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Superintendents Unplugged

Superintendents Unplugged

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Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the inaugural episode of "Superintendents Unplugged: In Depth with Davis," the podcast where we'll dive deep into the world of Educational Leadership. I'm your host, Addison Davis, and I'm thrilled to have you join me as we embark on this inspiring journey together. As a superintendent myself, I understand the challenges and complexities that come with leading a school district. But what I've come to realize is that there's an abundance of amazing work being done by superintendents all across our country. This podcast is a platform to shine a spotlight on their incredible accomplishments and innovative approaches. Each episode will bring you exclusive interviews with superintendents from various districts across our country, both big and small, urban and rural. As they share their personal stories, triumphs, and even their moments of vulnerability, we will explore the strategies they employ to tackle the ever-evolving landscape of education. From fostering equity and inclusivity to embracing technology and preparing students for their future, we'll cover it all. But this podcast isn't just about showcasing success. It's about fostering a community of educational leaders who can learn from one another, share their experiences, and collectively navigate the complexities of our role. We'll discuss the tough topics as well, including the difficult decisions and the innovative solutions that are transforming education for the better. So, whether you're an educator, a parent, a student, or simply someone who's passionate about education, this podcast is for you. "Superintendents Unplugged" is your behind-the-scenes pass to the world of Educational Leadership, where we uncover the stories that inspire, motivate, and empower every one of us. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and entertained as we embark on this incredible journey together. I can't wait to introduce you to the remarkable superintendents who are changing the educational landscape, one district at a time.Copyright 2025 Strategos Podcast Network
Episodios
  • From Crisis to Clarity: Dr. David Moore on Reengineering a School District for Success
    Aug 18 2025

    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/

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    16 m
  • Philly Roots, Data Moves: The Lajara Cousins Reimagine Urban Education
    Aug 11 2025

    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/

    Más Menos
    20 m
  • Embracing Educational Challenges: Insights from Superintendent John VanWagoner
    Aug 4 2025

    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/

    Más Menos
    20 m
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