Superintendents Unplugged

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...

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 fr...

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...

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...

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...

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, comm...

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...

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host and former superintendent Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Maria Vazquez, Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), to explore the heart of educational leadership at scale. As the first Latina superintendent of Florida’s eighth-largest district—with over 208,000 students and 213 schools—Dr. Vazquez shares a deeply personal and powerful journey from a first-generation American to a trailblazing educational leader.

Dr. Vazquez, the daughter of Cuban immigrants, recounts how her early struggles as an English learner shaped a lifelong mission: ensuring every child, regardless of background, feels safe, supported, and positi...

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Tony B. Watlington, superintendent of The School District of Philadelphia, for a candid and energizing conversation about transforming one of the nation’s largest and most complex public school systems. Live from the Council of the Great City Schools Conference in Dallas, Dr. Watlington reflects on his first three years at the helm of Philadelphia’s schools—highlighting early wins, key strategies, and the relentless drive behind “Accelerate Philly,” the district’s ambitious five-year strategic plan.

Drawing on nearly three decades of PK-16 leadership, Dr. Watlingt...

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Tricia McManus, Superintendent of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, for a dynamic conversation about what it means to lead with vision, courage, and compassion.

With more than 30 years in public education, most of it spent in Hillsborough County, Florida, McManus brings a deep well of experience and a crystal-clear focus to the work of equity, access, and instructional excellence. From her roots as a teacher and principal to her leadership in school transformation and professional development, her journey is a masterclass in how to scale impact...

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with veteran superintendent Jerry Almendarez, a 15-year leader whose career has been defined by resilience, heart, and a deep-rooted commitment to community.

Now leading Santa Ana Unified School District—after decades of service in Colton, the very district where he once walked the halls as a student—Jerry shares a full-circle journey few in education ever experience. From becoming the first Latino superintendent in his hometown to navigating the challenges of stepping into a new district mid-pandemic, he opens up about what it truly takes to lead...

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Warren Morgan, CEO of Cleveland Metropolitan School District, for a candid and insightful conversation on leading through challenge, driving innovation, and staying rooted in purpose. Recorded live at the Council of the Great City Schools’ 68th annual fall conference in Dallas, this episode explores Dr. Morgan’s first-year milestones—including the historic achievement of CMSD meeting Ohio’s state standards for the first time ever.

Dr. Morgan reflects on returning to Cleveland, a city where he has deep personal and professional ties, to lead during a...

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host and Strategos Partner Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Brent Jones, Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, for a candid and compelling conversation about leadership, equity, and transformative change in urban education. Recorded live at the 68th Annual Council of Great City Schools Conference in Dallas, Texas, the discussion offers an in-depth look at how Dr. Jones is steering one of the nation's largest school districts through complex challenges with vision and integrity.

A proud product of Seattle Public Schools himself, Dr. Jones brings a deeply personal and professional perspective to...

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host and Strategos Partner Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Errick L. Greene, Superintendent of Jackson Public Schools, for an unflinching, inspiring, and deeply human conversation on transformational leadership in public education.

Dr. Greene, appointed in 2018 at a time when Jackson Public Schools faced a looming state takeover and systemic underperformance, shares the story of how he and his team rebuilt a struggling district into a rising model of academic and organizational reform. Under his leadership, the district climbed two full letter grades in the state’s accountability system and boosted it...

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Issaquah School District Superintendent Heather Tow-Yick to explore how bold leadership, systems thinking, and a relentless commitment to student opportunity are redefining the traditional K-12 experience in Washington state.

Now in her third year at the helm, Tow-Yick brings a dynamic and nontraditional background—from teaching in the Bronx to leading strategic initiatives at Teach For America and Providence Public Schools. Her approach in Issaquah is anchored by a belief in excellence, access, and systemic innovation. At the heart of this episode is a deep di...

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host and Strategos Partner Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Howard Hepburn, newly appointed Superintendent of Broward County Public Schools—the sixth-largest school district in the nation. Recorded live at the Council of the Great City Schools annual conference, this candid conversation offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to lead a massive, complex educational system through transformation.

With just six months in the superintendent's seat, Dr. Hepburn shares how Broward County achieved a historic milestone: becoming an “A”-rated district with no D or F schools for the first...

Welcome to the episode of “Superintendents Unplugged: In-Depth with Davis,” where we pull back the curtain on what it truly means to lead in education today. I’m your host, Addison Davis, and in each episode, we sit down with superintendents from across the country—both in urban and rural settings—to share their stories, successes, and the tough calls they make behind the scenes.

Today, we’re recording from the 68th Annual Council of Great City Schools Conference in Dallas, Texas, and I’m thrilled to introduce our featured guest, Dr. Ian Roberts, the dynamic Superintendent of Des Moines...

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...

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 import...

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...

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...

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 Wo...

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...

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...

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 p...

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 Faye...

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...

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 fu...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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 su...

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...

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 emph...

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...

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...

In this episode of "Superintendents Unplugged", hosts Addison Davis and Todd Dallas Lamb sit down with Martha K. Group, Superintendent of the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill (VVS) Central School District in New York. With 26 years in the district—13 as Chief Academic Officer and 13 as Superintendent—Group shares her insights on fostering a thriving educational environment through consistent leadership, innovation, and community engagement.

Martha discusses how VVS has navigated evolving educational challenges by staying adaptable and building a continuous growth system. She highlights initiatives like "An Hour with the Superintendent," designed to promote open dialogue with the community, and the district’s inte...

In this episode, Davis chats with the remarkable Erin Kane, Superintendent of Douglas County School District in Colorado. Kane, who transitioned from a career in data science to educational leadership through an unexpected journey of passion and perseverance, discusses how she transformed her district. You'll hear about her success in starting a high-achieving charter school, her strategic priorities for elevating school performance, and her innovative approaches to fostering a positive climate and culture. Whether implementing creative retention strategies or leveraging artificial intelligence for future-ready education, Kane's insights promise to inspire and inform educational leaders, parents, and anyone passionate about...

For our first episode of 2025, we are privileged to have Dr. Caprice Young from Navigator Schools as our guest. Dr. Young's remarkable career spans from her roots in a foster home and careers in finance and technology to influential roles on the Los Angeles school board and in charter school leadership. She will share her insights on creating effective early childhood education programs, the unique value immigrant families place on education, and the innovative approaches being undertaken at Navigator Schools.

This episode will offer a deep dive into Dr. Young's efforts to prioritize effective teaching and innovative...