Leaders Learning From Leaders

Executive Summary In this episode of Leaders Learning from Leaders, host Steve Barkley speaks with Dr. Randy Poe, Executive Director of the Northern Kentucky Education Council, former superintendent of Boone County Schools in Kentucky, and an at-large member of the Kentucky Board of Education. Drawing on nearly four decades in Boone County, Dr. Poe reflects on the strategic alignment, community trust, and continuous learning that carried one of Kentucky's most recognized school districts through extraordinary growth. Dr. Poe describes Boone County's transformation from a small rural district of roughly 3,000 students into a diverse system of 21,000, once among the fastest growing districts in the nation. That growth demanded a united strategic direction. Adopting the Public Education Leadership Project (PELP) framework from Harvard, the district aligned vision, resources, and daily practices around the instructional core: the student, the teacher, and the curriculum, animated by rigor, relevance, and relationships. Rather than chasing test scores, the district measured student hope, well-being, and grit and found that growth there corresponded directly with academic gains. Working with Ken Kay of the 21st Century Skills movement, Boone County became one of the first districts in the nation to develop a portrait of a graduate, expanding the four C's into a broader set of essential skills. More than 2,000 teachers were trained in project-based learning, with students defining their own projects. Dual credit partnerships allowed students to accelerate based on academic performance rather than chronological age, and a student board member, elected by students across the district, brought student voice to every board decision. Steve and Dr. Poe explore how leaders innovate without creating initiative fatigue. Dr. Poe's answer is alignment: the core does not change, the work changes. He recalls coach Bobby Knight's counsel that hard work without results is just hard work, and describes an evaluation system in which listening flows upward, from students to teachers to principals to a superintendent who listens. He also recounts how trust built in calm waters, through open book studies with the board and genuine community engagement, carried the district through its most difficult storms. The conversation closes with Dr. Poe's current work leading the Northern Kentucky Education Council, aligning eighteen school districts with postsecondary and business partners around dual credit, career pathways, and student well-being, and his charge to aspiring leaders: if adults are not learning in the building, children are not learning either, so be the lead learner. Main Topics Covered 1. The Transformation of Boone County SchoolsOver Dr. Poe's 39 years of service, Boone County grew from a small rural district of roughly 3,000 students into a suburban, rural, and urban system of 21,000, at one point among the fastest growing districts in the nation. That growth brought increasing diversity and a shift in expectations toward college, career, and life readiness for every student.2. A United Strategic Direction and the Instructional CoreBoone County adopted the Public Education Leadership Project (PELP) framework from Harvard and aligned its vision, resources, and daily practices around the instructional core: the student, the teacher, and the curriculum. The district held to a small number of strategic goals, keeping the focus on rigor, relevance, and relationships.3. Measuring Hope, Well-Being, and GritRather than focusing on test scores, the district set student well-being goals at the district, school, classroom, and individual level. Work conducted with the University of Cincinnati showed that growth in hope, well-being, and grit corresponded directly with gains in academic performance.4. A Portrait of a Graduate and Accelerated PathwaysWorking with Ken Kay of the 21st Century Skills movement, Boone County was among t

About Dr. Wesley Smith Dr. Smith is superintendent of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District. His 25 years in California public education include 17 years as a site or district leader and eight years as an educator and student advocate at the state and federal levels. Dr. Smith served as the executive director of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), which is the largest umbrella organization for school leaders in the United States. He previously served as the superintendent of Morgan Hill Unified School District, and superintendent, assistant superintendent, and principal at Cascade Union Elementary School District. He has also served as a high school English, English language development, and Spanish teacher, as well as a football and baseball coach. In addition to Dr. Smith’s K-12 experience, he is currently an adjunct professor in the USC Rossier School of Education. Known as a strong leader who prioritizes the rights, needs, and safety of all students, Dr. Smith has been successful in narrowing access and achievement gaps, restoring positive working relationships, rebuilding confidence in education systems, and helping students feel seen, heard, and valued. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in English from Brigham Young University, Master of Arts from Claremont Graduate School, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California. Podcast Summary In this podcast episode, Dr. Wesley Smith, superintendent of Newport Mesa Unified School District, discusses his leadership journey and key strategies that have shaped his tenure. The episode begins with an overview of Newport Mesa, a diverse district serving both affluent and underprivileged communities. Dr. Smith highlights the importance of listening as his initial priority when assuming leadership. He emphasizes building a culture of inclusivity, belonging, and student-centered learning, while focusing on climate and culture as foundational elements of success. A key theme in the discussion is Dr. Smith's "systems approach" to leadership, which ensures that success is deliberate and consistent across all areas of the district. He provides examples of this approach through curricular coherence, professional learning communities, and developing common assessments for teachers. Dr. Smith also underscores the importance of continuous educator learning, believing that enhancing the capacity of adults within the system directly impacts student outcomes. He stresses the need for intentionality and buy-in from educators, ensuring that learning and growth are systemic rather than ad-hoc. Additionally, Dr. Smith reflects on his time as Executive Director of the Association of California School Administrators, noting the courage required to prioritize students' needs in a system often designed for adult interests. He emphasizes the challenges facing superintendents today, such as navigating political distractions and external pressures while maintaining focus on student achievement. Main Topics Covered Leadership in Newport Mesa Unified School DistrictDr. Smith discusses his leadership style, highlighting the importance of listening, inclusivity, and culture building within a diverse district. Systems Approach to EducationDr. Smith outlines his strategy for implementing consistent success through systemic processes, emphasizing curricular coherence, common assessments, and professional learning communities. Continuous Learning for EducatorsHe stresses the importance of lifelong learning for educators, ensuring their growth is directly tied to student success through structured professional development. Courage in LeadershipReflecting on his experience at the state level, Dr. Smith highlights the need for courage in educational leadership, especially when prioritizing students' needs over adult interests. Challenges for SuperintendentsThe episode addresses modern challenges in school leadership, particularly political dist

About Dr. Darren J. Brown-Hall Dr. Darren J. Brown-Hall was appointed Superintendent of the Williamsville Central School District effective July 1, 2021. He most recently served as the Chief of Staff for the Buffalo Public Schools. He has previously served as the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources, and for a short period of time as Interim Superintendent for the Buffalo Public Schools. Dr. Brown-Hall began his career in education as a Mathematics teacher at Sweet Home High School.Dr. Brown-Hall has over 20 years of experience in the field of Education and works every day to have a significant impact of the lives of students – realizing that every decision that is made at the senior executive level has an immediate effect on the school buildings and the continued increase in academic performance for all children.Realizing his love for education and the impact that he had on students, Dr. Brown-Hall returned to the field of education after working for two years at HSBC Bank as an eBusiness analyst once he finished HSBC’s management development program and working in London. Dr. Brown-Hall received both a B.S. and M.S. degree in Mathematics Education from Buffalo State College, an M.B.A. from Canisius University with concentrations in Finance and Management Information Systems. Dr. Brown-Hall also completed his coursework for School and District level administrator certification at Canisius University and received an advanced certificate in School Business and Human Resources management from the University at Buffalo (U.B.). Dr. Brown-Hall earned his Doctor of Education degree in Educational Administration from the University at Buffalo in 2018. Dr. Brown-Hall is an adjunct instructor in the Educational Leadership departments at Buffalo State University as well as the University at Buffalo. He is an active member of several professional organizations including the Committee for the Identification and Development of Educational Leaders (CIDEL) and serves on several Boards including the Western New York Education Service Council (WNYESC), Compass House, and Gay and Lesbian Youth Services. Podcast Summary In this episode of the Leaders Learning from Leaders podcast, host Steve Barkley interviews Dr. Darren J. Brown-Hall, Superintendent of the Williamsville Central School District, located in a suburb of Buffalo, New York. Dr. Brown-Hall shares insights from his extensive career in education, highlighting the impact of his previous roles in Buffalo public schools on his current position. He emphasizes the importance of visibility, approachability, and hard work in leadership, and discusses the critical role of senior-level decisions in shaping student outcomes. Dr. Brown-Hall underscores the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the district, stressing the need to create environments where all students and staff feel valued and included. He also touches on the challenge of managing distractions, particularly cell phone use, in the classroom and outlines plans to develop a district-wide policy to address this issue. Additionally, Dr. Brown-Hall speaks to the importance of mentoring and developing future leaders within the education system. The podcast concludes with Dr. Brown-Hall offering advice to current and aspiring educational leaders, encouraging continuous learning and a positive mindset towards challenging situations. Topics Covered: Introduction to Williamsville Central School District: Brown-Hall describes the district's size, diversity, and the number of schools it encompasses. He reflects on his tenure as Superintendent and his enthusiasm for the role. Impact of Previous Leadership Roles: Brown-Hall explains how his varied leadership experiences in Buffalo prepared him for his current role, providing a comprehensive understanding of school and district administration. Decision-Making at the Senior Level: The discussion focuses on how decisions made at the superintendent leve

About Dr. George Fiore Dr. George F. Fiore is a veteran educational leader with over 25 years of experience. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Chester County Intermediate Unit in Downingtown, PA, a position he has held since 2019. Dr. Fiore's diverse career includes roles as a teacher, dean of students, principal, district superintendent, and the founding headmaster of the highly-regarded Downingtown STEM Academy. He has also been an adjunct professor at Kutztown University, Cabrini College, and Wilkes University, supporting doctoral and educational leadership programs. Beyond his administrative work, Dr. Fiore is a strong advocate for public education. He is the President of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA), serves on the board of directors for the Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units, and is the President of the Children's Fund of Chester County. He also chairs the Workforce Development Committee as a board member of the Chester County Economic Development Council. Dr. Fiore's academic credentials include a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University, a master's degree from Wilkes University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from Kutztown University. He has earned the AASA National Superintendent Certification and holds other leadership certifications. Dr. Fiore's expertise extends to publications on educational leadership, with articles featured in the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators' publications and contributions to local newspapers and academic journals. He is deeply committed to community service through his involvement in various boards and organizations. Dr. Fiore resides in Pennsylvania with his wife and three school-aged children. Podcast Summary: In this episode of the Leaders Learning from Leaders podcast, Dr. George Fiore, the Executive Director of the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) in Pennsylvania and the President of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA), shares insights into the role of intermediate units in Pennsylvania's education system and the challenges and opportunities facing school leaders. Dr. Fiore discusses the evolution of Intermediate Units in Pennsylvania, which provide various services to school districts, including special education, virtual learning, executive searches, and technical college high schools. He emphasizes the importance of being proactive in addressing challenges such as the politicization of education, mental health issues, and the recruitment of quality teachers. As a lead learner, Dr. Fiore emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in education, particularly in leveraging emerging technologies like AI to improve efficiency and effectiveness. He discusses the role of current superintendents in mentoring and developing future leaders to ensure the profession's sustainability. Topics Covered: Introduction to Intermediate Units: Dr. Fiore explains the role of intermediate units in Pennsylvania's education system, including the range of services they provide to school districts. Challenges Facing School Leaders: Dr. Fiore highlights key challenges such as the politicization of education, mental health issues among students and staff, and the recruitment of quality teachers. Role of Superintendents: Dr. Fiore discusses the importance of superintendents as lead learners and mentors in developing future leaders and addressing emerging challenges in education. Leveraging AI in Education: Dr. Fiore explores the potential of AI to enhance teaching and learning experiences, improve efficiency, and address complex educational issues. Developing Future Leaders: Dr. Fiore emphasizes the responsibility of current school leaders to mentor and develop future leaders to ensure the sustainability of the education profession. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landsca

About Dr. Gladys Cruz Dr. Gladys I. Cruz is the 2023 President of The School Superintendents Association (AASA) while maintaining a dual leadership role as the District Superintendent (DS) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Questar III Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). As the District Superintendent, Dr. Cruz represents the NYS Commissioner of Education and is responsible for providing strong leadership within the supervisory district and bringing local school district concerns to the attention of state leaders. As the CEO, Dr. Cruz leads the organization in developing, implementing, and providing programs and services at the request of the component districts and serving districts across New York State. Questar III BOCES is located about eight miles outside of Albany, NY. Overview: In this episode of Leaders Learning from Leaders, host Steve Barkley interviews Dr. Gladys Cruz, the District Superintendent and CEO of Questar III BOCES in New York State and the current president of AASA (The School Superintendents Association). Dr. Cruz discusses her dual role as the district superintendent of BOCES and the commissioner's representative in the field, highlighting superintendents' collaborative efforts to address education challenges. She emphasizes the importance of collective wisdom and collaboration in finding solutions. Podcast Summary: Dr. Cruz identifies key challenges facing school leaders, including funding issues post-pandemic, the transition to electric buses, and a shortage of educators. She stresses the need for a comprehensive redesign and rethinking of educational systems to meet the evolving needs of students and the world. The discussion touches on Dr. Cruz's interest in technology and education, encouraging leaders to embrace AI and incorporate it into educational systems. She emphasizes the role of educators in teaching students to discern reliable sources and become critical thinkers. Addressing the shortage of superintendents, Dr. Cruz calls for current leaders to mentor and support the next generation, particularly encouraging diversity in leadership roles. In closing, she expresses gratitude to those in superintendent roles, acknowledging the challenges they face and encouraging them to connect with others in the field. Key Themes: Collaboration and Collective Wisdom: Dr. Cruz highlights the importance of leaders coming together to address challenges while emphasizing the power of collective wisdom collaboratively. Challenges in Education: Funding issues, the transition to electric buses, educator shortages, and the need for system redesign are key challenges facing school leaders. Embracing Technology: Dr. Cruz advocates for integrating AI in education, urging leaders to embrace technology and teach students to use it effectively and ethically. Mentorship and Diversity: The importance of mentorship in leadership roles and the need to encourage diversity, particularly in superintendent positions, are emphasized. Appreciation for Superintendents: Dr. Cruz expresses gratitude to those in superintendent roles, acknowledging the significance of their contributions and encouraging continued collaboration. Dr. Cruz's passion for collaboration, transformative thinking, and technology integration in education shines through in the podcast. Her emphasis on mentorship and building a diverse leadership pipeline reflects a commitment to the future of education. You can follow Dr. Cruz on X @GladysICruz or contact her directly via email [email protected]

About Dr. Luvelle Brown Dr. Luvelle Brown is a highly accomplished educator with a diverse background in various educational roles. He currently serves as the Superintendent of the Ithaca City School District (ICSD) in Ithaca, New York, where he has overseen remarkable achievements during his tenure. Recognized as the 2017 New York State Superintendent of the Year, Luvelle Brown has received numerous accolades for his contributions to education. Among his many honors, Dr. Brown was acknowledged by TrustED as one of the nation's foremost educators and thought leaders. In 2022, he was honored with the prestigious Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award. His recognition extends to the National School Boards Association, which named him a "20-to-Watch" and a "Difference Maker." Dr. Brown has also been honored with awards such as the Center for Digital Education Top 30 Award and the eSchool News Tech-Savvy Superintendent Award in 2014. His innovative leadership earned him a place among the nation's top 100 Innovative Superintendents, and he was invited to speak at President Barack Obama's 1st National Superintendent Summit at the White House. Apart from his educational roles, Luvelle Brown serves as an adjunct faculty member at SUNY Cortland and St. John Fisher College in New York. He is actively engaged in his community, having been recognized as the Tompkins County Distinguished Citizen in spring 2019. His community involvement includes serving as a term trustee at Ithaca College, a member of the Tompkins County Area Development Board, and a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He also co-founded the nationally acclaimed 100 Black Men of Central Virginia. Overview: In this episode of Leaders Learning from Leaders, host Steve Barkley interviews Dr. Luvelle Brown, the superintendent of Ithaca School District in New York State and author of "Culture of Love: Cultivating a Positive and Transformational Organizational Culture." Dr. Brown is a nationally recognized speaker and consultant with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. The episode begins with an introduction of the guest, Dr. Luvelle Brown, who shares his background and passion for creating a more inclusive and loving educational environment. He highlights the unique characteristics of Ithaca, New York, a diverse and vibrant town known for its educational institutions. Key Topics Discussed in the Episode: Ithaca School District's Success: Dr. Brown discusses the significant improvements and successes achieved during his tenure as the superintendent of Ithaca School District. These include a rise in the graduation rate, elimination of achievement gaps, increased participation in extracurricular activities, and recognition for diverse enrollment in high-level academic courses. Sense of Urgency: Dr. Brown emphasizes the importance of leaders feeling a sense of urgency when it comes to meeting the needs of young people. He describes how this sense of urgency has driven positive change in Ithaca. Student-Centered and Equity-Focused Education: Dr. Brown discusses his involvement in the Learning 2025 National Commission on Student-Centered Equity-Focused Education, highlighting the importance of including students in decision-making and curriculum development. He emphasizes that such initiatives benefit all students. Diversity Symposium of Thought Leaders: Dr. Brown talks about his role in organizing the Diversity Symposium of Thought Leaders, an event focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. He underscores the need to create access and opportunities for everyone, regardless of their identities. Culture of Love in Education: Dr. Brown delves into the concept of a "culture of love" in education, emphasizing that it goes beyond emotional connections and includes principles like patience, trust, caring, forgiveness, and commitment. He discusses the importance of incorporating these principles into school practices an

Kevin McGowan, Ed.D., is the Superintendent of the Brighton Central School District, a suburban district in Monroe County, New York. In addition to being highly ranked in New York State (NYS) and nationally, Brighton schools have been recognized as "Schools to Watch," Blue Ribbon award winners, and as a 2018 US News and World Report Gold Medal school. Throughout his work in each position, Dr. McGowan has focused on high-quality systems that provide consistency, accountability, and a focus on meeting the needs of all learners. Dr. McGowan established the commitment to "every student, every day, in every way" in leading the Brighton education community. Beyond his district leadership, Dr. McGowan has previously served on many boards, including as the President of the Monroe County Council of School Superintendents, the NYS Council of School Superintendents, and the Leadership for Educational Achievement Foundation. In 2023, Dr. McGowan was named NYS Superintendent of the Year and AASA National Superintendent of the Year. Watch the video version of this episode here. Learn more about Dr. McGowan. Visit the SuperEval website.