Brighter Together

What does it really take to lead a small, rural school district in a way that feels bold, equitable, and visionary? In this episode of Brighter Together, Dr. Nicolas Wade, Superintendent of Columbia Union School District, shares how his team is flipping expectations for what rural education can look like. From building trust and equity to integrating AI and launching expansive student support prog...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Ira Porche, the superintendent of Tulare City School District, who shares his inspiring journey of never leaving the community that raised him. Ira reflects on the importance of education in a predominantly low socioeconomic area and the close-knit, supportive environment that defines Tulare. He discusses the challenges faced in education, part...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Javier Bolivar, the superintendent of Adelante Charter School District in Santa Barbara, California. We explore the transformative power of bilingual education and how it is not merely a barrier, but a superpower for students. Javier shares insights into the school’s dual immersion program, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and h...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I speak with Dr. Holly Lambert, the director of student services at Ingram ISD, about the profound impact of the devastating floods that struck Kerrville, Texas, on July 4th. Despite the national media coverage fading, the community continues to grapple with the aftermath. Dr. Lambert shares invaluable insights into the leadership lessons learned during this c...

In this episode, Dr. Dana Bashara, Superintendent of Alamo Heights ISD, opens up about what it really takes to lead during times of loss, scrutiny, and systemic failure. She shares how her district faced $5 million in cuts without losing sight of its culture—and how redefining accountability around community, character, and care has transformed more than test scores. This conversation is a call to...

In this inspiring episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Dr. Yolanda Vazquez, the Director of Student Support Services at Monarch River Academies and Yosemite Valley Charter Schools in California. Dr. Vazquez shares her journey of transforming school culture from merely surviving to thriving by emphasizing connection and care. We dive into the innovative programs she's developed, including...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Scott Kilgore, the superintendent of Ingleside ISD, to explore his innovative framework for supporting both students and staff. With a remarkable 100% graduation rate, Ingleside ISD stands out for its commitment to preparing students for success in a heavy industry community. Scott shares insights on the importance of career and technical educa...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Jeff Byrd, the superintendent of Dalhart Independent School District in Texas. We discuss the vital link between education and community vitality, exploring how a strong school system can uplift a rural community. Jeff shares innovative programs that prioritize positive communication with parents and foster local talent through a "Grow Your Own...

What happens when you mix dual credit programs, community connections, and a whole lot of encouragement? You get Anne Leslie Tijerina’s unique brand of purpose-driven education. In this episode of Brighter Together, Anne shares how Texas Early College High School is empowering students through the Texas Success Initiative, career-aligned pathways, and a deeply personal commitment to every learner—...

In this inspiring episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Lacy Hollingsworth, the director of special programs at Axtell ISD, to discuss their groundbreaking initiative, Lucky's Brew. This mobile coffee shop is designed to empower students with disabilities, giving them real-world employability skills while fostering community support. Lacy shares the journey from concept to execution, inclu...

What if neuroscience could change how your school does social-emotional learning? In this episode, Renee Kolle, Superintendent of Old Mission Peninsula School in Michigan, shares how her team is using brain-based insights to meet the emotional needs of students and staff alike. From daily SEL lessons to staff-wide mindset shifts, Renee reveals what happens when schools lead with both heart and sci...

What happens when a Christian high school decides that compliance isn’t enough? In this episode, Abrianne Castaneda, Educational Support Service Director at Calvin Christian High School, shares how her team is leveraging MTSS and personal curricula to empower every student’s journey. From removing academic roadblocks to customizing graduation plans, you’ll hear what’s possible when schools put str...

Dr. Vince Breunig, Superintendent of the School District of Lodi, believes that culture starts with the stories we choose to tell. In this episode, he reveals how celebrating small, daily wins — from indoor recess to hallway kindness — builds trust, pride, and alignment across an entire community. With humor, heart, and strategy, he shows how Lodi's social storytelling isn't fluff — it's leadershi...

Superintendent Michelle Gill of Pine River Area Schools doesn’t sugarcoat the truth. In this episode, she shares what it’s like to lead a rural district where poverty is high, trust is broken, and the budget is missing. From student-led culture campaigns to 302 square miles of logistical challenges, Michelle shows what real leadership looks like when the system won’t budge. This conversation is ra...

In this enlightening episode of Brighter Together, I chat with Dr. Jerry Adams, the superintendent of Vega ISD in Texas, about his transformative vision for rural school success. Dr. Adams shares insights on fostering a culture of joy in education, emphasizing that true joy can be a powerful change agent, even amidst challenges. We delve into the innovative adoption of a four-day school week desig...

How do you lead a school district when trust has been lost? For Aaron Peña, Superintendent of Burnet Consolidated ISD, it starts by listening. In this episode of Brighter Together, Peña reveals the culture of fear he inherited—where educators stayed silent to survive—and the bold, human-centered steps he’s taken to rebuild a climate of safety, dialogue, and shared leadership. From confronting red...

What if the key to transforming transition services isn't a giant budget or a massive system overhaul... but one employer who says yes? In this inspiring episode, Shannon DeLora, Transition Consultant at Muskegon Area ISD, reveals how powerful change starts with a single job site and grows into a community-wide movement. From job coaches who "work themselves out of a job" to students who find purp...

For years, SPED students were pulled out for support. But Amanda Unruh and her team at Boyd Elementary flipped the script—pushing in instead, co-teaching across grade levels, and seeing real transformation. In this episode, Amanda shares how her campus went from isolated interventions to fully integrated inclusion—building confidence, raising expectations, and giving paraeducators the training and...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Hannah Frink, the Student Success Coordinator at Perham-Dent Public Schools in Minnesota. We explore how her district is redefining success through innovative programs like BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks) and TalkingPoints, which are fostering deeper connections between students, staff, and families. Hannah shares her insights on the imp...

In this insightful episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Bethany Smedley, Director of Talent Operations for Lighthouse Therapy, to explore the unique approach to recruiting therapists in the education sector. Bethany shares essential strategies for school leaders, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, patience, and clear communication in the hiring process. We discuss the challenges o...

When Autumn Mattson stepped into leadership, she brought more than strategy—she brought herself. As superintendent of Creative Technologies Academy, Autumn shares what it means to lead with transparency, courage, and community-first values. From her now-famous 'Pause. Listen. Lead.' bracelet mantra, to redefine leadership through servant-hearted presence, Autumn offers a refreshing vision of what...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Shanina Draughn, head of Macomb Montessori Academy, to explore a revolutionary perspective in education: prioritizing the human experience over mere academic performance. Shanina shares her journey from traditional teaching methods to embracing the Montessori philosophy, emphasizing the importance of allowing children to guide their own learnin...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Ana Andrade, the Family Engagement and Community Outreach Manager at the United Community Center in Milwaukee. Ana shares her inspiring journey in family engagement, emphasizing the power of believing in parents to create lasting generational change. We explore the vital role parents play as a child's first teacher and how community programs br...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Dr. Robert Sormani, superintendent of Manor ISD in Texas, to explore the district's ambitious vision for ensuring every student is college, career, and military ready by 2029. We delve into innovative programs like Project SEARCH, which empowers students with disabilities to gain job skills and independence. Dr. Sormani shares the impressive ac...

What does it take to expand a charter school—and actually make it work for multilingual students and special education? Dr. Leslie Sparacello, Superintendent of Cedars International Academy, breaks down her bold leadership playbook for inclusive, high-impact education. From co-teaching to language supports to mentoring the next generation of principals, she’s building a system that works on purpos...