School District Superheroes

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...