The Superintendent Effect

Dr. Tom McKee , Superintendent of Rudyard Area Schools in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, joins Anne Brown to discuss the unique opportunities and challenges of leading a rural school district serving nearly 700 students across 400 square miles. In this episode, Dr. McKee shares his journey from preschool teacher to superintendent at age 28, how Rudyard students are earning college credits and car...

Dr. Randy Russell, Superintendent of Freeman School District in Washington State, joins Anne Brown to reflect on his 38-year career in education and his final year leading the Freeman community after 15 years as superintendent. Serving a close-knit rural district just south of Spokane, Dr. Russell shares how strong relationships, leadership stability, and community trust have helped Freeman achiev...

Mr. David Law, Superintendent of Minnetonka Public Schools in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and recent President of AASA (the national association representing more than 13,000 superintendents) joins CEO Anne Brown from Cook Center for a conversation on the future of education. Mr. Law shares his unique journey through math education, law school, and school leadership, and discusses what sets Minnetonka...

Dr. Meredith Nadeau, Superintendent of School Administrative Unit #21 (SAU #21) in Hampton, New Hampshire, joins us for an inspiring conversation about what it truly means to lead with purpose on the seacoast. Overseeing five small districts and nearly 2,000 students — with six school boards and 23 school board members, Dr. Nadeau brings a remarkable depth of experience to the role. In this episod...

Dr. Melissa Stager, Superintendent of Clinton Township School District and former educator at the New Jersey Department of Education, joins Chief Strategy Officer Mark Welling on The Superintendent Effect to discuss her lifelong commitment to strengthening public education and expanding opportunity for every student. In this special episode, Dr. Stager shares the story behind her district's am...

Dr. Cory Steiner, Superintendent of Fargo Public Schools, joins Anne Brown to reflect on his leadership journey, from rural Northern Cass to one of North Dakota's largest urban districts. He shares the philosophy driving his work: removing barriers for families, pioneering mental health services in schools, and championing the idea that every adult in a building is an educator. Dr. Steiner als...

In this episode of The Superintendent Effect , host and Anne Brown sits down with Dr. Nick Migliorino from Norman Public Schools in Oklahoma for a powerful conversation about visionary leadership, community partnership, and what it truly means to serve students and families. Dr. Migliorino shares his unconventional journey to the superintendency from aspiring nurse to teacher, technology innovator...

In this episode of The Superintendent Effect, Anne Brown meets with Dr. Ellen Perconti, Superintendent of Goldendale School District 404 in rural Washington state. Dr. Perconti discusses her 7 year journey leading with a focus on well-being for both staff and students, honoring community traditions while preparing kids for the future, and redefining success through the whole child approach. She sh...

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 init...

In this episode of the  The S uperintendent 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" phil...

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...

"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...

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...

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...

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 &quot...

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 Succe...

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 &q...

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,...

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 T...

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 leader...

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— Al...

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...

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 f...

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...

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 pare...