Stronger School

PowerSchool
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The Stronger School Podcast by PowerSchool is a weekly podcast for K-12 district cabinet leaders and senior education decision-makers. Each episode features practical conversations about how education leaders are building stronger schools through the effective use of technology, along with perspectives from industry, technology, and policy leaders shaping K-12 education, focusing on improving family engagement, strengthening student outcomes, and streamlining operations. The Stronger School is a podcast for real voices in K-12.

Episodes

  1. 2 days ago ·  Video

    People First Leadership: Dr. Ronald Taylor on Building Schools Where Everyone Belongs

    In this episode of Stronger School, host Steven Anderson welcomes Dr. Ronald Taylor, former superintendent and current executive search consultant with HYA, for a conversation about the leadership principles that create thriving schools and school systems. Reflecting on a career that spans the classroom, district leadership, and executive coaching, Dr. Taylor shares how staying student-centered while never losing sight of the people behind the work has shaped every stage of his journey. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Taylor explores the importance of creating coherent school cultures where every initiative is grounded in a clear purpose and connected to student success. He also offers practical strategies for addressing chronic absenteeism, emphasizing the need for strong family communication, intentional school culture, and helping every student develop a genuine sense of belonging. The conversation highlights how data-driven decision-making and authentic relationships work together to improve outcomes, reminding leaders that meaningful change happens one student and one family at a time. Looking ahead, Dr. Taylor reflects on the challenges facing the next generation of school leaders, from navigating AI and emerging technologies to supporting students whose educational experiences were shaped by the pandemic. He encourages leaders to balance innovation with human connection and shares one piece of advice that has guided his career: make time to know the people you serve. Whether leading a classroom, a school, or an entire district, stronger schools are built through authentic relationships, trust, and a commitment to helping every person feel seen, valued, and connected. 10 Steps for School Leaders to Address Chronic Absenteeism: https://eoschools.org/10-steps-to-address-chronic-absenteeism-for-school-leaders/ Key Moments 00:35 A journey from classroom teacher to superintendent 06:09 Why clarity and belonging drive school success 09:25 Addressing chronic absenteeism with families 14:14 Creating school cultures where students belong 20:20 Making attendance everyone's responsibility 24:10 Leadership lessons from executive coaching 28:11 Why education is always about people 31:45 Preparing leaders for the age of AI 35:20 Balancing innovation with human connection 40:05 Building stronger schools through authentic relationships Connect with Dr. Ronald Taylor | Associate (Consultant) in Partnership, HYA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ronald-taylor-59999981 District: https://hyasearch.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/ If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

  2. 2 days ago ·  Video

    Unpublished - People First Leadership: Dr. Ronald Taylor on Building Schools Where Everyone Belongs

    In this episode of Stronger School, host Steven Anderson welcomes Dr. Ronald Taylor, former superintendent and current executive search consultant with HYA, for a conversation about the leadership principles that create thriving schools and school systems. Reflecting on a career that spans the classroom, district leadership, and executive coaching, Dr. Taylor shares how staying student-centered while never losing sight of the people behind the work has shaped every stage of his journey. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Taylor explores the importance of creating coherent school cultures where every initiative is grounded in a clear purpose and connected to student success. He also offers practical strategies for addressing chronic absenteeism, emphasizing the need for strong family communication, intentional school culture, and helping every student develop a genuine sense of belonging. The conversation highlights how data-driven decision-making and authentic relationships work together to improve outcomes, reminding leaders that meaningful change happens one student and one family at a time. Looking ahead, Dr. Taylor reflects on the challenges facing the next generation of school leaders, from navigating AI and emerging technologies to supporting students whose educational experiences were shaped by the pandemic. He encourages leaders to balance innovation with human connection and shares one piece of advice that has guided his career: make time to know the people you serve. Whether leading a classroom, a school, or an entire district, stronger schools are built through authentic relationships, trust, and a commitment to helping every person feel seen, valued, and connected. 10 Steps for School Leaders to Address Chronic Absenteeism: https://eoschools.org/10-steps-to-address-chronic-absenteeism-for-school-leaders/ Key Moments 00:35 A journey from classroom teacher to superintendent 06:09 Why clarity and belonging drive school success 09:25 Addressing chronic absenteeism with families 14:14 Creating school cultures where students belong 20:20 Making attendance everyone's responsibility 24:10 Leadership lessons from executive coaching 28:11 Why education is always about people 31:45 Preparing leaders for the age of AI 35:20 Balancing innovation with human connection 40:05 Building stronger schools through authentic relationships Connect with Dr. Ronald Taylor | Associate (Consultant) in Partnership, HYA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ronald-taylor-59999981 District: https://hyasearch.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/ If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

  3. 1 Sept ·  Video

    Relationships, Community, and Innovation: Juwan Withers on Building Stronger Schools

    In this episode of Stronger School, host Steven Anderson welcomes Juwan Withers, Chief Technology Officer for Chickasaw City Schools, to discuss what it takes to build an innovative school system in one of Alabama's smallest independent school districts. Having experienced the district's journey as both a student and now a district leader, Juwan offers a unique perspective on how strong relationships, flexibility, and a community-first mindset have shaped Chickasaw's approach to educational technology and student success. Throughout the conversation, Juwan shares how serving in multiple roles across the district has helped him better understand the needs of students, families, teachers, and administrators. He explains how Chickasaw leverages integrated data to proactively address challenges like chronic absenteeism, using attendance, discipline, counseling, and geographic insights to identify trends before they become larger issues. The discussion also explores the advantages and challenges of leading technology in a small district, from navigating vendor relationships to embracing AI in ways that directly support teaching, learning, and operational efficiency. Juwan also highlights the district's commitment to family engagement through dedicated community outreach, parent education events, and programs that extend support beyond the classroom. Whether discussing AI literacy, student safety, or community partnerships, his philosophy remains consistent: meaningful innovation starts with knowing the people you serve. He closes with a powerful reminder that stronger schools are built on authentic relationships, where every decision is guided by the needs of students, families, and the community. Key Moments 00:33 A journey from student to district CTO 03:31 Building a school district from the ground up 05:18 Doing more with less in a small district 06:59 Why relationships are Chickasaw's greatest strength 07:45 Using data to reduce chronic absenteeism 10:02 Navigating technology as a small school district 13:17 AI's growing role in education 13:52 Building and testing AI solutions locally 16:07 Strengthening schools through community partnerships 18:16 Why relationships matter most in leadership Connect with Juwan Withers | Chief Technology Officer, Chickasaw City Schools LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juwan-withers-671b68176 District: https://www.chickasawschools.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/ If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

  4. 25 Aug

    How Effectively Are You Using Technology? Dr. Julie Evans on What Districts Need to Measure

    In this episode of Stronger School, host Trip Kucera welcomes Dr. Julie Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Project Tomorrow, for a conversation about how research and data can help school leaders make smarter decisions in an increasingly complex educational landscape. Drawing on nearly three decades of Project Tomorrow's work with K-12 schools, Dr. Evans shares how understanding the voices of students, teachers, parents, and administrators can transform research into practical strategies that improve teaching, learning, and district operations. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Evans reflects on the evolution of the Speak Up Research Project and the changing role of technology in education. She explores how student expectations, parent priorities, and educator needs have shifted over time, emphasizing that technology should be viewed as a purposeful tool rather than an end in itself. The conversation also examines the growing importance of durable skills like critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration in an AI-driven world, along with the need for school systems to rethink instruction to prepare students for an uncertain future. Dr. Evans also highlights Project Tomorrow's partnership with PowerSchool through the EdTech Pulse research and introduces the vision behind the upcoming Stronger School Index. By helping districts better measure technology effectiveness, connect operational excellence to student outcomes, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement, she believes leaders can make more informed decisions while building greater trust with their communities. She closes with a simple but powerful reminder that stronger schools are built by empowering people first, creating cultures where educators are encouraged to innovate, collaborate, and grow together. 2026 Pulse Report: https://www.powerschool.com/pulse-b2s-2026/ Key Moments 00:22 The mission behind Project Tomorrow 03:18 How the Speak Up Research Project has evolved 06:33 What students and teachers consistently value 12:32 Why durable skills matter in the age of AI 18:54 The partnership behind EdTech Pulse 26:45 District challenges that keep leaders up at night 30:29 Why data and connected systems are top priorities 33:13 Measuring technology effectiveness beyond screen time 41:24 Introducing the Stronger School Index 50:09 Why empowering people builds stronger schools Connect with Dr. Julie Evans | Chief Executive Officer, Project Tomorrow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjulieevans Organization: https://www.tomorrow.org/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/ If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

  5. 18 Aug

    AI, Equity, and Future of Learning: Navigating Change in Education with Chris Cromwell

    In this episode of Stronger School, host Jesse Roy welcomes Chris Cromwell, Instructional Technology Coordinator for West Chester Area School District, for a thoughtful conversation about why this is one of the most exciting and transformative moments in education. Drawing on his experience as both a classroom teacher and instructional technology leader, Chris shares how bridging the gap between teaching and technology has shaped his approach to supporting educators, fostering innovation, and keeping students at the center of every decision. Throughout the discussion, Chris explores how AI, personalization, and educational technology are creating new opportunities while challenging educators to rethink traditional classroom practices. He explains why today's conversations around technology should focus less on fear and more on intentional implementation, helping schools balance innovation with reflection. The conversation also highlights West Chester's work to redefine its Portrait of a Graduate through broad community engagement, ensuring students, families, educators, and district leaders all have a voice in shaping the skills and experiences that matter most for the future. Chris also reflects on the importance of collaboration across technology, curriculum, and district leadership, emphasizing that there are rarely simple solutions to complex educational challenges. Instead, he encourages leaders to step back, learn from past experiences, and bring diverse perspectives into decision-making before implementing change. He closes with a reminder that stronger schools are built when leaders remain reflective, embrace collaboration, and align every technology decision with meaningful learning outcomes for students. Key Moments 00:22 Bridging the gap between teaching and technology 02:53 Why this is an exciting time for education 04:33 Learning from past technology shifts 07:12 Keeping students at the center of innovation 08:53 Redefining the Portrait of a Graduate 10:23 Listening to community and student voices 11:40 The value of learning alongside peers at ISTE 14:01 Why there is no AI silver bullet 15:17 Finding balance in purposeful technology use 17:08 Rethinking district technology ecosystems 19:22 Advice for leaders navigating educational change Connect with Chris Cromwell | Instructional Technology Coordinator, West Chester Area School District LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-cromwell-667759295 District: https://www.wcasd.net/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/ If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

  6. 11 Aug

    Innovation Beyond the Classroom: Expanding Opportunity for Every Student

    In this episode of Stronger School, hosts Jesse Roy and Steven Anderson welcome Dr. Karen Cheser, Superintendent of Durango School District 9-R in Colorado, for a conversation about leading innovation in a rural district while ensuring every student has access to meaningful opportunities. Drawing on her experience serving geographically diverse communities, Dr. Cheser shares how her district is preparing students for the future by focusing on equity, career-connected learning, and a shared vision that extends far beyond the classroom. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Cheser explains how initiatives like the district's Portrait of a Graduate, strategic planning, and an innovative mobile STEAM learning lab are helping bridge opportunity gaps for students in remote communities. She also explores the evolving role of educational technology, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing productive learning tools from passive screen time. The conversation dives into AI implementation, highlighting why districts should focus on responsible use, teacher support, digital citizenship, and ensuring every student develops the skills needed for an increasingly technology-driven future. Dr. Cheser also offers practical advice for district leaders navigating rapid change, encouraging them to create a shared vision with students, educators, and the broader community before aligning every instructional decision, professional learning opportunity, and resource around that common purpose. Rather than treating innovation as a collection of disconnected initiatives, she advocates for making the district's vision the guiding force behind every decision. She closes with a powerful reminder that stronger schools are built when leaders make intentional promises to students and consistently deliver on them. Key Moments 00:32 Creating opportunity in a rural school district 02:59 Why ISTE continues to inspire innovation 05:22 Rethinking technology beyond screen time 07:53 The moral imperative of digital access 09:42 Building AI guidelines instead of banning AI 12:16 Supporting learners through AI 13:39 Training teachers for responsible AI use 14:44 Why strategic AI implementation matters 15:50 AI as a thought partner for educators 16:53 Creating a shared vision for every student 17:44 Turning a Portrait of a Graduate into action Connect with Dr. Karen Cheser | Superintendent, Durango School District LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karencheser District: https://www.durangoschools.org/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/ If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

  7. 5 Aug

    Creating Classrooms by Trusting Teachers and Inspiring Curiosity

    In this episode of Stronger School, host Trip Kucera sits down with Dr. Cecelia Gillam, Science Teacher at Benjamin Franklin Senior High School in New Orleans, to explore how trust, curiosity, and innovation can transform teaching and learning. Drawing on more than two decades in the classroom, Dr. Gillam shares her unconventional path into education and explains why empowering teachers is one of the most important investments school leaders can make. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Gillam discusses why schools must move beyond treating teachers and students as data points and instead create environments where educators are trusted to teach creatively and authentically. She explains how personalized learning, project-based instruction, and the Modern Classroom Project have reshaped her classroom, leading to stronger student engagement and measurable academic growth. The discussion also explores the responsible use of AI in education, highlighting why students should be taught to think critically about AI-generated content, identify misinformation, and use emerging technologies as tools for learning rather than shortcuts. Dr. Gillam also shares practical advice for school and district leaders, emphasizing that lasting improvement begins with supportive leadership, ongoing professional learning, and authentic collaboration with teachers. Rather than relying on punitive accountability systems, she encourages leaders to build trust, seek regular feedback from educators and students, and create opportunities for hands-on, curiosity-driven learning. She closes with a simple but powerful reminder: stronger schools are built when leaders trust their people and give them the support they need to help students thrive. Key Moments 03:09 Why trusting teachers improves retention 05:52 Meeting today's learners through active learning 07:42 How personalized learning transformed the classroom 10:38 Inspiring curiosity instead of chasing scores 13:19 Teaching students to use AI responsibly 15:23 Helping students identify deepfakes and misinformation 19:00 How students are embracing AI more thoughtfully 22:24 Building teacher trust through ongoing support 25:08 Bringing classroom voices into school decisions 26:17 Expanding hands-on science opportunities 28:40 Why stronger schools begin with trusting teachers Connect with Dr. Cecelia Gillam | Science Teacher, Benjamin Franklin Senior High School LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecelia-gillam Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/ If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

  8. 27 Jul

    Building Stronger Schools Through Purposeful Innovation with Jean-Claude Brizard

    In the first episode of Stronger School, host Jesse Roy welcomes Jean-Claude Brizard, President and CEO of Digital Promise, for a thought-provoking conversation about what it truly takes to build stronger schools in today's rapidly evolving education landscape. Drawing on his experience as a former superintendent and leader of one of the nation's foremost education innovation organizations, Jean-Claude shares why meaningful transformation is about much more than adopting new technology. Throughout the conversation, Jean-Claude explains how Digital Promise works at the intersection of research, innovation, and implementation to help school systems solve complex challenges. He discusses why education technology companies must move beyond being vendors and become true partners, collaborating with districts to design solutions that fit the realities of classrooms, educators, and students. The discussion also explores how connected data systems can help leaders address persistent challenges like chronic absenteeism, improve decision-making, and create more equitable outcomes for students. Jean-Claude also highlights inspiring examples from Digital Promise's League of Innovative Schools, where districts across the country are reimagining teaching, learning, and community engagement. From student-led demonstrations of Portrait of a Graduate initiatives to districtwide approaches for developing computational thinking, he illustrates how sustainable innovation happens when educators, students, and communities share ownership of change. Key Moments 01:39 How Digital Promise drives education innovation 03:14 Why vendors must become true district partners 05:09 Using connected data to solve chronic absenteeism 07:03 Moving beyond procedural learning with AI 08:06 Inside the League of Innovative Schools 11:00 District examples of successful change management 12:41 Building community ownership through Portrait of a Graduate 14:03 Why school leaders must become community organizers 16:06 Separating meaningful learning technology from screen time 16:53 Keeping humans at the center of AI 18:40 How curriculum and pedagogy must evolve alongside AI 19:21 The leadership mindset behind stronger schools Connect with Jean-Claude Brizard | President & CEO, Digital Promise LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-claude-brizard-0080a810  Website: https://digitalpromise.org/  Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/  If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

  9. 27 Jun

    Introducing Stronger School

    The Stronger School Podcast by PowerSchool is a weekly podcast for K-12 district cabinet leaders and senior education decision-makers. Each episode features practical conversations about how education leaders are building stronger schools through the effective use of technology, along with perspectives from industry, technology, and policy leaders shaping K-12 education, focusing on improving family engagement, strengthening student outcomes, and streamlining operations. The Stronger School is a podcast for real voices in K-12.

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About

The Stronger School Podcast by PowerSchool is a weekly podcast for K-12 district cabinet leaders and senior education decision-makers. Each episode features practical conversations about how education leaders are building stronger schools through the effective use of technology, along with perspectives from industry, technology, and policy leaders shaping K-12 education, focusing on improving family engagement, strengthening student outcomes, and streamlining operations. The Stronger School is a podcast for real voices in K-12.

Information

  • Creator
    PowerSchool
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 PowerSchool
  • Show Website
    Stronger School