In this episode of the Superintendent Hot Seat podcast, Michael McCormick engages with Dr. Gina Zietlow, Superintendent of ABC Unified School District, discussing the pressing challenges of student wellness, mental health, and the evolving role of educators in supporting students. They explore the importance of mental health resources in schools, the shift in student awareness regarding their own wellness, and the initiatives taken to address these issues, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Dr. Zietlow shares insights on the significance of social-emotional learning, the expansion of career and technical education, and the necessity of fostering a supportive environment for both students and staff.

Dr. Rick Cobb (Mid-Del Public Schools) explains how his district creates “soft landings” for students and families at every transition point — from the first day of school to the move into middle and high school. He highlights programs that build connection and pride, including athletics, fine arts, CareerTech, e-sports, and upgraded facilities, while sharing how he keeps himself grounded by staying close to principals, students, and community.

How do you enter a large district mid-year and still set a clear path forward? Dr. Ben Churchill (Poway USD) shares his 90-day listen-and-learn plan, school visits across 41 campuses, and a leadership approach built on focus over frenzy: double down on what works, let go of what doesn’t, and align the organization around a few wildly important goals.

He also lays out how Poway balances district direction with principal autonomy—and why that combination increases engagement and results.

Chapters you’ll hear: entry planning, belonging and learning, narrowing priorities, 4 Disciplines of Execution, and aligning principals while honoring local context.

What happens when you free teachers from test score pressure and trust them to design for the whole child?
In this inspiring conversation on Superintendent Hot Seat, Michael Matsuda shares how he transformed Anaheim Union High School District into a hub of innovation — from capstones and student TED Talks to AI-powered mentors that know each learner’s story.
Discover how his team builds purpose-driven learning, nurtures student voice, and partners with industry to prepare students for meaningful futures — while modeling a new way forward for public education.

How do we build student wellness that truly lasts?

In this episode of Superintendent Hot Seat, Dr. Barbara Mullen shares how she’s reshaping district culture by focusing on healing-centered leadership. From building communities of practice for staff to designing joyful “Level Up” kickoffs and creating schools where every student feels seen, her approach is rooted in connection, trust, and belonging.

You’ll hear practical strategies to strengthen adult well-being, nurture student confidence, and spark growth across an entire district.

🎧 Tune in and discover how healing-centered systems help students — and educators — thrive.

#EducationLeadership #WholeChild #HealingCentered #Belonging #SuperintendentLife

What happens when a school leader faces the unimaginable — multiple student suicides in a single year?In this powerful episode of Superintendent Hot Seat, Dr. Martha Salazar Zamora, Superintendent of Tomball ISD and 2023 Texas Superintendent of the Year, shares one of the most vulnerable and courageous stories we’ve ever heard on the show.Dr. Z walks us through the heartbreaking moments that shook her district, the emotional toll it took on her leadership, and the transformative decision that followed: investing her own Superintendent of the Year award money into a student-led mental health program called Hope Squad.This episode goes far beyond policy and into the heart of leadership — what it means to lead through crisis, to be transparent with your community, and to reimagine student wellness from the inside out. With honesty and grace, Dr. Z reflects on her 39-year career, the power of student voice, and why creating space for connection is no longer optional — it’s essential.Listeners will also hear:How Tomball ISD went from tragedy to zero suicides since launching Hope SquadThe challenges and triumphs of leading a fast-growth, diverse school districtWhy being “not okay” is sometimes the bravest thing a leader can admitThe role of faith, family, and inner compass in sustaining long-term leadershipWhether you’re a superintendent, educator, or advocate for student wellness, this conversation will leave you inspired, informed, and reconnected to the why behind the work we do.

What happens when we focus on educator wellness as the foundation for student success?

In this episode of Superintendent Hot Seat, David Olney joins Michael McCormick to explore why taking care of educators is essential for fostering student wellness. Olney emphasizes the importance of relationships, open communication, and building a systemic approach to well-being that includes both students and staff.

He shares his journey of prioritizing educator support, creating collaborative structures, and fostering a culture where teachers feel valued and heard. Olney also reflects on his long career, the power of building lasting relationships, and his philosophy of finishing strong as he approaches retirement.

This episode challenges us to rethink how we approach wellness—not just for students but for the entire educational community.

🎧 Listen now to hear David Olney's insights on why adult wellness is the cornerstone of student wellness.

How can schools bring humanity back into education when students and staff are grappling with trauma and mental health challenges?
In this episode of Superintendent Hot Seat, Dr. Michael Lubelfeld joins Michael McCormick to discuss the critical need for trauma-informed practices, community support, and a holistic approach to student wellness. From the cascading impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to dealing with community tragedies, Dr. Lubelfeld shares how his district is creating resilient environments that center on mental health, compassion, and connection.
He also highlights how schools can rethink traditional systems to better support students, fostering agency and individual growth rather than batch processing. It’s a conversation about leadership, resilience, and keeping students at the heart of every decision.

🎧 Listen now to hear how Dr. Lubelfeld is bringing humanity back into education.