Superintendent Hot Seat with Michael McCormick

In this episode of the Superintendent Hot Seat podcast, Michael McCormick engages with Dr. Gina Zietlow, Superintendent of ABC Unified School District, discussing the pressing challenges of student wellness, mental health, and the evolving role of educators in supporting students. They explore the importance of mental health resources in schools, the shift in student awareness regarding their own wellness, and the initiatives taken to address these issues, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Dr. Zietlow shares insights on the significance of social-emotional learning, the expansion of career and technical education, and the necessity of fostering a supportive environment for both students and staff.

Dr. Rick Cobb (Mid-Del Public Schools) explains how his district creates “soft landings” for students and families at every transition point — from the first day of school to the move into middle and high school. He highlights programs that build connection and pride, including athletics, fine arts, CareerTech, e-sports, and upgraded facilities, while sharing how he keeps himself grounded by staying close to principals, students, and community.

How do you enter a large district mid-year and still set a clear path forward? Dr. Ben Churchill (Poway USD) shares his 90-day listen-and-learn plan, school visits across 41 campuses, and a leadership approach built on focus over frenzy: double down on what works, let go of what doesn’t, and align the organization around a few wildly important goals.He also lays out how Poway balances district direction with principal autonomy—and why that combination increases engagement and results.Chapters you’ll hear: entry planning, belonging and learning, narrowing priorities, 4 Disciplines of Execution, and aligning principals while honoring local context.

What happens when you free teachers from test score pressure and trust them to design for the whole child?In this inspiring conversation on Superintendent Hot Seat, Michael Matsuda shares how he transformed Anaheim Union High School District into a hub of innovation — from capstones and student TED Talks to AI-powered mentors that know each learner’s story.Discover how his team builds purpose-driven learning, nurtures student voice, and partners with industry to prepare students for meaningful futures — while modeling a new way forward for public education.

How do we build student wellness that truly lasts?In this episode of Superintendent Hot Seat, Dr. Barbara Mullen shares how she’s reshaping district culture by focusing on healing-centered leadership. From building communities of practice for staff to designing joyful “Level Up” kickoffs and creating schools where every student feels seen, her approach is rooted in connection, trust, and belonging.You’ll hear practical strategies to strengthen adult well-being, nurture student confidence, and spark growth across an entire district.🎧 Tune in and discover how healing-centered systems help students — and educators — thrive.#EducationLeadership #WholeChild #HealingCentered #Belonging #SuperintendentLife

What happens when a school leader faces the unimaginable — multiple student suicides in a single year?In this powerful episode of Superintendent Hot Seat, Dr. Martha Salazar Zamora, Superintendent of Tomball ISD and 2023 Texas Superintendent of the Year, shares one of the most vulnerable and courageous stories we’ve ever heard on the show.Dr. Z walks us through the heartbreaking moments that shook her district, the emotional toll it took on her leadership, and the transformative decision that followed: investing her own Superintendent of the Year award money into a student-led mental health program called Hope Squad.This episode goes far beyond policy and into the heart of leadership — what it means to lead through crisis, to be transparent with your community, and to reimagine student wellness from the inside out. With honesty and grace, Dr. Z reflects on her 39-year career, the power of student voice, and why creating space for connection is no longer optional — it’s essential.Listeners will also hear:How Tomball ISD went from tragedy to zero suicides since launching Hope SquadThe challenges and triumphs of leading a fast-growth, diverse school districtWhy being “not okay” is sometimes the bravest thing a leader can admitThe role of faith, family, and inner compass in sustaining long-term leadershipWhether you’re a superintendent, educator, or advocate for student wellness, this conversation will leave you inspired, informed, and reconnected to the why behind the work we do.

What happens when we focus on educator wellness as the foundation for student success?In this episode of Superintendent Hot Seat, David Olney joins Michael McCormick to explore why taking care of educators is essential for fostering student wellness. Olney emphasizes the importance of relationships, open communication, and building a systemic approach to well-being that includes both students and staff.He shares his journey of prioritizing educator support, creating collaborative structures, and fostering a culture where teachers feel valued and heard. Olney also reflects on his long career, the power of building lasting relationships, and his philosophy of finishing strong as he approaches retirement.This episode challenges us to rethink how we approach wellness—not just for students but for the entire educational community.🎧 Listen now to hear David Olney's insights on why adult wellness is the cornerstone of student wellness.

How can schools bring humanity back into education when students and staff are grappling with trauma and mental health challenges?In this episode of Superintendent Hot Seat, Dr. Michael Lubelfeld joins Michael McCormick to discuss the critical need for trauma-informed practices, community support, and a holistic approach to student wellness. From the cascading impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to dealing with community tragedies, Dr. Lubelfeld shares how his district is creating resilient environments that center on mental health, compassion, and connection.He also highlights how schools can rethink traditional systems to better support students, fostering agency and individual growth rather than batch processing. It’s a conversation about leadership, resilience, and keeping students at the heart of every decision.🎧 Listen now to hear how Dr. Lubelfeld is bringing humanity back into education.

What happens in schools now reaches far beyond the classroom. They’ve become the frontlines of broader societal tensions.In this episode, Dr. Gunn Marie Hansen shares what it means to stay focused on student health, connection, and long-term success while navigating public pressure and political noise. She discusses the critical role of student belonging, the growing urgency of educator wellness, and how her district is approaching artificial intelligence with intention and care.This is a conversation about keeping the mission intact when everything else feels in flux. It’s about helping students thrive in a world that’s constantly shifting.🎧 Listen now to hear how Dr. Hansen is keeping students at the center while everything around them competes for attention.

Leading a school district has never been more challenging.In this episode, Dr. Julie Vitale shares how superintendents are balancing constant change while creating stability for students, staff, and families. From post-pandemic challenges to the pressures of social media, she reveals how school leaders are stepping up as community anchors when everything feels uncertain.This is more than a conversation about leadership—it’s a look at how resilience, connection, and courage are helping leaders navigate today’s toughest challenges.🎧 Listen now to hear how school leaders are finding balance without a safety net.

School leadership isn’t just about policy—it’s about people.In this episode, Dr. Susan Enfield explores how education leadership has changed, why superintendents need better support, and what it takes to build resilient schools where both students and educators thrive.From rebuilding trust to ensuring leaders feel valued, this conversation dives into what’s working, what’s not, and how we move forward together.

Think mental health isn’t an issue in high-performing, affluent districts? Think again. Terry Walker breaks down the hidden struggles kids face, even in the most privileged environments. From anxiety to terrifying realities like suicide ideation, the challenges are real—and often overlooked. This conversation is a wake-up call: every student, no matter where they come from, deserves access to mental health resources. It’s time to shatter the stigma and step up for our kids. #MentalHealth #Education #Leadership #StudentWellness #BreakingTheMyth

How does a teacher evolve into a superintendent reshaping education? 💡 Superintendent at Desert Sands Unified School District, Dr. Kelly May-Vollmar’s inspiring journey from the classroom to district leadership is filled with bold moves, tough decisions, and a commitment to students and staff. Get ready to hear how she’s redefining what it means to lead in education. Tune in for the full episode now!

Chronic absenteeism is a growing challenge in schools, but Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Root of Menifee Union School District is tackling it head-on—with creativity, connection, and community. In this episode of Superintendent Hot Seat, Dr. Root shares innovative strategies like friendly competitions, engaging activities, and creating a sense of belonging to bring students back to the classroom. Tune in for actionable insights to help your school reimagine attendance and student engagement! 

In this insightful episode of Superintendent Hot Seat, host Michael McCormick speaks with Superintendent Jerry Almendarez about the essential shift toward human-centered connections in K12 education. Jerry shares stories of student and teacher challenges, post-pandemic behavioral issues, and the need to focus on emotional well-being across the education system. With candid reflections on leadership and personal experiences, he emphasizes the power of vulnerability and connection in creating supportive, inclusive school environments.

In this important episode of Superintendent Hot Seat, Michael McCormick interviews Dr. Quintin Shepherd on the rise of chronic absenteeism, now at 30% nationwide, and its link to post-pandemic trauma and behavior issues in schools. As budgets tighten, especially in states like California, Dr. Shepherd stresses the need for immediate support systems for both students and staff. He highlights the importance of connection, safety, and empathy, emphasizing that while there's no single solution, collaboration and programs that address these challenges are crucial for helping students readjust to school routines.