Lebra Podcast

In this episode of the Lebra Podcast, host Nate Lichte sits down with Jason Sutter, Superintendent of Sonoma Valley Unified School District, to explore what it means to lead with authenticity, collaboration, and care during times of transition. Jason shares his unconventional path into education, explaining how a teacher who believed in him during high school changed the trajectory of his life. Fr...

In this episode of the Lebra Podcast, host Nate Lichte sits down with Spencer Byrd, Superintendent of Cheboygan Area Schools, to discuss leadership, rural education, and the importance of building school systems that students genuinely enjoy being part of. Drawing on more than 35 years in education, Spencer reflects on his journey from teacher and coach in Illinois to superintendent in Northern Mi...

In this episode of the Lebra Podcast, host Nate Lichte sits down with Dr. Barbara Mullen, Superintendent of Rush-Henrietta Central School District, to explore healing-centered leadership, organizational transformation, and what it truly means to lead schools through care, trust, and community voice. Drawing on a career that spans special education, communications, public relations, and district le...

In this episode of the Lebra Podcast, host Nate Lichte sits down with Christina Gibson, Superintendent of Eastpointe Community Schools, to explore what it takes to lead systemic turnaround in a district shaped by deep challenges, shifting demographics, and hard-earned resilience. Christina shares her path from artist and YMCA leader to educator, principal, assistant superintendent, and now superin...

In today’s episode, host Nate Lichte sits down with Alicia D. Koster, Superintendent of Schools of Greater Johnstown School District (NY). Koster shares her leadership journey—from corporate finance and business into public education—and how that nontraditional background shaped her strategic approach to district leadership. Together, Nate and Alicia explore why strategic planning is not just an o...

In this episode of the Lebra Podcast, host Nate Lichte sits down with Trent Provo, Superintendent of the Monroe-Gregg School District, to explore leadership at the intersection of small-town culture and big-district pressures. Trent shares his non-traditional start as a pre-dentistry major before pivoting into education, then working his way from the classroom to school leadership and ultimately t...

In this episode of the Lebra Podcast, host Nate Lichte sits down with Dr. Amber Wheeler, Superintendent of Humboldt USD 258 in Kansas, to explore what it looks like to lead a rural district that is growing, innovating, and deeply connected to its community. Amber shares her journey from elementary teacher and longtime principal to superintendent, stepping into the role just after COVID and navigat...

In today’s episode, host Nate Lichte sits down with Dr. Celeste L. Merriweather , Superintendent of Bridgeton Public Schools (NJ) . Dr. Merriweather shares her leadership journey from Camden to Bridgeton and what it takes to lead a district experiencing significant demographic change with clarity, compassion, and high expectations. Together, Nate and Dr. Merriweather explore how belonging is built...

In this episode of the Lebra Podcast, host Nate Lichte talks with David Moyer, Superintendent of Northport–East Northport UFSD (NY). Drawing on more than 16 years in the superintendent seat, David shares how his district is building a future-focused learning system while honoring the traditions of a deeply engaged Long Island community. David and Nate explore how Northport is using professional le...

In this episode of the Lebra Podcast, host Nate Lichte talks with Randy Jensen, Superintendent of American Falls School District (ID). After more than four decades in one rural community, Randy shares how a simple idea “Read, Talk, Play Every Day” became a community-wide movement for early literacy, showing up on T-shirts, in local businesses, and even at the senior center. Randy and Nate dig into...

In today’s episode, host Nate Lichte sits down with David Carson, Superintendent at Gooding School District (ID). A longtime educator and rural leader, David shares a “listen first” approach to culture—learning community history, aligning decisions to local values, and celebrating wins so the positive story travels farther than the noise. From districtwide PLCs and full-day kindergarten to a four-...

In this episode, host Nate Lichte sits down with Jeremy Fewell, Superintendent of Mississinewa Community Schools (IN). From a district with high transfer enrollment and significant poverty, Jeremy walks through a “students-first always” approach: transparent communication, data-anchored decisions, and community partnerships that meet real needs. They discuss how Mississinewa engages families early...

In today’s episode, host Nate Lichte sits down with Dr. Chris Daughtry, Superintendent of Lewis Cass Schools (IN). With deep roots in rural education and service in the Air Force Reserve, Chris shares how he’s leading through listening, rebuilding trust, and shaping a strategic plan that reflects both fiscal responsibility and community pride. From launching a districtwide strategic plan built on...

In today’s episode, host Nate Lichte sits down with Kellen Adams, Superintendent of Schools at Leavenworth USD 453. A 17-year educator and entrepreneur, Kellen brings a business-minded lens to district leadership, balancing budget realities, community dynamics, and culture building in one of Kansas’s most unique ecosystems. From managing declining enrollment and high mobility to strengthening part...

In today’s episode, host Nate Lichte sits down with Rusty Taylor, Superintendent of Lakeland Joint School District (ID). New to the role yet seasoned across nearly every seat in a school system, Rusty shares how he’s centering relationships, aligning teams, and rebuilding momentum with a simple north star: kids first. From launching a districtwide TRUST statement (Trust, Respect, Unify, Succeed, T...

In today’s episode, host Nate Lichte sits down with Dr. Bradford Lusk, who serves as the Superintendent of Hamilton Community Schools in Hamilton, Michigan. Known for his authentic, community-first leadership, Dr. Lusk shares how he rebuilt trust, restored engagement, and positioned his rural district for innovation and growth. From hosting “Scoop with the Sup” at a local ice cream shop to leading...

In today’s episode, host Nate Lichte sits down with Dr. Gustavo Balderas, Superintendent of Beaverton School District and incoming Superintendent of the Puget Sound Educational Service District. With 35 years in education, including 15 as a superintendent across Oregon, Washington, and California. Dr. Balderas brings a wealth of experience and a personal story rooted in resilience. He shares his j...