The Superintendent Effect

Dr. Brad Keating, Associate Superintendent for Community Partnerships and Government Relations at Clark County School District (nearly 300,000 students), joins Anne Brown on The Superintendent Effect.From Capitol Hill to the classroom and now district leadership, Dr. Keating shares how CCSD creates a “small-town feel” in a massive district through innovative parent engagement, staff wellness initiatives, and genuine community partnerships.Highlights include:• The emotional Ceremony of Achievement that honors parents completing 50+ hours of training• The Night of Excellence celebrating educators and support staff• The fun yet meaningful Monster Dash 5K focused on mental health• Why surveying employees quarterly and carving out time for family (like coaching his son’s soccer team) mattersA hopeful, practical conversation about what strong leadership and authentic connection look like in public education today.Guest: Dr. Brad KeatingHost: Anne Brown, Cook Center for Human ConnectionThe Superintendent Effect – highlighting leaders building stronger communities, one school at a time.

In this episode of the The Superintendent Effect, Anne sits down with Glenn Robbins, Superintendent of Brigantine Public Schools in New Jersey, live from the AASA National Conference on Education in Nashville. Glenn shares his unique journey from being a fourth-generation water well driller to becoming a leading voice in educational leadership.We dive into his "culture-first" philosophy, exploring how his district achieved a 95% happiness and engagement rating by focusing on human capacity and positive psychology. Glenn also discusses his new book, Unclench Your Fist, which offers a look at making hard leadership calls and thriving in the world of administration.Highlights include:The Power of Happiness: Why culture is the most important work a leader can do.Navigating AI: How to bridge the digital gap in Artificial Intelligence. Raising Resilient Kids: The importance of allowing the next generation to face adversity and freely explore.

Terry Thoren spent decades producing legendary content like The Rugrats, The Simpsons, and The Wild Thornberrys. Now, as CEO of Wonder Media, he is using his expertise to tackle the youth mental health crisis.In this episode, Anne Brown (Cook Center for Human Connection) and Terry discuss the creation of My Life is Worth Living, the first animated series designed specifically to support teen mental health and suicide prevention. Terry explains the rigorous process of working with psychologists to "model the language" for kids who feel they don't have a voice.Key Highlights:Bridging the Gap: How animation creates a safe space for kids to see themselves and seek help.Character Studies: Lessons learned from Emily’s recovery, Dante’s search for identity, and Kyle’s struggle with cyberbullying.Parental Support: How My Life is Worth Living models conversations for parents to know how to have difficult conversations with their children. A 50-Year Career: Terry reflects on his journey from teaching his first animation class in 1975 to reaching billions of children today.Listen in to discover how to use these free resources in your school or home. Visit MyLifeIsWorthLiving.org to watch the series.

"If you help a family when that first child is struggling, you might be helping the second, third, and fourth child as well." Hardin Schools Superintendent Tobin Novasio joins us to break down the "waterfall effect" of school mental health. In this episode, we explore how Montana’s first Hope Squad adopter is integrating AI-powered student support and parent coaching to create a holistic safety net for rural communities.Inside the Episode:The personal "why": Tobin shares his journey as a first-generation college student who navigated high school with undiagnosed depression.Innovation in the Reservation: Supporting Native American students on the Crow and Northern Cheyenne reservations through authentic partnerships.Staff Well-being: Why "Staff Guidance" and professional development programs like Deloitte’s "Courageous Principals" are non-negotiable for leadership.AI vs. Burnout: How Eliza Chat provides 24/7 support so counselors don't have to be "on the clock" every second.

Blake Vargas, Superintendent of Caney Valley School District, joined The Superintendent Effect at the AASA National Conference on Education to explain how he has bucked the national trend with an 11-year tenure.In this episode, Blake shares his "Pace of Grace" approach to educator mental health, a strategy designed to attract and retain professionals in a challenging landscape. We also explore how his southeast Kansas district empowers students through a unique partnership with local community colleges, allowing high schoolers to graduate with both a diploma and an associate degree.Whether you are a rural educator or a district leader, Blake’s insights on "removing barriers" for teachers and students offer a roadmap for sustainable, high-impact leadership.Key Topics:Solving the teacher and leader retention crisis.The impact of multi-generational education legacies.Connecting student passion to academic success.The role of music and the arts in leadership mental health.

Summary: Can a "phone-free" school culture save a generation? Dr. Joel Bailey, Superintendent of Platte County School District in South Dakota, joins Anne Brown to discuss the future of rural education. From managing unique Hutterite colony schools to implementing a district-wide "parent coaching" model, Dr. Bailey shares how he is tackling the mental health crisis head-on.Key Takeaways:Tradition Meets Tech: How Hutterite colonies use advanced ag-tech while maintaining K-8 community values.Ending the Phone Era: Lessons from The Anxious Generation and how to reclaim the school day for connection.Leadership with Humor: Why Dr. Bailey uses juggling and dad jokes to build rapport with his 524 students.

What does it take to support an entire state’s worth of educational leaders? Host Anne Brown welcomes Dr. Quincy Moore, Executive Director of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA), to discuss the unique "umbrella" support system in South Carolina. From high school math teacher to state-level advocate, Dr. Moore shares her career trajectory and explains why "five heads are better than one" when solving the complex problems facing today's schools. Key Takeaways:Comprehensive Support: SCASA provides leadership development for 34 groups, including finance, security, and instructional leaders. Advocacy in Action: How SCASA's team successfully lobbied for a monumental shift in public school funding. Mentoring the Next Generation: With 30 out of 72 SC superintendents being new to the role, Dr. Moore outlines the vital importance of "asking for help." Community Impact: Why the superintendent is often the most significant business and civic leader in any given town.

Can human connection save our schools? Join Anne Brown for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Gillian Chapman, Superintendent of Blue Valley Unified School District. Dr. Chapman explains how her district maintains its #1 ranking in Kansas through a unique blend of "real-world" professional studies and a deep commitment to student well-being.In this episode, you’ll learn:The CAPS Success Story: How Blue Valley’s Center for Advanced Professional Studies became a national model for industry partnerships.Leadership at Scale: The difference between being "nimble" in small districts and "turning the barge" in large ones.Prioritizing Mental Health: Why 24/7 resources and "thought partners" are essential for today’s educators and families.Introverts in Charge: How Dr. Chapman uses her introverted nature to lead with reflection and empathy.About Dr. Gillian Chapman:Dr. Chapman is the Superintendent of Blue Valley Unified School District in Kansas. With a career spanning from paraprofessional to district leader, she is a passionate advocate for student agency, mental health resources, and the power of human connection in the classroom

What does it take to lead a modern school system through transformative change? In this episode, we are joined by veteran educator Dr. Jill Gildea, current CEO of Colorado Early Colleges and former Superintendent of the Park City School District.Dr. Gildea discusses her "whatever it takes" approach to student-centered learning and why she believes the future of education lies in the "Big Three": college access, industry credentials, and real-world work experience. We dive deep into her career path—from a classroom teacher to a multi-state superintendent—and her advocacy for parent coaching and mental health resources to support the "whole child".Key Takeaways:Personalized Learning: Designing systems around the individual needs of every student.Leadership Wisdom: Why "People First" is the most important rule in administration.Innovation: How charter schools can move faster while navigating the same regulatory environments as public schools.Follow the Show: Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this look into the future of educational leadership!Featuring host Anne Brown, CEO of the Cook Center for Human Connection.

How do strong superintendents build strong communities?In this episode of The Superintendent Effect, Anne Brown talks with Dr. Derek Simmons, Superintendent of Caroline County Public Schools in Maryland, about leadership, mental health, and culture in today’s schools. Dr. Simmons shares how his rural district has improved academic outcomes, reduced behavior issues, supported parents and staff, and rebuilt momentum after the pandemic.From investing in mental health resources for families and educators to prioritizing visibility and joy in leadership, this conversation offers practical insights for superintendents, school leaders, and anyone invested in the future of education.A grounded, honest look at what it takes to lead schools with purpose, compassion, and consistency.

Superintendent Justin Henry shares his insights on building a thriving school district in Kansas. From innovative career pathways and STEM programs to mental health initiatives for students and staff, this episode explores the strategies behind long-term educational leadership.Learn how Justin’s 15-year tenure has shaped student success, empowered staff, and fostered a supportive community.Key Topics:Career pathways and STEM educationStaff recruitment, retention, and professional developmentMental health support for students and staffLeadership longevity and community impactPerfect for: Educators, school leaders, parents, and anyone interested in K-12 education innovation.

In this episode, Anne Brown talks with Dr. Andrea Norman, the new superintendent of Carlsbad Unified School District, home to more than 11,000 students in Southern California. Dr. Norman shares her unexpected path to becoming superintendent, the district’s unique “basic aid” funding model, and the work behind supporting both high-achieving and Title I schools. A great listen for education leaders, district teams, and anyone interested in strong school-community partnerships.

In this episode of The Superintendent Effect, Anne Brown talks with Dr. Sharon Pepukayi, superintendent of Talbot County Public Schools in Maryland, about leadership, school culture, mental health, and preparing students for a rapidly changing world.Dr. Pepukayi discusses her path from classroom teacher to superintendent, the mentors who shaped her career, and her district’s strategic plan—Align by 2029—focused on academic growth, staffing, community engagement, and student wellbeing.You’ll hear insights on:• Strengthening mental health and wellness for staff and students• Building student advisory groups and elevating student voice• Preventing educator burnout• Supporting families with accessible resources• Creating future-ready pathways: career, college, and life• Using human connection as the foundation of strong schoolsThis episode is ideal for:• Superintendents• Principals & district leaders• Teachers• Education advocates• Parents invested in student wellbeing Keywords: superintendent leadership, school culture, mental health in education, educator wellness, rural school districts, Talbot County Public Schools, student advisory groups, strategic planning in schools, family engagement, principal leadership

In this episode of The Superintendent Effect, host Anne Brown speaks with Kristen Barr, Superintendent of Peninsula School District (WA), about preparing students for a rapidly changing world.Kristen shares how her district is integrating AI, project-based learning, outdoor education, and aviation career pathways to help students thrive in the future economy. She also reflects on the importance of mental health, leadership sustainability, and creating school systems that embrace innovation rather than fear it.Whether you’re a district leader, educator, or parent, this conversation offers a grounded, forward-looking perspective on what it means to lead schools today.

Join Anne Brown, President & CEO of the Cook Center for Human Connection, as she speaks with Dr. Matthew Friedman, Superintendent of Quakertown Community School District in Pennsylvania, about transforming K–12 education. Recognized as the Innovative Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Friedman shares his approach to preparing students for a rapidly changing global marketplace, using the Riasec framework to help students identify their strengths and interests from kindergarten through high school.In this episode, learn how Quakertown is building a culture of belonging and collaboration, implementing a Portrait of a Graduate, and integrating computational thinking and design thinking across the district. Dr. Friedman also discusses his partnership with the Cook Center’s mental health series platform, helping families access vital resources to support student well-being.Discover practical strategies for school leaders, educators, and parents to foster student voice, engagement, and career readiness, while also promoting mental health and resilience in their communities. From innovative classroom practices to community partnerships, this episode is a masterclass in forward-thinking educational leadership.Listen now to learn how Quakertown is shaping the next generation of critical thinkers, collaborators, and leaders.Keywords: innovative superintendent, K–12 education, career readiness, Riasec framework, student success, mental health resources, educational leadership, Quakertown schools, Anne Brown, Cook Center for Human Connection

How do you lead a district through poverty, natural disasters, and teacher shortages — and still find hope?In this episode, Dr. Ingrida Barker, Superintendent of McDowell County Schools (WV), joins Anne Brown from the Cook Center for Human Connection to share how her team is transforming rural education through creativity, community, and care.Dr. Barker opens up about:Growing up in Latvia and finding her purpose in the West VirginiaLeading trauma-informed schools that prioritize mental healthLaunching “Grow Your Own” to solve teacher shortagesTurning crisis into opportunity during devastating floodsA powerful story of resilience, leadership, and hope for anyone working to build stronger schools and stronger communities.🔗 Learn more: ParentGuidance.org🎙️ The Superintendent Effect — Strong Leaders. Strong Communities.Keywords: education leadership, superintendent, rural schools, West Virginia, mental health, resilience, teacher shortage, Cook Center for Human Connection.

In this episode of The Superintendent Effect, Anne Brown talks with Dr. Tricia Mooney, Superintendent of Hermiston School District, Oregon. Dr. Mooney shares her journey from classroom teacher to superintendent and highlights her district’s innovative approach to mental health support, family engagement, and community connection.Learn how Hermiston became an AASA Lighthouse District, how parent coaching and student programs are making an impact, and hear leadership lessons from a superintendent dedicated to building strong schools and strong communities.Listen to learn:How to support students, staff, and familiesStrategies for fostering community partnershipsLeadership insights from an experienced district leader

In this episode of The Superintendent Effect, host Anne Brown sits down with Dr. Julie Vitale, Superintendent of Oceanside Unified School District in California, to explore what it truly means to lead with courage, compassion, and connection.Dr. Vitale shares how she’s transforming district culture by prioritizing belonging, inclusion, and student voice—and how leadership rooted in authenticity can ripple through an entire community. From navigating challenges to empowering her team, she offers practical wisdom for anyone striving to create schools where every student and educator feels seen and supported.Tune in to hear stories of resilience, community partnerships, and the impact of being your authentic self in leadership.🎙️ Hosted by Anne Brown, CEO of the Cook Center for Human Connection.Keywords: educational leadership, superintendent podcast, belonging in schools, student connection, school culture, courageous leadership, mental health in education

In this episode of The Superintendent Effect, host Anne Brown sits down with Dr. Amy Alzina, Superintendent of Cold Spring School District in California.Dr. Alzina shares how she’s leading with purpose and heart, helping students develop personal mission statements, and fostering a culture of happiness and resilience. She reflects on her journey from teacher to long-serving superintendent, how her district became one of the top-performing in California, and how longevity in leadership creates lasting impact.Key highlights include:How AI is transforming education and empowering personalized, project-based learningThe importance of leadership, happiness, and building strong school culturesLessons in resilience from Dr. Alzina’s career and personal journey as a runner and leaderWhy supporting parent and student mental health is critical todayWhether you’re a school leader, educator, or parent, this conversation is full of insights on connection, innovation, and the future of education.

In this episode of The Superintendent Effect, host Anne Brown sits down with Dr. Michael Lubelfeld, superintendent of North Shore School District 112 in Illinois. With more than 16 years of leadership experience, Dr. Lubelfeld reflects on his journey from classroom teacher to district leader, sharing lessons in mentorship, resilience, and community building.We explore:How Dr. Lubelfeld is integrating AI and emerging technology into K-8 classrooms.What it means to lead through crisis, trauma, and recovery after the Highland Park mass shooting.His perspective on mental health, school safety, and student support systems.The role of mentorship, humility, and collaboration in shaping lasting leadership.A preview of his fifth book on educational leadership and his vision for tomorrow’s schools.Whether you’re an educator, parent, or leader, this conversation offers powerful insights into how strong leaders can build strong schools and resilient communities.