Rethink Possible

Bob reconnects with Dr. Tim Anderson, who is now the Superintendent for Northfield Public Schools. Tim reflects on his first 90 days as superintendent, describing the increased volume of responsibility, communication demands, and time spent with the school board. He credits his assistant superintendent experience—especially coaching principals and building learning-centered systems—with preparing...

In this episode, Bob is joined by Dr. Robb Virgin the new superintendent for Wayzata Public Schools. Robb talks about the first 90 days on the job, the transition from assistant superintendent to superintendent, and what has surprised him the most about the process. He also discusses how his previous role has prepared him for this new position and the importance of learning all areas of the distri...

In this podcast episode, Bob hosts Dr. Emily McDonald, assistant superintendent for Lakeville Public Schools. They discuss the process of developing and implementing a district operational plan that is integrated across district departments and aligned with the strategic plan as well as supporting the building improvement plans. This plan helps to align the district's strategic plan and goals with...

In this episode, Bob talks with Nancy Paez, an assistant superintendent for Saint Paul Public Schools. She discusses her role in shaping professional learning structures for principals in the district. She emphasizes the importance of investing in principals, as research shows they are the number one influence on student outcomes. Paez is working with a group of principals to co-create professiona...

Bob meets up with Dr. Tim Anderson, Executive Director of Academics for Prior Lake Savage Area Schools. He shares what he has termed the six pillars of leadership practice of focus and alignment, clarity precedes competence, systemness, capacity building, monitor and support, and celebrate values and victories. These pillars can be applied to any leadership challenge and are focused on connecting...

In this podcast, Dr. Chris Belmont, the assistant superintendent for Burnsville, Eagan, Savage Schools, discusses his transition from being a building leader to a district leader. He talks about the importance of building trust, being open to new ideas, and communicating effectively as cornerstones of successful leadership. Dr. Belmont also shares the challenges he faced in this transition, such a...

In this episode, Bob talks with Dr. Tyrone Brookins, the assistant superintendent of South Washington County Schools. They discuss how the creation of a TOSA Dean position at the elementary level is way to attempt better support and create an administrative pipeline. Dr. Brookins shares how this role was created through repurposing 11 positions and creates the opportunity for principals to better...

In this episode, Bob has a conversation with Dr. Alison Gillespie, assistant superintendent in White Bear Lake Area Schools about principals’ need for instructional leadership and how she led the development of White Bear Lake Schools plan to support them. She discusses the importance of creating a collaborative space for principals to learn from each other and using a new evaluation tool to provi...

Bob sits down with Assistant Superintendent Nate Swenson of Edina Public Schools for a conversation around the implementation of AI from an inquiry-based approach in schools. Nate discusses the implementation team starting from the position of declaring that AI is a powerful tool and put together a one page for staff to discuss roles, responsibilities, and ethical use of AI. As the main driver for...

In this episode, Bob connects with Dr. Nick Lightfoot, assistant superintendent at Hopkins School District, who discusses his experience with policy development and monitoring for school districts. He shares examples of how policies are created and communicated with the community, and discusses the role of state statute, collective bargaining agreements, and school board governance in shaping poli...

In this episode, Bob sits down with Dr. Quennel Cooper, assistant superintendent for St. Louis Park Schools. Dr. Cooper began his career as an assistant superintendent six months ago and shares his journey in navigating and supporting building leaders. He talks about his role as an educational leader, the challenges he faces, and the lessons he has learned in his career. He also talks about the im...

Bob speaks with Nate Manaen, assistant superintendent for Eastern Carver County Schools about cultivating a collaborative culture for learning. They discuss the importance of time and space, the need for leaders to be skilled in various areas, and the importance of involving district leaders in the process. Cultivating collective ownership for school improvement implies the school district establi...

In this episode, Bob talks with Andy Beaton, assistant superintendent for ISD 622. Andy shares how he implemented a weapons detection system in his district. He talks about the incident that prompted him to explore this option, as well as the challenges and considerations involved in implementing such a system. He also highlights the importance of communication and buy-in from leadership and staff...

In this episode, Bob talks with Dr. Robb Virgin, Assistant Superintendent for Eden Prairie Public Schools, about their "Future Ready LeadershipFramework." This approach to leadership, which focuses on inclusion, adaptiveness, and daily action, was created in response to the ambitious goals set by the district's strategic plan and academic vision. The framework is designed to be durable, applicable...

On this Episode, Bob speaks with Felicia Thames, assistant superintendent for Eden Prairie Public Schools, focusing on elementary programming. Felicia talks about the importance of the human element in leadership and how it is crucial to create a safe space for conversations and discussions within the organization. believes in inclusion, belonging and value within an organization, and she focuses...

In this episode, Bob speaks with Dave Haveman, the executive director of special services for Northeast Metro Independent School District 916. He shares his experience and strategies for successful leadership in special education, emphasizing the importance of knowing yourself, building a strong team, and ensuring compliance before focusing on best practices. He also discusses the importance of co...

In this episode, Bob speaks with Dr. Bryan Bass, the assistant superintendent in Osseo Public Schools. They discuss the importance of continuous improvement in schools and how it is operationalized through alignment of strategic goals, moving adults, and outcome metrics. Dr. Bass also talks about the significance of humanizing the work and creating space for leaders to effectively carry out their...

In this Episode, Bob talks with Tim Wald, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations for White Bear Lake Area Schools in Minnesota. Tim talks about how his team moved from planning to implementation with regard to both facilities and programming in White Bear Lake area schools. He talks about the decision- making process when balancing between facilities and maintenance, and his experience...

Bob spends time with Dr. Kristine Flesher, superintendent of Orono Public Schools, learning about her experience of implementing a five-phase strategic planning process. The process includes a pre-planning phase, stakeholder input, core team planning, implementation, and process monitoring. Dr. Flesher describes the phases in detail and shares “Aha” moments. She further shares the importance of co...

In this episode, Bob talks with Dr. Michael Thomas, superintendent of Prior Lake Savage Area Schools, about strategic planning as a tool to bring a community together. Dr. Thomas discusses the importance of leading with your "why" in strategic planning, being data-informed, and empowering the community to take ownership of the plan. He also emphasizes the need for multiple stakeholders and perspec...

In this episode, Bob talks with David Law, the superintendent of Minnetonka Schools, about engaging students in school policy and decision-making processes. Law discusses the importance of involving student voice in school leadership and how they have implemented this in Minnetonka Schools. He also shares tips for new leaders on how to be visible and involved in schools, and the impact this can ha...

In this episode, Dr. McDowell talks with Dr. Eric Melbye, Superintendent, and Dr. Jenna Michler, Assistant Superintendent for Bloomington Public Schools. They discuss strategic planning and how to operationalize and implement it in school districts. They share insights from their experience in Bloomington Public Schools and stress the importance of building relationships, finding the right partner...

Bob talks with Dr. Mike Redmond , the superintendent of Shakopee Public Schools , to explore the critical role of systemic structures within school districts. Dr. Redmond reflects on the importance of intentionally developing and refining these structures to ensure they align with the district's goals. He emphasizes that effective systems not only streamline processes but also foster strong connec...

In this episode of Rethink Possible, host Bob McDowell interviews Dr. Matt Hillman , superintendent of Northfield Public Schools , who discusses using work teams as an employee engagement strategy after an employee survey highlighted a concern about opportunities to add input on decisions that affect their jobs. He shares why it is critical to be clear about the purpose and goals of using work tea...

In this episode of Rethink Possible, host Bob McDowell talks to Anoka-Hennepin School District Superintendent Cory McIntyre about implementing structural organizational change. He emphasizes the importance of communication, authenticity, and empathy when leading through a period of change. He also discusses the logistics including planning and making difficult decisions. The district underwent sig...