Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools

In this episode of Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools , I have the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Patrick Fogarty, the founder of the New York State Artificial Intelligence Consortium (NYSAIC), and Daniel Friedman, Director of Educational Technology in Hicksville Public Schools, for this timely conversation about the responsible integration of artificial intelligence in K-12 education. NYSA...

In this episode of Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools , we visit East Aurora Union Free School District to celebrate a powerful example of authentic, hands-on learning. Superintendent Brian Russ joins the podcast to share the story behind East Aurora High School’s Sustainable Agriculture program , launched during the 2023–2024 school year on the district’s beautiful 107-acre campus, once...

n this episode, I speak with Dr. Venu Govindaraju, SUNY Distinguished Professor at the University at Buffalo, Senior Vice President for research, innovation and economic development, and founding director of the National AI Institute for Exceptional Education. We discuss the Institute’s continued progress in supporting children with speech and language processing challenges through innovations suc...

In this episode of Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools, we highlight one of the Grand Island Central School District’s and Tonawanda City School District's most meaningful early literacy initiatives: Growing Readers . Launched in 2018, this community-based effort helps place free books into the hands of families during well-baby visits, encouraging parents and caregivers to begin read...

Public schools do far more than teach academics — they often serve as the heartbeat of a community. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jacob Reimer, the Superintendent of Barker CSD and school counselor Allison Finitz as well as Andrea Gray from the United Way to share the story behind Barker’s Care Closet and the broader network of support services now available to students and families.   Fin...

In this episode I interviewed Kirk Koennecke, the Superintendent of the EANES Innovative School District.   Kirk is a veteran educational leader with 20 years of experience in administration and 30 years of service to students.  Kirk is a standing member of AASA, NASS Executive Board, NCERT, NSR, BASA Communications Committee, AUSA Trustee, 1N5 Trustee, HQ Leaders LLC Board. Kirk loves to podcast,...

At the NYSCOSS Winter Institute, I had the privilege of sitting down with three outstanding superintendents immediately following their keynote presentations. Each brought a powerful and deeply personal message to educational leaders from across New York State. Dale L. Breault Jr., District Superintendent of Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES in the North Country near the St. Lawrence River, shared his...

Today on the podcast we have Dr. Kusum Sinha, Superintendent of Schools, with the Garden City Public Schools.  Garden City is located in Long Island NY and has approximately 3,900 students served in 7 schools.  Kusum was appointed to the superintendency in July of 2018 and she is in his 8th year.   Dr. Kusum Sinha brings over 25 years of experience in various leadership roles, including Director o...

This episode of Achieving Joy & Mastery in Public Schools celebrates Lyndonville’s dynamic music program through the voices of educators, students, and community leaders. Featuring live performance clips, NYSSMA All-State achievements, community traditions, and a vibrant music booster organization, the episode showcases how a rural district uses the arts to build belonging, pride, and opportun...

In this episode, we explore the structure, mission, and future direction of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA). We talked about how statewide athletic decisions get made, how new sports are added, how rules are enforced, and how NYSPHSAA balances competitive excellence, safety, and student well-being across all member schools.  Guests on this podcast were: Dr. Ro...

Today we’re going to be discussing "The Power of Community Partnerships"   specifically how Roy-Hart responded to the childcare crisis in your community.  NYS refers to this part of the Niagara region as expereincing a child-care drought.  However, in Roy-Hart, the school district has partnered with two unique entities to solve this particular crisis. In this episoide we speak with: Jill...

Joining the podcast is Dr. Jared T. Bloom, superintendent of the Franklin Square UFSD.  In this episode, Jared shares his professional journey as an early adopter of technology, and all of its benefits personnaly and professionally.  Jared also shares how his district has been moving forward with specific AI tools for students, teachers, admi.nistrators and district leaders. Jared spent the early...

Today on the podcast we have Christopher Swiatek, the superintendent of the Frontier Central School District. Chris has been the superintendent here since 2021, and previously served as the superintendent of Franklinville Central Schools in Cattaraugus County.  Prior to pursuing a career as a professional educator, Chris served in the U.S. Air Force. In this episode, Chris discusses their comprehe...

Today on our podcast we have Dr. Matt Gaven a dedicated educational leader currently serving as the Superintendent of the Rockville Centre Union Free School District in New York.  With an extensive background in educational administration, Matt has been a pioneer in integrating technology into instructional practices. His visionary approach has spearheaded the implementation of numerous district-w...

Episode: Empowering Student Voice Through Ex Officio Board Membership  Guests: Dr. Darren Brown-Hall, Superintendent, Williamsville CSD Board President: Crystal Kaczmarek-Bogner Board Parliamentarian: Maureen Poulin Mentor to student Board Members Ex Officio Student Board Members: Salil Karkhanis – Williamsville East Giselle Maurice – Williamsville North Deepratan Purba  – Williamsville South Find...

In this episode of Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools, Dr. Matt Frahm, the superintendent of Clarence CSD, flips the script and interviews Dr. Brian Graham , the superintendent of Grand Island CSD.  The conversation focused on the power of podcasting and the ability to tell stories that shine a spotlight on public education.  This podcast is in its 4th season with over 17,000 downloads an...

Today on our podcast we have Douglas Scofield , the Superintendent of the Iroquois Central School District. Doug is in his 15th year as superintendent and previously served here as the assistant superintendent for finance and personnel, which he began in 2006.  Joining the podcast was Chad Barry, the lead School Resource Officer in the district.  Together, they shared how over the past 20+ years t...

In this episode, we spoke with Daniel Ljiljanich , Superintendent of the Niagara Wheatfield Central School District. We were also joined by Jennifer Golias, Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Technology, and Alexandra “Zan” Printup, a Tuscarora Culture Teacher at the Tuscarora Nation Elementary School. Together, they shared powerful stories of empowerment as they guide students in appreciat...

In this episode of the podcast, I had the honor of interviewing the Keynote presenters for the NYSCOSS Fall Leadership Summit on Monday, September 29th The presenters included:  Ignite #1- Leading Through a Crisis with Empathy and Compassion Paul Defendini, Superintendent, Farmingdale UFSD Ignite #2 – Off the Shelf-Bringing Your Strategic Plan to Life - James Bialasik, Superintendent, Springville-...

In this episode we interviewed Thomas Adams, the Superintendent of the Hamburg Central School District.  In our fourth season of the podcast, Tom discusses the importance and power of "connectedness". Joining him were, Tricia Miller , the Farm to School Coordinator for Hamburg Central and 2 special education teachers ( Jennifer Perri and Jeffrey Berdysiak)  from the middle school who wor...

Today on our podcast we have Mark Laurrie, the Superintendent of the Niagara Falls City School District.   Mark is in his 10th year as a superintendent and his 42nd year as an educator.   Mark has been a progressive leader who is always a champion for his students.  He has been the recipient of several local and state awards for leading his school community, and we are thrilled to have him on our...

In this episode of Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools , host Dr. Brian Graham sits down with Dr. Donna DeSiato , President of NYSCOSS and Superintendent of the East Syracuse Minoa Central School District. Dr. DeSiato shares her district’s visionary journey from traditional, industrial-age models of schooling to future-focused, student-centered learning. She highlights the power of strateg...

In this episode of Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools , we tackle the urgent issue of early literacy and how generative artificial intelligence could be the key to transforming young readers' experiences. Only 33% of U.S. fourth-graders were proficient in reading in 2022, and this crisis continues to grow. But what if AI could help change the story? Join host Brian Graham as he sits...

In this episode of Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools , we’re joined by Dr. David O'Rourke and Stacey Aliasso Rowcliffe of Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES to explore the transformative role of Ombuds Services in education. Stacey serves as the Organizational Ombuds, bringing deep expertise in alternative dispute resolution to support students, families, and staff. Together, David...

In this episode we interviewed Mr. Tim Carter, the Superintendent of Wilson Central Schools.  Tim shared information about their Multi Tiered System of Supports ( MTSS) that are available within their elementary school.  We also interviewed Jason Wilkie.  Jason is the Elementary Principal and he explained the varied systems, resources and structures that support MTSS throughout his school. Find us...