In this episode of Superintendent Unplugged, host and Strategos Partner Addison Davis sits down with Rachel Fortune, President of the Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF), to explore the power of community-driven education reform.

With over 15 years of leadership experience, Fortune shares her passion for advancing educational equity and creating sustainable impact. She discusses JPEF’s role as a “think and do tank,” blending data-driven insights with real action to transform public education in Duval County. From tackling historic dropout rates to spearheading major tax referendums that secured funding for schools and educators, Fortune highlights how strategic community engagement can drive meaningful change.

Davis and Fortune also dive into the importance of teacher pipeline development, literacy initiatives, and workforce readiness in the evolving education landscape. They emphasize the critical role of partnerships—between schools, businesses, nonprofits, and local government—in ensuring students receive the support they need to succeed beyond the classroom.

Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or community leader, this episode delivers powerful insights on how collaboration and innovative leadership can shape the future of education. Tune in to hear how Jacksonville is setting a precedent for impactful, data-driven reform—and why every district should have a strong education foundation working alongside its schools.

Listen now to Superintendent Unplugged and be inspired by the work happening in Jacksonville and beyond!

Key Moments

05:11 Jacksonville Schools Vision and Action

07:23 Data-Driven Collaborative Strategy

12:15 Imagining Future-Ready Public Schools

14:01 Enhancing School-Community Partnerships

Connect with Rachel Fortune

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-tutwiler-fortune-07605429/

Website: https://www.jaxpef.org/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Alesia Smith, Deputy Superintendent and Chief of Schools for Cincinnati Public Schools, to explore what it means to lead with both heart and strategy in today’s ever-evolving educational landscape. With over 30 years of transformative experience, Dr. Smith shares the wisdom she’s gained from turning around some of the nation’s lowest-performing schools and her unwavering belief that every child deserves access to rigorous, equitable instruction.

From her early days in Cincinnati to her system-wide successes in Arkansas, Dr. Smith has consistently championed the power of strong school leadership and data-driven practices. She discusses her current work overseeing instructional development in Ohio’s third-largest district, where she’s laser-focused on strengthening Tier 1 instruction, leveraging platforms like iReady, and improving Algebra I outcomes.

The conversation delves into Cincinnati’s proactive approach to AI integration, the importance of remaining connected to schools as a district leader, and the challenges and opportunities behind reconfiguring grade-level structures for long-term student success. Dr. Smith emphasizes that true progress stems from systemic, sustainable models — not isolated wins.

This episode is a masterclass in courageous leadership and a must-listen for educators, policymakers, and anyone committed to making schools work better for all students. Dr. Smith’s passion is palpable, her insight profound, and her vision for the future of public education refreshingly pragmatic.

Key Moments

06:02 "Balancing District and School Roles"

07:05 "School Support and Impact Focus"

10:20 Educational Interaction and Collaboration

15:30 Systemic Educational Success in Arkansas

18:18 "Superintendent Candidate: Dr. Alicia Smith"

Connect with Dr. Alesia Smith

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-alesia-smith-220a52218

Website: https://www.cps-k12.org/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis, Strategos Partner, sits down with Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong, Superintendent of Portland Public Schools, for an insightful conversation on leadership, literacy, and the challenges of guiding Oregon’s largest school district.

Dr. Armstrong, eight months into her tenure, shares her strategic approach to driving positive change in Portland Public Schools, emphasizing three key priorities: advancing literacy, strengthening relationships, and ensuring safe and well-maintained learning environments. She highlights the urgent need for literacy reform, calling it a “civil right” and detailing the district’s city-wide book distribution campaign.

Facing a $40 million budget deficit, Dr. Armstrong discusses her proactive efforts to engage the community and legislators in securing essential funding. She also speaks candidly about the importance of trust-building, particularly in the wake of a teacher strike, and her leadership in navigating Portland’s $1.8 billion bond renewal to modernize aging school facilities.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Armstrong’s passion for education and commitment to equity shine as she reflects on her personal journey from childhood poverty to leading a major urban school district. With her student-first mindset, she is determined to create a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking educational environment in Portland.

Key Moments

00:00 Portland Challenges: Housing and Homelessness

06:06 Empowering Literacy Beyond School Hours

09:35 $1B Maintenance Requires Bond Funding

13:13 "Portland's Inspiring Educational Leadership"

14:00 "See You in Classrooms"

Connect with Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kimberlee-armstrong-88172412/

Website: https://www.pps.net/