make school memorable and enhance student learning

Co-Creating Change

An Intergenerational School Leadership Model

ReadTalkPlay

How our Idaho school district is fostering community through the ReadTalkPlay Every Day Initiative

Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora: The Enterprise Super

How this Texas superintendent is leading her district to new heights with against-all-odds tenacity and an enterprising spirit.

Dr. Joe Gothard: A Place to Call Home

How Dr. Joe Gothard is meeting needs and building belonging in Saint Paul Public Schools

Dr. Paul Coakley: Lessons for School Leaders

Dr. Paul Coakley, the superintendent of Multnomah ESD, shares his insights on building a personal brand, the importance of leaving a legacy, and much more

Dr. Matt Hillmann: On the Same Page

Dr. Carol Kilver: In the Loop

How Dr. Carol Kilver of Illinois’ Pikeland CUSD 10 uses Cognitive Coaching as a basis for internal communication

Tom Burton: How Superintendents Can Think Differently

Former superintendent Tom Burton shares how leaders can challenge assumptions and think differently to drive change. He discusses the importance of data, dissent, transparency, and authentic relationships in shaping culture.

Dan Barkel & Jason Loutsch: Avoiding the Fireworks

A Superintendent and Board President discuss how they keep board meetings productive and drama-free.

Dr. Barbara Mullen is on a trajectory of influence.

This rookie superintendent has already blazed trails with her unique brand of impact and authenticity.

Dr. Donald Killingbeck: Building Your Brand with LinkedIn

LinkedIn is an underutilized platform for many school districts. Dr. Donald Killingbeck has used it to advance Hemlock Public School District’s brand and his own. The result? A stronger digital presence that tells the district story and attracts teachers and garners community support.

Dr. Matthew Montgomery: What I've learned from having two school boards at once

Dr. Matthew Montgomery, superintendent of two different districts, gives his best advice for strengthening board relations.

Dr. Jeff Horton: Courageous Conversations

Dr. Jeff Horton, Superintendent of GFW School District in Minnesota, discusses how he and his community moved from worry to hope through courageous conversations and active listening.

Dr. Andrew Dolloff: The Power of Trust

Dr. Andrew Dolloff of Maine's Yarmouth School Department tells us what he’s learned about trust in school leadership.

Jeff Mayo: Marketing Your Schools' Employer Brand

Jeff Mayo, Dr. Allison Clark, Tyler Hill how they’re bringing communications and HR together to start solving recruitment and retention.

Dr. Avis Williams: Beyond the Bridge

Dr. Avis Williams' legacy of leadership in Selma City Schools

Dr. Lupita Hightower: No Exceptions

Always leading with hope first, Dr. Lupita Hightower is fostering a community of future-forward learners.

Superintendent Q&A: Dr. Christina Kishimoto

Superintendent of the Hawaii State Department of Education.

Superintendent Q&A: Dr. Sharon Contreras

How Dr. Sharon Contreras is building relationships and addressing needs in a 72,000-student district

Dr. Paul E. Coakley: Building Equity Structures

Guest Writer Dr. Paul E. Coakley of Centennial School District shares ways his district is creating structures for equity at every level of the system.

Dr. Steve Webb: Building Community Trust

How Vancouver Public Schools earned long-term community confidence—and leveraged it to win big with their bond

SchoolCEO Conversations: Meaningful classroom tech creates engaged citizens.

Superintendent Dr. Eric Conti of Burlington Public Schools in Massachusetts tells us how and why.

SchoolCEO Conversations: Staying clear, concise, and connected earns community buy-in.

A concrete approach to strategic planning from 2019 Colorado Superintendent of the Year Rico Munn.

Dr. Joseph Ricca: Selling SEL

How school leaders can build community support for new forms of teaching and learning

Dr. Robert Hunt: Leaning Into Healing

With a deep personal and professional knowledge of crisis, Dr. Bob Hunt is ready to lead his new district through the pandemic and beyond.

Rookies of the Year

Meet four newcomers to the superintendency with innovative plans and bright hopes for the future.

Dr. Jason Andrews: Now Boarding

Tips from Dr. Jason Andrews on getting your board relations off the ground.

Dr. Trevor Greene: Pursuing Digital Equity as a Community

With the help of community partners, Dr. Trevor Greene is amplifying campus WiFi to cover his entire district.

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney: A New Way Forward

In Texas’ Aldine ISD, Dr. LaTonya Goffney is connecting with her community, creating leaders, and encouraging innovation.

Dr. David Vroonland: Turning on a Dime

How Dr. David Vroonland is building a culture of ownership that spurs innovation in Mesquite ISD.

SchoolCEO Spotlight: Developing Latino and Latina Superintendents

Dr. Gladys Cruz and Dr. Lupita Hightower are heading up the new Aspiring Superintendents Academy for Latino and Latina Leaders for AASA.

Dr. Katrise Perera: The Customer Service Mindset

Dr. Katrise Perera, superintendent of Gresham-Barlow School District in Oregon, shares why a customer service mindset is crucial—especially in times of crisis.

Small but Mighty

How four superintendents are leading small, rural communities through COVID-19.

Dr. Michael Hinojosa: Deep Roots

How the superintendent of Dallas ISD is leading one of the nation's largest districts through the impossible

Dr. Martin Bates: School Culture and COVID

We spoke with Dr. Martin Bates of Utah’s Granite School District to learn how he’s preserving school culture amid our current crisis.

Dr. Susan Enfield: Heart Work

Dr. Susan Enfield is leading the fight for discipline reform and equity in a diverse district.

Dr. Todd Dugan: Not Standing Still

How political, educational, and community leaders made school funding in Illinois more equitable

Super Support

The superintendency can be isolating. Make sure you’re getting—and giving—the support school leaders need to succeed.

Dr. Carol Kelley: A Space for All Learners

How Dr. Carol Kelley is building equity in a diverse K-8 district

Superintendent Voices

Branding with Ambition

How one career and technical education center empowers students to help craft their brand

Southern Hospitality

How Dr. Thomas Taylor is cultivating a culture of customer service at his Maryland district

A Community Can

How Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat is working for—and with—the people of Peoria, Illinois.

School Shoutout A Joyful Revolution

How one Indiana district implements joy to make school memorable and enhance student learning

From Scout to Super

In the Scouts, Dr. Hank Thiele learned to solve problems on the fly—and he hopes to instill the same skill in his students.

Co-Creating Change

An Intergenerational School Leadership Model

Not the Same Old Story

How Dr. Dianne Kelly is working to rewrite the K-12 rule book.

ReadTalkPlay

How our Idaho school district is fostering community through the ReadTalkPlay Every Day Initiative

Working Together

A Q&A with Superintendent Dr. Pete Hannigan and Communications Specialist Samantha Cook.

Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora: The Enterprise Super

How this Texas superintendent is leading her district to new heights with against-all-odds tenacity and an enterprising spirit.

Embracing Inclusivity

Dr. Rupak Gandhi shares how Fargo Public Schools is standing up for all kids with purpose and pragmatism.

Dr. Joe Gothard: A Place to Call Home

How Dr. Joe Gothard is meeting needs and building belonging in Saint Paul Public Schools

Amy Rovai Gregory: Building Connections, Building Capacity

A Q&A with Amy Rovai Gregory on culturally responsive family engagement

Dr. Paul Coakley: Lessons for School Leaders

Dr. Paul Coakley, the superintendent of Multnomah ESD, shares his insights on building a personal brand, the importance of leaving a legacy, and much more

Dr. Peter Hannigan: Communicating to Different Generations

Dr. Pete Hannigan and Samantha Cook discuss generational differences in the workplace, effective communication strategies to engage their community, and the importance of strong school culture.

Dr. Matt Hillmann: On the Same Page

Dr. Wendy Birhanzel: Opportunity Against All Odds

Colorado superintendent Dr. Wendy Birhanzel is proving that putting kids first creates opportunities and changes lives.

Dr. Carol Kilver: In the Loop

How Dr. Carol Kilver of Illinois’ Pikeland CUSD 10 uses Cognitive Coaching as a basis for internal communication

Debbie Critchfield: The Power of School Communications

Debbie Critchfield, Superintendent of Public Instruction in Idaho, shares her experience in school communications and the ins and outs of internal communications.

Tom Burton: How Superintendents Can Think Differently

Former superintendent Tom Burton shares how leaders can challenge assumptions and think differently to drive change. He discusses the importance of data, dissent, transparency, and authentic relationships in shaping culture.

Dr. Quintin Shepherd's Relentless Compassion

How one Texas superintendent prioritizes people and refuses to give up on kids

Dan Barkel & Jason Loutsch: Avoiding the Fireworks

A Superintendent and Board President discuss how they keep board meetings productive and drama-free.

Dr. Melissa Thompson: How to Onboard Board Members

In an era of contentious board meetings and board elections, Dr. Melissa Thompson, former superintendent of Swallow School District, shows a smart, common-sense approach to helping school boards succeed with onboarding.

Dr. Barbara Mullen is on a trajectory of influence.

This rookie superintendent has already blazed trails with her unique brand of impact and authenticity.

Dr. Mitzi N. Morillo: Five Lessons on Influence

Guest writer Dr. Mitzi N. Morillo gives her take on authenticity and influence.

Dr. Donald Killingbeck: Building Your Brand with LinkedIn

LinkedIn is an underutilized platform for many school districts. Dr. Donald Killingbeck has used it to advance Hemlock Public School District’s brand and his own. The result? A stronger digital presence that tells the district story and attracts teachers and garners community support.

Dr. Andi Fourlis is knocking down walls in education.

This Arizona superintendent is revolutionizing team teaching and promoting collaboration in Mesa Public Schools.

Dr. Matthew Montgomery: What I've learned from having two school boards at once

Dr. Matthew Montgomery, superintendent of two different districts, gives his best advice for strengthening board relations.

Jeffrey Collier & Coty Kuschinsky: Collective Authorship

Jeffrey Collier and Coty Kuschinsky discuss how Saginaw ISD is using collective authorship to build a stronger brand to better serve their staff and community.

Dr. Jeff Horton: Courageous Conversations

Dr. Jeff Horton, Superintendent of GFW School District in Minnesota, discusses how he and his community moved from worry to hope through courageous conversations and active listening.

Christy Perry: Fierce and Fearless

How Superintendent Christy Perry is Clearing the Path Forward

Dr. Andrew Dolloff: The Power of Trust

Dr. Andrew Dolloff of Maine's Yarmouth School Department tells us what he’s learned about trust in school leadership.

Dr. Robert Hunt: Crisis, Growth & Leadership

Dr. Robert Hunt talks with us about managing crises, both at a professional and personal level, how to best communicate during difficult times, and how to grow and recover after.

Jeff Mayo: Marketing Your Schools' Employer Brand

Jeff Mayo, Dr. Allison Clark, Tyler Hill how they’re bringing communications and HR together to start solving recruitment and retention.

Dr. Andy Crozier: The Millennial Superintendent

Dr. Andy Crozier shares an inside look at a new generation of leaders.

Dr. Avis Williams: Beyond the Bridge

Dr. Avis Williams' legacy of leadership in Selma City Schools

Dr. Jeffrey Collier: What If & Why Not?

As Saginaw ISD’s storyteller in chief, Dr. Jeffrey Collier doesn’t shy away from authentic and enthusiastic district communications.

Dr. Lupita Hightower: No Exceptions

Always leading with hope first, Dr. Lupita Hightower is fostering a community of future-forward learners.

Ambassadors in Action

Four school leaders share how they empower staff members at every level to be strong brand advocates.

Superintendent Q&A: Dr. Christina Kishimoto

Superintendent of the Hawaii State Department of Education.

Dr. Tiffany Anderson: Sneakers to the Ground

Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Anderson is leading a new legacy of learning in Topeka and beyond

Superintendent Q&A: Dr. Sharon Contreras

How Dr. Sharon Contreras is building relationships and addressing needs in a 72,000-student district

SchoolCEO Conversations: Coping with COVID-19

How superintendents are boosting morale amid extended school closures

Dr. Paul E. Coakley: Building Equity Structures

Guest Writer Dr. Paul E. Coakley of Centennial School District shares ways his district is creating structures for equity at every level of the system.

SchoolCEO Conversations: Saving the arts may save your schools, too.

Dr. Nathan Street explains how the arts can be a tool to build community support.

Dr. Steve Webb: Building Community Trust

How Vancouver Public Schools earned long-term community confidence—and leveraged it to win big with their bond

SchoolCEO Conversations: Culture vs. Climate and why the difference matters

How New York superintendent Dr. Jason Andrews and his team use PLCs and student feedback to create an environment where all means all.

SchoolCEO Conversations: Meaningful classroom tech creates engaged citizens.

Superintendent Dr. Eric Conti of Burlington Public Schools in Massachusetts tells us how and why.

SchoolCEO Conversations: Can partnering with businesses meet student needs?

Tim Doak, leader of two rural districts in Maine, explains how community partnerships with local businesses can help support student needs.

SchoolCEO Conversations: Staying clear, concise, and connected earns community buy-in.

A concrete approach to strategic planning from 2019 Colorado Superintendent of the Year Rico Munn.

Julie Lauck: Placing Therapy Dogs

Superintendent Julie Lauck of Indiana's Valparaiso Community Schools shares her un-fur-gettable story.

Dr. Joseph Ricca: Selling SEL

How school leaders can build community support for new forms of teaching and learning

SchoolCEO Conversations

Get a glimpse into how three school leaders practice school marketing.

Dr. Robert Hunt: Leaning Into Healing

With a deep personal and professional knowledge of crisis, Dr. Bob Hunt is ready to lead his new district through the pandemic and beyond.

Dr. Jill M. Siler: Moving Beyond Survival Mode

A Conversation with Dr. Jill M. Siler

Rookies of the Year

Meet four newcomers to the superintendency with innovative plans and bright hopes for the future.

Dr. Brian Creasman: Fit to Lead

Through #FitSupts, Dr. Brian Creasman shares the transformative power of wellness for life and leadership.

Dr. Jason Andrews: Now Boarding

Tips from Dr. Jason Andrews on getting your board relations off the ground.

Dr: Baron Davis: King's Gambit

In South Carolina, Dr. Baron R. Davis is innovating through the unpredictable and bringing teachers of color to the classroom.

Dr. Trevor Greene: Pursuing Digital Equity as a Community

With the help of community partners, Dr. Trevor Greene is amplifying campus WiFi to cover his entire district.

The Cultural Lens

Snapshots of school leaders creating strong cultures in their districts through careful, deliberate effort.

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney: A New Way Forward

In Texas’ Aldine ISD, Dr. LaTonya Goffney is connecting with her community, creating leaders, and encouraging innovation.

Dr. David Miyashiro: Creating a Culture of Storytelling

In this Superintendent Perspective, Dr. David Miyashiro shares how students in Cajon Valley USD learn to share their stories—with a little help from TED.

Dr. David Vroonland: Turning on a Dime

How Dr. David Vroonland is building a culture of ownership that spurs innovation in Mesquite ISD.

Dr. Deborah Gist: Radical Collaboration

How Dr. Deborah Gist is empowering families to rebuild the high school experience.

SchoolCEO Spotlight: Developing Latino and Latina Superintendents

Dr. Gladys Cruz and Dr. Lupita Hightower are heading up the new Aspiring Superintendents Academy for Latino and Latina Leaders for AASA.

Dr. Candace Singh: Developing Leaders

Dr. Candace Singh of Fallbrook Union Elementary School District is creating opportunities for teachers, students, and aspiring female leaders across the country.

Dr. Katrise Perera: The Customer Service Mindset

Dr. Katrise Perera, superintendent of Gresham-Barlow School District in Oregon, shares why a customer service mindset is crucial—especially in times of crisis.

Dr. Mark Bedell: Safe Havens

At Kansas City Public Schools, Dr. Mark Bedell is building safety, belonging, and equity.

Small but Mighty

How four superintendents are leading small, rural communities through COVID-19.

Dr. Nisha Patel: Promise, Purpose, and Podcasts

In Missouri's Fox C-6 School District, Dr. Nisha Patel is cascading the district's values across all communications.

Dr. Michael Hinojosa: Deep Roots

How the superintendent of Dallas ISD is leading one of the nation's largest districts through the impossible

Dr. Joe Sanfelippo: Just a Minute of Your Time

Guest Writer Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, Superintendent of Fall Creek School District in Wisconsin, shares his unique approach to staying connected with his community and challenging others to lead.

Dr. Martin Bates: School Culture and COVID

We spoke with Dr. Martin Bates of Utah’s Granite School District to learn how he’s preserving school culture amid our current crisis.

Looking for Leaders

What six superintendents look for in building-level administrators

Dr. Susan Enfield: Heart Work

Dr. Susan Enfield is leading the fight for discipline reform and equity in a diverse district.

Superintendent Q&A: Dr. Betsy Webb

How one superintendent is transforming teachers into leaders

Dr. Todd Dugan: Not Standing Still

How political, educational, and community leaders made school funding in Illinois more equitable

Francisco Escobedo: Conductor of Dreams

Superintendent Francisco Escobedo is changing the lives of students through community, collaboration, and the arts.

Super Support

The superintendency can be isolating. Make sure you’re getting—and giving—the support school leaders need to succeed.

Creating a Culture of Customer Service in Schools

How one Kentucky superintendent is using customer service techniques to transform his schools.

Dr. Carol Kelley: A Space for All Learners

How Dr. Carol Kelley is building equity in a diverse K-8 district

Superintendent Q&A: Rick Cobb

How Dr. Rick Cobb is using marketing to transform his 14,000-student district