Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast

In this episode, host Iranetta Rayborn Wright sits down with Dr. Kelley Gallt, superintendent of Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95, just outside Chicago. She shares her district’s journey with the Empower 95 strategic plan, detailing an inclusive visioning process that authentically elevates student, staff, family, and community voices. You’ll hear how student input directly shaped district direction, the steps taken to foster transparency and accountability, and the ways communication and recognition have transformed her staff culture.We also explore how Dr. Kelley Gallt’s focus on clear, consistent communication built trust during the pandemic, the impact of celebrating staff legacies through innovative tools, and the district’s impressive achievement of multiple National Blue Ribbon School designations., including recognition for closing achievement gaps.Tune in to get inspired by how one district is defining excellence, strengthening relationships, and creating opportunities for all learners, backed by the power of strong community partnerships and a supportive school board.Key Moments04:53 "Adaptive Strategic Planning Redesign"08:26 "Strengthening Communication Through Connection"09:31 Advisory Teams Enhance Communication14:10 "Building Bonds in Education"17:39 "Prioritizing Resources for Students"20:27 "Improving Strategies for Success"Why You’ll Love This Episode:Hear how Dr. Kelley Gallt is redefining strategic planning by putting students at the center of every decision. From co-creating Empower 95 with students, staff, and community members to building ongoing stakeholder engagement, she shares how authentic voice drives meaningful change.Learn how she builds a culture of trust, transparency, and accountability through consistent communication and collaborative systems. This episode highlights how evolving strategies, clear goals, and shared ownership keep districts aligned—even in times of disruption.Gain insight into her approach to staff culture and student success. From strengthening teacher-to-teacher trust to achieving Blue Ribbon recognition through continuous improvement, she shows how investing in people, partnerships, and data leads to lasting impact.Connect with Dr. Kelley GalltLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelley-gallt-693a13269 Website: https://www.lz95.org/ Follow Us OnHost LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iranetta-rayborn-wright-00053937 Company LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/ Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to IEI for more powerful conversations on educational leadership, innovation, and the stories shaping our schools.

In this episode, host Iranetta Rayborn Wright sits down with Russell Hughes, superintendent of Walton County School District, Florida. Together, they explore Russell's remarkable journey of moving his district from 35th in the state to an impressive number 2 ranking.He opens up about the challenges he faced stepping into district leadership, from unifying diverse communities to radically improving graduation rates. He shares the inside story of EPIC, a cultural framework that has become a rallying call in his district and beyond, and discusses the power of visionary leadership, data-driven decision making, and the importance of staying centered on values like faith, family, and student opportunity.Whether it’s navigating the realities of an elected superintendent, establishing innovative magnet programs that attract and retain students, or ensuring every child across wide-ranging communities finds their unique pathway to success, this episode is full of practical insights and inspiration for educators and leaders at every level.Key Moments04:26 "Data-Driven Decisions Matter"09:06 "Serving Board and Community Goals"13:13 "Building Futures Through Education"15:32 "Creating Opportunities for All"17:44 "Impacting God's Children"Why You’ll Love This Episode:Hear how Russell Hughes transformed his district from 35th to 2nd in the state by building a unified vision and culture. He shares how the EPIC framework became a powerful driver for alignment, accountability, and continuous improvement across every school.Learn how he uses data with precision to uncover hidden challenges and drive real outcomes. From fixing reporting systems to closing graduation gaps, this episode shows how disciplined, data-driven leadership leads to sustained growth year after year.Gain insight into his people-centered leadership rooted in purpose, faith, and opportunity. From innovative programs like the Magnet Innovation Center to reclaiming students at risk, he demonstrates how strong values and bold action can transform outcomes for every student.Connect with Russell HughesWebsite: https://www.walton.k12.fl.us/ Follow Us OnHost LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iranetta-rayborn-wright-00053937 Company LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/ Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to IEI for more powerful conversations on educational leadership, innovation, and the stories shaping our schools.

Today, host Iranetta Rayborn Wright sits down with Dr. Wayne Vickers, the founding superintendent of Alabaster City Schools in Alabama. Together, they dive into Dr. Vickers’ journey of leading the district since 2013, building a culture of excellence, and establishing programs that ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. From transforming academic performance and cultivating diversity, to launching the innovative Champions Craft Academy and supporting multilingual learners, Dr. Vickers shares candid insights and leadership lessons from his years of service. Whether you’re an educator, leader, or passionate about public education, this conversation offers inspiration, practical takeaways, and a celebration of what it means to truly serve every child, every day.Key Moments04:15 "Dream Big, Achieve Big"08:34 "Champions Craft Academy Program"12:33 "Education and Workforce Success"15:40 "Diversity & Multilingual Excellence"19:22 Robot Enhancing Adolescent Literacy21:41 "Do Best by Every Child"23:46 "Leadership Lessons in Education"Why You’ll Love This Episode:Hear how Dr. Wayne Vickers built a school system from the ground up with a bold vision of “Champions of Our Future.” He shares how purpose-driven leadership, belief in every child, and a strong community foundation transformed Alabaster into a top-performing district.Learn how he turned gaps into opportunities through innovative programs like the Champions Craft Academy. This episode highlights how listening to students and community needs led to real-world pathways, workforce partnerships, and life-changing outcomes for every learner.Gain insight into his people-first leadership approach rooted in belonging, relationships, and high expectations. From supporting multilingual learners to building a culture where every student is seen and valued, he shows how purpose, trust, and consistency drive lasting success. Connect with Dr. Wayne Vickers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-vickers-79a619a9 Website: https://www.acsboe.org/ Follow Us OnHost LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iranetta-rayborn-wright-00053937 Company LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/ Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to IEI for more powerful conversations on educational leadership, innovation, and the stories shaping our schools.

In this episode, Iranetta Rayborn Wright sits down with Mike Miles, Superintendent of Houston ISD, for an unfiltered conversation about wholesale school reform and bold leadership in urban education. Mike Miles shares what he’s most proud of record-setting gains in student achievement, and explains why he believes incremental, piecemeal change has failed American education.Together, they dive into the nuts and bolts of the Houston ISD transformation: from building a new status quo bias to deploying the New Education System (NES), and how strong accountability, high expectations, and real-time feedback drive lasting results. Mike Miles addresses common criticisms, discusses lessons learned from Dallas ISD, and offers insight into the role of governance and the importance of working with urgency in today’s rapidly changing world.Tune in for a candid look at what it takes to reimagine schools for student success, and why outcomes, not just improvement, must be the bar for every child.Key Moments06:22 "Poverty, Mobility, Enrollment Trends"08:29 "Building Lasting Reform Systems"13:17 "Elected School Boards' Challenges"15:18 "The Tyranny of the 5%"19:07 "Exploring NES Classroom Model"24:43 Tracking Student Learning Effectively25:59 "DOL Insights and Remediation"30:29 "Feedback and Coaching Matters"32:19 "Urgency for Future Action"Why You’ll Love This Episode:Discover what it takes to lead one of the most ambitious school reform efforts in the country Mike Miles shares how bold, systemwide change—not incremental fixes—can dramatically improve student outcomes at scaleGet a behind-the-scenes look at the NES model and how consistent, high-quality instruction, real-time feedback, and daily data tracking are transforming classrooms. This episode breaks down what effective teaching and learning actually look like in practice.Gain insight into leadership under pressure, from navigating criticism to driving change with urgency. If you care about results, accountability, and doing what’s best for students despite the noise, this conversation will challenge how you think about school transformation. Connect with Mike Miles LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmikemiles Website: https://www.houstonisd.org/ Follow Us OnHost LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iranetta-rayborn-wright-00053937 Company LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/ Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to IEI for more powerful conversations on educational leadership, innovation, and the stories shaping our schools.

In this episode of Stories from the Field, host Doug sits down with Dr. Matthew Wienclawski, Superintendent of Pathways in Education in Chicago. Matthew shares insights into the unique model of alternative education that Pathways offers, supporting students aged 16 to 22 who are overage and under-credited, and often juggle life responsibilities, such as work or caregiving, alongside their education.Discover how Pathways provides flexible programming,students attend just four hours per day, with options for one-on-one, small group, or online learning. Matthew discusses the challenges and benefits of partnering with Chicago Public Schools under a contract model, maintaining autonomy while meeting district metrics, and running four campuses spread across the city (all coincidentally on the same avenue!).Listen as Matthew reveals the entrepreneurial spirit behind Pathways, from individualized student success plans and hands-on mentorship to building an active alumni network and hiring graduates. He also opens up about his leadership journey, the impact of mentorship, and his focus on leading with humanity and grace, encouraging staff to learn from mistakes and fostering a responsive, supportive school culture.Tune in for practical lessons in alternative education, flexible pathways to graduation, and creating a caring environment that values both students and staff.Key Moments00:00 Flexible programming limits student tenure to prevent disservice; offers varied teaching modalities: 1-on-1 instruction and small group instruction.05:48 Model for integrating young adult components in high schools, emphasizing hands-on training and trades over traditional college paths.09:23 Early in my career, as a principal in Oakland, my mentor emphasized purpose using the proverb: "One generation plants the trees, another gets the shade." This taught me that our actions now may not show immediate results, but will eventually flourish, much like nurturing students despite their hardships.12:24 Embrace imperfection and encourage mistakes for learning without fear of repercussions.13:54 Guiding students to complete plans and hearing their success stories later is fulfilling and highlights the lasting impact of Pathways.Why You’ll Love This Episode:Be inspired by Dr. Matthew Wienclawski's authentic leadership journey rooted in community, driven by equity, and focused on transforming educational outcomes through collaboration and clarity.Discover how he is working to increase the retention of Black male educators, address the “invisible tax” many educators face, and build leadership pipelines grounded in mentorship, representation, and respect.Gain insight into school turnaround strategy, leadership density, and how he leads with clarity, compassion, and cultural relevance, alongside a powerful vision for future superintendency rooted in impact, not ego.Connect with Dr. Matthew WienclawskiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-wienclawski-5869489 Website: https://pathwaysineducation.org/ Follow Us OnHost LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougrobertsiei/ Company LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/ Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to IEI for more conversations on building powerful school cultures one little win at a time.

In this episode, host Doug Roberts sits down with Dr. Melissa Dandy Walker, a digital learning specialist with Atlanta Public Schools, to explore the power of community, mentorship, and innovation in education. Melissa shares insights into her unique role supporting instructional technology bridging math education with digital tools and her creative approach to leadership. From launching initiatives like the district-wide Technology Innovation Competition to expanding opportunities for students and families through programs like Grow with Google, Melissa demonstrates what it means to be an “educreative” leader.She reflects on her journey from classroom math teacher to district coach, highlighting the role of mentorship in her career, and pays tribute to the mentors who shaped her outlook, especially her lasting relationship with Pamela Benford. The conversation dives deep into building strengths-based communities, navigating the changing landscape of public education, and ensuring digital equity for all students. Plus, Melissa shares practical stories about how Atlanta schools use tools like Prodigy and Minecraft to make math engaging and accessible for diverse learners.Key Moments04:17 Early-Stage Teacher Mentorship Success08:25 Superintendents Leaving Due to Politics10:52 "Scaling Mentorship in Schools"14:35 Prodigy Game Concerns Parent18:13 "Discovering Hidden Potential in Others"Why You’ll Love This Episode:Discover how she helped launch a districtwide Technology Innovation Competition and brought Grow with Google to not only students but also teachers, parents, and alumni across Atlanta Public Schools.Learn how Melissa champions Gallup Strengths coaching to build capacity, culture, and community helping teachers discover talents they didn’t even know they had.Be inspired by Melissa Dandy Walker’s journey from math teacher to digital learning specialist and how she brings creative spark and heartfelt mentorship to everything she touches.Gain insight into how game-based platforms like Prodigy are shifting math mindsets so much so that parents think their kids are just having fun (they are… and they’re also learning deeply).Connect with Dr. Melissa Dandy WalkerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-dandy-walker/ Website: https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/ Follow Us OnHost LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougrobertsiei/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/ Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to IEI for more powerful conversations on educational leadership, innovation, and the stories shaping our schools.

In this episode, host Doug sits down with Dr. Frankie Pollock Jr., soon to earn his doctorate and currently serving as Senior Executive Director at Houston ISD in Texas. Together, they explore Dr. Frankie's groundbreaking research on the retention of Black male educators in urban school districts, the critical role of representation for all student groups, and what it takes to recruit and retain diverse talent in the classroom and beyond.Dr. Frankie Pollock Jr. shares powerful stories from his career, including a bold experiment where he spent a day as a student in his own high school to better understand and empathize with the challenges kids face daily. He also lifts the curtain on the complex realities of educational leadership, from moving across cities for new roles to guiding schools through major turnarounds. Doug and Frankie discuss mentorship, balancing politics, and why embracing side hustles can help keep talented leaders in the field.Key Moments06:31 "Shaping Perspective on Student Experience"08:12 School Adjustment Challenges11:28 Transformational Leadership in Education14:58 Leadership Growth and Opportunities18:06 Building Leaders Through Mentorship19:43 Mentor's Impact on Student GrowthWhy You’ll Love This Episode:In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Frankie Pollock Jr. shares his groundbreaking research on retaining Black male educators, the power of representation, and what it really takes to lead school turnarounds. From spending a day as a student in his own high school to mentoring future leaders, Frankie brings empathy, insight, and practical wisdom to the challenges of urban education. A must-listen for anyone passionate about equity, leadership, and impact.Connect with Dr. Frankie Pollock Jr.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankiehpollockjr/ Website: https://www.scrsd.org/ssd/OurSchools/Whs/Wesths Follow Us OnHost LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougrobertsiei/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/ Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to IEI for more powerful conversations on educational leadership, innovation, and the stories shaping our schools.

In this episode of Stories from the Field, host Doug Roberts is joined by Iranetta Wright, Superintendent Emeritus of Cincinnati Public Schools and founder of The Wright Way Leadership Group. This no-fluff, all-substance conversation covers what it takes to drive student outcomes and sustain yourself as a leader in today’s educational landscape.Wright shares how her tenure in Cincinnati defied the norms: leading the district to its best academic outcomes in over 15 years and outperforming peer districts and the state in both reading and math. She breaks down her action-based leadership model, grounded in strategic planning, coaching, and authentic assessment, and now used in school systems across the country.Wright also speaks candidly about post-superintendency life: launching leadership cohorts, mentoring educators from multiple states, and staying deeply connected to classrooms. She reflects on the joy of student interaction, the power of mentorship, and the non-negotiable need for self-care. Her message is clear: you can’t pour from an empty pitcher, and outcomes follow when leaders lead with intention, balance, and heart.Key Moments05:56 From Good to Better Outcomes10:20 "Prioritizing Self-Care for Productivity"11:38 Lead by Example, Self-Care First16:53 Support Systems Through Shared Experiences17:58 Leading with Informed DecisionsWhy You’ll Love This Episode:Iranetta Wright doesn’t just talk about leadership—she lives it. From turning around student outcomes to building national leadership networks, her work is rooted in clarity, compassion, and real results. If you're navigating high-stakes roles in education, this episode will leave you energized to lead with purpose, invest in people, and protect your own well-being along the way.Connect with Iranetta WrightLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iranetta-rayborn-wright-00053937Website: https://www.cps-k12.org/Follow Us OnHost LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougrobertsiei/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/ Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/ Enjoyed this episode?Subscribe to Stories from the Field and leave us a review!Share this episode with education leaders, mentors, and anyone who believes in outcomes with heart.

In Season 5, Episode 8, of “Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast,” Doug Roberts, the CEO & Founder of Institute for Education Innovation visits Dr. Alex Marrero, Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, to have tough conversations about being a strong district leader looking out for his students and the Denver community, while maintaining equity and considering safety.

In this episode of, “Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast,” Melissa Crawl, Member Success Manager and Sara Croll, Vice President of Institute for Education Innovation, discuss the behind-the-scenes of being a superhero superintendent and leaving a legacy of change for their respective school districts. Melissa interviews Dr. April Grace, Superintendent Tom Burton, and Superintendent James Grossane, while Sara interviews Dr. Tim Mitchell about how leadership always matters, and all highlight their proudest moments during their long tenures of serving their communities and scholars.

In this episode of Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast, Doug Roberts, Founder and CEO of the Institute for Education Innovation, visits Dr. Mark Bedell, Superintendent of Anne Arundel County Public Schools in Annapolis, Maryland, to hear how a Flag Policy turns into building better relationships in the district and community.

In this episode of Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast, Sara Croll, Vice President of the Institute for Education Innovation, visits Dr. Quintin Shepherd, Superintendent of Victoria Independent School District in Victoria, Texas, to hear how a disaster and a meeting called the breakfast bunch created an opportunity for the school district to be champions of equity.