Cool Coffee with Kansas Principals

In this episode, Kansas Principal and Cool Coffee Host, Rick Sola, wraps up season two of "Cool Coffee," sharing insights on current trends in education technology and AI, while also inviting principals nationwide to engage with the podcast for its upcoming season 3rd season. Connect with our host using the links below! Cool Coffee Episodes Featuring Discussion on AI: Cool Coffee #31: Artificial I...

In this episode of Cool Coffee, 2026 Pennsylvania Assistant Principal of the Year, Dr. Danielle Ambrosia, shares her insights on implementing and evolving PBIS in a high school setting. Discover how her team has successfully fostered a positive school culture through innovative strategies like mental health summits, recognition coins, and transparent leadership. Yes, PBIS works in the high schools...

SHOW SUMMARY: In this heartfelt conversation, two seasoned educators, Mike Wiley, Principal of California Trail Middle School of Olathe Public Schools (USD 233) and Dr. Mark Schmidt, Assistant Superintendent of Special Education in the Blue Valley School District (USD 229), both retiring at the end of the 2025-26 school year, share insights on their careers, leadership, and the evolving landscape...

In this insightful interview, Dr. Michael Martin, a high school principal and AI enthusiast, shares his journey with AI, its impact on education, and practical strategies for integrating AI responsibly in schools. Discover how AI can be a powerful tool for teachers and students alike, and learn about the innovative approaches at Buckeye Central High School. Principal Martin is also the 2024 Princi...

Principal Derek Cantrell is the 2026 Virginia Principal of the Year from Alleghany High School in the Alleghany Highlands Public School District located in Covington, Virginia. He is also author to the book Better Together: Building One School, One Culture, and One Community from Two Rivals . In this episode of Cool Coffee, Principal Cantrell shares insights on school consolidation, community enga...

In this episode of Cool Coffee, Kansas principal Stacey Green shares her journey to retirement, insights on leadership, decision-making, and the importance of self-care in educational leadership. Connect with the guest:  sgreen@usd271.com   Connect on X: @usd271sgs References from the show: Emily P. Freeman - The Next Right Thing Emily P. Freeman - How to Walk into a Room Cool Coffee Episodes Feat...

In this episode of Cool Coffee with Kansas Principals, host Rick Sola engages with a panel of aspiring administrators from Kansas. They share their motivations for pursuing leadership roles in education, the challenges and excitement they anticipate, and the importance of mentorship and networking in their journeys. The conversation highlights the transformative power of education and the vital ro...

This episode of Cool Coffee w/ Kansas Principals features principals Heath Henderson of Skelly Elementary School in El Dorado, Kansas and Kurt Seiler of Independence High School in Independence, Kansas sharing their recent advocacy trip to Washington, DC. They highlight the importance of genuine connections with policymakers, the impact of advocacy on education, and their personal experiences tour...

In this episode of Cool Coffee with Kansas principals, host Rick Sola interviews Principal Eric Filippi, the principal of Wichita Heights High School. They discuss Eric's journey from student to principal, the importance of building relationships with students, and innovative programs implemented at Wichita Heights. Eric shares insights on community engagement, the significance of alumni connectio...

Episode Summary In this episode of Cool Coffee with Kansas principals, host Rick Sola speaks with Dawn Chase, principal of Horton Elementary School. They discuss Dawn's journey in education, the challenges of school consolidation, and her transition to principalship. Dawn emphasizes the importance of establishing relationships with staff, creating clear procedures and routines, and managing time e...

The 2024 Kansas Secondary Principal of the Year, Principal Shawn Henderson of Hays High School in Hays, Kansas, joins the show and discusses the challenges and triumphs of opening a new school building and shares insights from his dual role as a principal and project manager, emphasizing the importance of planning, teamwork, and culture. He also explores the value of mentorship, and strategies for...

In this episode of KPA's Cool Coffee, host Rick Sola reflects on the new year and what a break means for the building principal. He discusses the challenges school principals face as they prepare for the second semester as well as new goals moving forward into the second half of the school year. Sola also highlights Cool Coffee as a platform for principals to connect, share insights, and support o...

Episode Summary In this conversation, Cool Coffee host, Rick Sola, interviews Courtney Domoney, the principal of the upcoming Wolf Springs Middle School in Blue Valley School District. They discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of opening a new school, including the importance of building a strong team, creating a welcoming culture, and engaging with the community. Courtney shares her jo...

(part 2 of 2) In this episode of "Cool Coffee," host Rick Sola moderates a panel of four principals from Kansas, discussing their journeys into administration and the challenges they face. The panelists, including principals Midge Simmons, Dr. Jenny Woolever, Robert Cave, and Travis Rogers, share personal stories about their motivations for becoming administrators, the importance of authenticity a...

(part 1 of 2) In this episode of "Cool Coffee," host Rick Sola moderates a panel of four principals from Kansas, discussing their journeys into administration and the challenges they face. The panelists, including principals Midge Simmons, Dr. Jenny Woolever, Robert Cave, and Travis Rogers, share personal stories about their motivations for becoming administrators, the importance of authenticity a...

Topic: Student Recognition Mr. Frank Bell Gardner-Edgerton High School Principal X:  @bellfgehs   The mission of the  Kansas Principals Association , an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all principals through optimized learning, collaborative leadership, networking, and service. Read more about the KPA  HERE . YOUR...

Summary In this 103rd episode of Cool Coffee w/ Kansas Principals, Principal Brian Barackman shares the unique house system at Indian Trail Middle School in USD 233. Discussed is how this system fosters community and enhances the student experience through its building and camaraderie amongst grade-levels. Mr. Barackman connects what his school is doing with the house system and its PBIS system. L...

Instructional Leadership Doesn't have to be Scary!  Barney Pontious Principal Garfield Elementary USD 503 X=  @mr_pontious Garfield Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/GarfieldSchoolParsonsKS Sign up to submit your own Principal's Perspective! The mission of the  Kansas Principals Association , an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to deve...

Topic: How to Make PD Relevant to Staff Assistant Principal Megan Black Olathe West High School USD 233 - Olathe X: @MaBlackOW The mission of the  Kansas Principals Association , an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all principals through optimized learning, collaborative leadership, networking, and service. Read mo...

Topic: Bridge Builders to strengthen the school and home connection  Principal Katie Revell Principal  Simpson Elementary Russell USD 407 The mission of the  Kansas Principals Association , an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all principals through optimized learning, collaborative leadership, networking, and servi...

Diversifying the High School Experience Principal Kerry Lane Olathe East High School - Olathe USD 233 X: @Kerry282542 The mission of the  Kansas Principals Association , an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all principals through optimized learning, collaborative leadership, networking, and service. Read more about...

Calling Others Into Leadership Principal Stefanie Lane Lincoln Elementary School Clay Center Schools USD 379 The mission of the  Kansas Principals Association , an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all principals through optimized learning, collaborative leadership, networking, and service. Read more about the KPA ...

Addressing Our Own PD Needs Joel Wells Principal Elmont Elementary Seaman Schools USD 345 X: @jwesu5 FB: @elmontusd345 The mission of the  Kansas Principals Association , an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all principals through optimized learning, collaborative leadership, networking, and service. Read more about...

In this episode of Cool Coffee with Kansas principals, host Rick Sola engages with two accomplished principals, Inga Esping and Heather Calvert, as they share about the session they will lead at the KPA Conference on November 5th and 6th, 2025. They also discuss their educational journeys, the importance of data-driven instruction, and the role of social-emotional learning (SEL) in building a posi...

Leadership: “Perspective Matters” Cort Haynes Principal Maize South Middle School Maize USD 266 X: @CortHaynes The mission of the  Kansas Principals Association , an organization committed to educational excellence and the lifelong success of all students, is to develop and support all principals through optimized learning, collaborative leadership, networking, and service. Read more about the KPA...