In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. David K. Moore, Superintendent of the School District of Indian River County, for a masterclass in transformative educational leadership. As a former counselor turned nationally recognized superintendent, Dr. Moore brings a compelling blend of heart, strategy, and unrelenting drive to his work—qualities that have propelled his district from the bottom third in Florida to the state’s top ten.

Dr. Moore candidly shares the playbook behind Indian River’s extraordinary rise: a relentless focus on data—not just academic outcomes, but also adult behavior and operational efficiency—paired with a districtwide redesign that flattens hierarchy and accelerates decision-making. The results are staggering: a 96% graduation rate, a 95% rate of schools earning “A” or “B” grades, and a leap from 38th to 9th in state rankings since 2018-2019.

More than numbers, Moore’s story is rooted in a deep commitment to equity and innovation. From rebuilding financial stability to launching strategic plans like ACHIEVE 2025 and the African American Achievement Plan, Moore has crafted a model of leadership that balances urgency with empowerment. His passion for systems thinking, staff ownership, and student success is evident in every initiative—and every word of this interview.

If you’re looking to understand what it truly means to lead with impact in public education, this episode delivers an unfiltered, inspirational look at how one superintendent is rewriting the future for an entire community.

Key Moments

02:12 From Miami-Dade to Indian River

03:45 Taking SDIRC from 38th to 9th in Florida

05:18 The secret sauce: using data on adult behavior and meeting efficiency to drive outcomes.

07:06 "Think fast, act faster"

08:31 Breaking down silos with dual reporting lines

10:02 Pandemic as a leadership accelerator

11:37 From school counselor to superintendent

13:05 Designing for impact

14:48 Clarifying who makes which decisions

16:00 Building a culture of ownership, not just accountability

Connect with Dr. David K. Moore

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-david-k-moore-0445a1342/

Website: https://www.indianriverschools.org/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host and former superintendent Addison Davis sits down with two powerhouse educational leaders—and cousins—Dr. Ariel Lajara and Dr. Renato Lajara, both Assistant Superintendents in the School District of Philadelphia. What unfolds is more than a professional conversation; it’s a moving, unfiltered exploration of family legacy, community resilience, and transformative leadership in urban education.

Born of humble beginnings—where their fathers left school early to support their families—the Lajara cousins have turned personal history into professional purpose. Ariel, a product of Philadelphia’s public schools, and Renato, who emigrated from the Dominican Republic at age seven, both found education not only as a career but as a calling to serve the communities that raised them.

Together, they dive into what’s working in Philly: data-driven decision-making, authentic community partnerships, and a relentless focus on empowering students and principals alike. From reclaiming the dinner table as a space for values-driven leadership to building equitable, high-performing schools, their approach is deeply human and unapologetically strategic.

Listeners will hear how the Lajaras have built trust, dismantled silos, and shifted mindsets—proving that when leadership is grounded in service, systems change becomes not only possible, but sustainable. It’s a masterclass in educational leadership and a heartfelt reminder that the path to student success is paved with grit, vision, and heart.

Key Moments

03:15 Family Legacy: From Dropouts to Doctorates

06:42 Returning to Philly: Leading Where They Were Raised

09:38 Reclaiming the Dinner Table for Educational Equity

13:56 From Compliance to Authentic Student Engagement

17:21 Instructional Leadership Over Operations

20:45 Empowering Principals as Change Agents

24:12 Building Community Partnerships and Parent Trust

28:03 Data-Driven Growth and Academic Gains

31:19 Common Language, Shared Vision

35:47 Servant Leadership: Supporting, Not Supervising

Connect with Dr. Ariel Lajara

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ariel-lajara-6b6a8421b/

Website: https://www.philasd.org/

Connect with Dr. Renato Lajara

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-renato-m-lajara-b3206487/

Website: https://www.philasd.org/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. John VanWagoner, Superintendent of Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS), for a candid conversation on leadership, innovation, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of public education.

With more than two decades of experience spanning the classroom, county, and state levels, Dr. VanWagoner offers listeners a grounded yet forward-thinking perspective on what it takes to lead a modern school district. From his early days as a teacher to his time at the Michigan Department of Education and now at the helm of TCAPS, he shares powerful insights into the challenges and opportunities superintendents face in today’s climate.

The two discuss the value of national conferences like AASA, the importance of building trusted networks with fellow leaders, and the necessity of adapting to political and financial headwinds—including the looming uncertainty around federal funding. Dr. VanWagoner also underscores the power of student voice and community engagement, calling them essential tools in making informed, impactful decisions.

This episode is more than a conversation—it's a masterclass in superintendent leadership, packed with practical takeaways for aspiring and veteran leaders alike. Whether you're leading a district or supporting one, Dr. VanWagoner’s reflections on resilience, collaboration, and the pursuit of what's best for kids are sure to resonate.

Key Moments

06:15 Navigating Political Challenges in Education

08:40 Career Insights in Education Management

13:28 Financial Constraints Post-COVID

16:21 Empowering Student Voices

17:26 "Superintendent Insights: Student Engagement"

Connect with Dr. John VanWagoner

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-vanwagoner-07bb80190/

Website: https://www.tcaps.net/