School District Superheroes

How can educational leaders transition from classroom autonomy to collaborative, community-wide leadership?  In this episode of School District Superheroes, Nick Telford sits down with Dr. Constantino "Costa" Aguilar, Superintendent at Riverbank Unified School District. Drawing from his journey as a Spanish teacher, baseball coach, and second-generation immigrant, Costa breaks down how s...

What can school district leaders learn from the Walt Disney Company and student-led AI guidelines? In this episode, Nick Telford sits down with Dr. Dalia Gadelmawla, Superintendent of Corona-Norco Unified School District—one of the largest districts in California. Dr. Gadelmawla shares her inspiring personal journey from immigrating to Hollywood as an 11-year-old English learner to managing food a...

What can district leaders learn from martial arts black belts, scratch-cooking in classrooms, and Abraham Lincoln-era history? In this episode, Nick Telford sits down with Dr. Ramiro Rubalcaba, Superintendent of Los Nietos School District. Dr. Rubalcaba shares how his background as a karate black belt shapes his humble, servant-leadership philosophy, why he integrates student energy into major dec...

What can school district leaders learn from Silicon Valley venture capitalists, legendary sports coaches, and offensive linemen? In this episode, Nick Telford sits down with Don Austin, the Superintendent of Laguna Beach Unified School District. Drawing on his experience leading in the heart of tech innovation, Don shares how K-12 leaders can borrow evaluation metrics and team-building perks from...

What does it take to persevere through nine grueling interviews to become a trailblazing superintendent? In this episode, Nick Telford sits down with Katie Russell, the first female and first African American superintendent in the 150-year history of Panama-Buena Vista Union School District. Katie opens up about overcoming bias on her journey to the top office, the secrets to continually transitio...

What can American school districts learn from education systems in other nations? And what is the most challenging aspect of being a Superintendent? In this episode, Nick Telford speaks with Gunn Marie Hansen, the veteran Superintendent of Westminster School District. Drawing on her international perspective, Hansen shares her journey to the top office, lessons learned studying schools in Helsinki...

What happens when a former basketball coach takes his playbook to the superintendent's office? In this episode, Nick Telford sits down with Kent Bechler, a former varsity basketball coach who now coaches and mentors superintendents across California as a Senior Partner at Leadership Associates . Kent explains why district leaders need coaches just like professional athletes do, and shares how...

What does it take to lead the same school district for 14 years while consistently building a culture that develops leaders who get recruited across the entire state?  In this episode of School District Superheroes, Nick Telford sits down with Bob Taylor, the Superintendent of Walnut Valley Unified School District in California. Broadcasting from a leadership retreat in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, B...

In this episode of School District Superheroes, Nick Telford sits down with Dr. Gordon Amerson , Superintendent of Val Verde Unified School District , to discuss his unique path to education and his forward-thinking approach to school leadership In his early years, baseball was a big part of Gordon's future plans. Gordon shares his personal journey of being drafted by the San Diego Padres and...

In this episode of School District Superheroes, Nick Telford sits down with Bruce Bivins, Superintendent of Perris Elementary School District, to discuss how true leadership and holistic education can transform a school community. Bruce shares how growing up in an adopted family built on love and service shaped his lifelong desire to create a sense of belonging. He details his unique path to educa...

What does it mean to lead when you’re accountable for everything—but in control of very little? In this episode of School District Superheroes , Nick Telford sits down with Dr. Paul Marietti, Superintendent of Lancaster School District, to explore the realities of leadership at the highest level of public education. Dr. Marietti shares his journey from a blue-collar upbringing—where college wasn’t...

Emy Flores’ story is one of resilience, opportunity, and purpose. After immigrating from Guatemala at age nine, Emy grew up in the projects of East Los Angeles, where instability and limited opportunity were a daily reality. School became her refuge—and the educators who believed in her changed the course of her life.  Today, she serves as Superintendent of West Covina Unified School District, whe...

What does it really take to lead a school district today? In this trailer episode of School District Superheroes , host Nick Telford introduces the show and why it's dedicated to the leaders who carry one of the most demanding—and impactful—roles in education: superintendents.  These are the individuals making high-stakes decisions, shaping vision, building teams, and ultimately influencing t...