Dr. Randy Russell, Superintendent of Freeman School District in Washington State, joins Anne Brown to reflect on his 38-year career in education and his final year leading the Freeman community after 15 years as superintendent.Serving a close-knit rural district just south of Spokane, Dr. Russell shares how strong relationships, leadership stability, and community trust have helped Freeman achieve exceptional outcomes, including a 95% graduation rate. He also discusses leading through a school shooting, community wildfire, and the challenges of the pandemic while prioritizing student well-being and mental health.This conversation is filled with practical leadership lessons, heartfelt stories, and reflections on what it means to put students first.Listen to his story today! #SuperintendentEffect #EducationalLeadership #K12Education #SchoolLeadership

Mr. David Law, Superintendent of Minnetonka Public Schools in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and recent President of AASA (the national association representing more than 13,000 superintendents) joins CEO Anne Brown from Cook Center for a conversation on the future of education. Mr. Law shares his unique journey through math education, law school, and school leadership, and discusses what sets Minnetonka apart: a thriving dual language immersion program in Chinese and Spanish, innovative experiential learning pathways, and a forward-thinking approach to AI in the classroom. He also speaks candidly about the challenges of teacher wellness and why simply "getting back to basics" may not be enough to prepare the next generation of students. This is a conversation you don't want to miss. 🎧 Listen today!#SuperintendentEffect #EducationLeadership #Minnetonka #Minnesota #Superintendent

Dr. Meredith Nadeau, Superintendent of School Administrative Unit #21 (SAU #21) in Hampton, New Hampshire, joins us for an inspiring conversation about what it truly means to lead with purpose on the seacoast. Overseeing five small districts and nearly 2,000 students — with six school boards and 23 school board members, Dr. Nadeau brings a remarkable depth of experience to the role.In this episode, we dig into the science of reading and why early literacy is the foundation for everything else. Dr. Nadeau shares her journey from pre-med student to middle school English teacher to special educator, and how her hands-on work with the Wilson Language Program shaped her lifelong commitment to teaching every child to read. We also explore SAU #21's forward-thinking work in AI ethics, student-led mental health initiatives, and the district's innovative Extended Learning Opportunities — from drone pilot licenses to biomedical research — that are helping students forge their own paths to graduation.Whether you're an educator, a parent, or a community leader, this episode will leave you energized and reminded that real, lasting change happens one relationship at a time.#SuperintendentEffect #EducationLeadership #ScienceOfReading #SAU21 #NewHampshire #MentalHealthInSchools #AIInEducation #PublicEducation #SchoolLeadership #EdLeaders

Dr. Melissa Stager, Superintendent of Clinton Township School District and former educator at the New Jersey Department of Education, joins Chief Strategy Officer Mark Welling on The Superintendent Effect to discuss her lifelong commitment to strengthening public education and expanding opportunity for every student.In this special episode, Dr. Stager shares the story behind her district's ambitious "80 Percent in 3" literacy initiative, her approach to empowering teachers through grassroots leadership, and why protecting student mental health resources remains a non-negotiable priority.She also opens up about the mentors who shaped her career, what it truly means to lead with purpose, and her belief that every child — regardless of zip code — deserves access to a quality public education.Don't miss her story.

Dr. Cory Steiner, Superintendent of Fargo Public Schools, joins Anne Brown to reflect on his leadership journey, from rural Northern Cass to one of North Dakota's largest urban districts. He shares the philosophy driving his work: removing barriers for families, pioneering mental health services in schools, and championing the idea that every adult in a building is an educator.Dr. Steiner also opens up about the Portraits of a Learner, Educator, and Leader framework, the role vulnerability plays in authentic leadership, and a deeply personal story about accountability and the community that showed up for him when it mattered most.A candid conversation about hope, trust, and what it truly means to put students first.

In this episode of The Superintendent Effect, host and Anne Brown sits down with Dr. Nick Migliorino from Norman Public Schools in Oklahoma for a powerful conversation about visionary leadership, community partnership, and what it truly means to serve students and families.Dr. Migliorino shares his unconventional journey to the superintendency from aspiring nurse to teacher, technology innovator, and now a transformational district leader in Norman. He reflects on nearly two decades with Norman Public Schools and the bold initiatives shaping the future of education, including a groundbreaking $50 million aviation academy that is redefining student opportunity.The conversation also dives into the realities of student and staff mental health, the impact of technology on emotional well-being, and why strong systems of support are no longer optional in today’s schools. With insight, humor, and authenticity, Dr. Migliorino offers a compelling look at leadership rooted in relationships, saying “yes,” and dreaming beyond limitations.This episode is a must-listen for educators, administrators, and anyone passionate about the future of schools and communities.#SuperintendentEffect #EducationLeadership #MentalHealthInSchools #CommunityPartnership #StudentSuccess

In this episode of The Superintendent Effect, Anne Brown meets with Dr. Ellen Perconti, Superintendent of Goldendale School District 404 in rural Washington state.Dr. Perconti discusses her 7 year journey leading with a focus on well-being for both staff and students, honoring community traditions while preparing kids for the future, and redefining success through the whole child approach.She shares practical insights on de-stigmatizing mental health conversations, balancing technology with human connection, and the importance of staying true to your authentic leadership style.A thoughtful conversation about strong leadership, deep student knowing, and building resilient rural communities.Guest: Dr. Ellen PercontiHost: Anne Brown#SuperintendentEffect #RuralSchools #EducationLeadership #WellBeing #StudentSuccess #Washington #Glendale #SchoolDistrict

Dr. Brad Keating, Associate Superintendent for Community Partnerships and Government Relations at Clark County School District (nearly 300,000 students), joins Anne Brown on The Superintendent Effect.From Capitol Hill to the classroom and now district leadership, Dr. Keating shares how CCSD creates a “small-town feel” in a massive district through innovative parent engagement, staff wellness initiatives, and genuine community partnerships.Highlights include:• The emotional Ceremony of Achievement that honors parents completing 50+ hours of training• The Night of Excellence celebrating educators and support staff• The fun yet meaningful Monster Dash 5K focused on mental health• Why surveying employees quarterly and carving out time for family (like coaching his son’s soccer team) mattersA hopeful, practical conversation about what strong leadership and authentic connection look like in public education today.Guest: Dr. Brad KeatingHost: Anne Brown, Cook Center for Human ConnectionThe Superintendent Effect – highlighting leaders building stronger communities, one school at a time.

In this episode of the The Superintendent Effect, Anne sits down with Glenn Robbins, Superintendent of Brigantine Public Schools in New Jersey, live from the AASA National Conference on Education in Nashville. Glenn shares his unique journey from being a fourth-generation water well driller to becoming a leading voice in educational leadership.We dive into his "culture-first" philosophy, exploring how his district achieved a 95% happiness and engagement rating by focusing on human capacity and positive psychology. Glenn also discusses his new book, Unclench Your Fist, which offers a look at making hard leadership calls and thriving in the world of administration.Highlights include:The Power of Happiness: Why culture is the most important work a leader can do.Navigating AI: How to bridge the digital gap in Artificial Intelligence. Raising Resilient Kids: The importance of allowing the next generation to face adversity and freely explore.

Terry Thoren spent decades producing legendary content like The Rugrats, The Simpsons, and The Wild Thornberrys. Now, as CEO of Wonder Media, he is using his expertise to tackle the youth mental health crisis.In this episode, Anne Brown (Cook Center for Human Connection) and Terry discuss the creation of My Life is Worth Living, the first animated series designed specifically to support teen mental health and suicide prevention. Terry explains the rigorous process of working with psychologists to "model the language" for kids who feel they don't have a voice.Key Highlights:Bridging the Gap: How animation creates a safe space for kids to see themselves and seek help.Character Studies: Lessons learned from Emily’s recovery, Dante’s search for identity, and Kyle’s struggle with cyberbullying.Parental Support: How My Life is Worth Living models conversations for parents to know how to have difficult conversations with their children. A 50-Year Career: Terry reflects on his journey from teaching his first animation class in 1975 to reaching billions of children today.Listen in to discover how to use these free resources in your school or home. Visit MyLifeIsWorthLiving.org to watch the series.