AASA Radio- The School Superintendents Association

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AASA Radio brings you school leaders who are fulfilling the promise of public education, every day in their communities. From AASA, The School Superintendents Association, these conversations cover what education leaders are doing to prepare every child for college, career, and real life in the real world. Our students only get one chance at a K-12 education and these quick, informative episodes will help administrators lead with purpose—creating schools where joy, belonging, and learning thrive to ensure children succeed now and in the future.

  1. 1d ago

    E-Rate Cuts on the Agenda: What School and Community Leaders Must Do to Keep Critical Internet Access

    The E-Rate program is under review for potential cuts or elimination. For schools that rely on the program for discounted Internet access, losing E-Rate would disrupt instructional tools and assets, as well as critical administrative and special-needs support. The impact is compounded in rural and remote areas and could significantly affect educational equity and opportunity. This episode features superintendents and education leaders and emphasizes the importance of advocacy and community action to protect these vital resources. Related Resources: E-Rate Advocacy Tools | Save Our E-Rate Dr. Stacy Hawthorne, Executive Director at the EdTech Leaders Alliance and CAO at Learn21, has a distinguished career in educational technology. Stacy serves as the Chair of the CoSN Board of Directors. She led the Davidson Academy Online as Director of Online Learning, and has consulted for digital learning program development across the U.S. Stacy holds a Doctorate in Educational Technology, Master's in Educational Administration, and a Bachelor's in Business Administration. She possesses CETL and CCRE certifications and holds teaching and administration licenses in Nevada. Stacy is an active member of several CoSN committees, an ISTE Community Leader, 2024 ISTE 20 to Watch awardee, and serves on several editorial and advisory boards related to digital learning. David Thurston is the Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Information Services for the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, where he oversees Technical Services, Technology JPA, and the Digital Learning Services departments. David's team serves over 40 school districts and three county offices of education, supporting the educational and operations efforts of staff serving more than 400,000 students. He has 29 years of experience in K-12 IT, technical, and EdTech leadership in California. He is a California IT in Education (CITE) Certified Chief Technology Officer (CCTO). He is the Past President of the CITE board of directors and a significant contributor to CITE's AI and cybersecurity content. He has worked closely with the Center for Internet Security and MS-ISAC, presenting on the CIS Controls and helping to document and educate K12 IT leaders about novel cybersecurity threats facing school districts. Patrick Mayer is currently Superintendent of Alaska Gateway School District (AGSD) in Tok, Alaska. Before that he led the Glide School District located in Glide, Oregon, and prior to Glide Glide, he served as superintendent for the Aleutians East Borough School District, the Yakutat School District, and Wrangell Public Schools. Superintendent Mayer first moved to Alaska in 1982 to take a position at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Palmer Research Center. He began his K-12 teaching career in 1997 and became a principal in 2001, eventually leading schools at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. He holds a B.S. from Washington State University, an A.A.S. from Matanuska-Susitna Community College, a B.A. from the University of Alaska Anchorage, an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Eastern Washington University, a School Business Certification from the University of Southern California, and a Superintendent's Endorsement from Montana State University. Superintendent Mayer is a past President of both the Alaska Superintendent's Association (ASA) and the Alaska Council of School Administrator's (ACSA). He has also served on the boards of the Alaska Elementary Principals Association and the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals and was named the 2013 Region VI Secondary Principal of the Year.

  2. Jul 17

    The Public Education Promise Principle 5: Measuring What Matters

    In this episode, education leaders from across the country discuss the importance of measuring what truly matters in student success, focusing on broader indicators beyond traditional metrics. They explore innovative approaches to community engagement, policy integration, and practical implementation of these principles to prepare students for real life and engaged citizenship. Follow on X: @AASAHQ | @larawadem | @Jonharper70bd | @BAMRadioNetwork Related Resources: The Public Education Promise Dr. Kristine Gilmore is a respected national leader in public education and serves as the Chief Leadership and Learning Officer at AASA, The School Superintendents Association. In this role, she guides the organization’s work to strengthen leadership development, expand professional learning, and support superintendents across the country. Her efforts include shaping national programming for AASA’s Center of Leadership and Learning, building partnerships that enhance member services, and mentoring leaders who are preparing for or advancing within district-level roles. She collaborates with executive directors, thought partners, and education organizations to elevate effective practices, create learning experiences that reflect the needs of today’s schools, and champion the development of strong and diverse leadership pipelines. Dr. Michael J. Barnes is a passionate educator, experienced superintendent, and thought leader committed to transforming education through instructional leadership, innovation, and community engagement. With more than 30 years of experience in public education, Dr. Barnes has dedicated his career to helping students succeed by empowering teachers, fostering inclusive learning environments, and implementing forward-thinking strategies that drive academic and organizational excellence. Currently serving as the Superintendent of Mayfield City Schools, where he began his educational journey as a social studies teacher. Dr. Josh Swanson began his duties as superintendent of Eden Prairie Schools on August 21, 2017. Dr. Swanson has been a key member of district leadership since joining the district in October of 2012. As executive director of technology, his expertise and leadership was instrumental in the development and rollout of the district’s i-Learn initiative. As assistant superintendent, he assumed the role of key academic advisor to the superintendent. Prior to his tenure in Eden Prairie Schools, Dr. Swanson served as a paraprofessional, teacher, coach, middle school athletic director, assistant principal, consultant, student support services administrator, director of technology and information services.

  3. Apr 20

    The Public Education Promise Principle 4: Building Family, Community, and Business Partnerships

    In today’s educational landscape, the role of family and community partnerships in student success cannot be overstated. Many schools struggle with establishing trust and collaboration with families and community members, but the benefits of doing so are immense. In this post, we will explore the significance of building highly engaged family, community, and business partnerships and share actionable insights from education leaders Ann Levett and Carol Birks. Dr. M. Ann Levett, is Senior Vice President, Leadership Network, AASA, The School Superintendents Association. Ann is a Savannah native and proud product of its public schools, was appointed superintendent of Savannah Chatham County Public Schools (SCCPSS) effective June 1, 2017, after serving as the deputy superintendent and the chief academic officer of the district. Immediately prior to returning to SCCPSS, she served as dean of the school of education at Middle Georgia State College. Prior to her tenure at Middle Georgia State College, Levett served as executive director of the School Development Program (SDP), a national school reform program at Yale University School of Medicine. In addition to coordinating SDP’s school-university partnerships across the U.S. and its territories, Levett led reform efforts in Dublin, Ireland, and Rennes, France. She also consulted on significant community development projects in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and several major U.S. cities. Dr. Carol D. Birks is a catalytic and transformational educational thought leader with extensive experience in organizational leadership, community engagement and empowerment, executive coaching and change management. The leadership practices she implements are designed to enhance the systems, structures, and practices within organizations to accelerate academic progress and promote systems thinking. Dr. Birks began her career as a teacher, quickly growing her administrative capacity by serving as a school, district, and state leader. These roles include Teacher, Assistant Principal & Principal for Bridgeport Public Schools, Assistant Superintendent, and Chief of Staff for Hartford Public Schools, and Superintendent of Schools for New Haven Public Schools, and Chester Upland School District. Currently, Dr. Birks is the Superintendent for the Allentown School District located in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

  4. Mar 17

    The Public Education Promise Principle 3: Attracting, Hiring, Retaining, and Rewarding the Best People

    This panel discussion explores how public education is evolving through AASA’s Public Education Promise initiative, focusing on attracting, hiring, retaining, and rewarding top educational talent. Leaders from diverse districts share strategies, success stories, and resources to support school leaders nationwide. Follow on X: @AASAHQ | @larawadem | @Jonharper70bd | @BAMRadioNetwork Related Resources: The Public Education Promise Dr. Kristine Gilmore is a respected national leader in public education and serves as the Chief Leadership and Learning Officer at AASA, The School Superintendents Association. In this role, she guides the organization’s work to strengthen leadership development, expand professional learning, and support superintendents across the country. Her efforts include shaping national programming for AASA’s Center of Leadership and Learning, building partnerships that enhance member services, and mentoring leaders who are preparing for or advancing within district-level roles. She collaborates with executive directors, thought partners, and education organizations to elevate effective practices, create learning experiences that reflect the needs of today’s schools, and champion the development of strong and diverse leadership pipelines. Heidi Sipe has served as the Superintendent of the Umatilla School District since 2007. Born and raised in Eastern Washington, she began her work in Eastern Oregon in 2000 and developed a deep passion for rural education, especially for students of poverty and emerging bilingual students. Sipe is committed to After-School and STEAM programming to help students gain access to new ideas and develop interests in their communities, and beyond. Sipe previously chaired the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission, served on the Oregon Taskforce on School Funding, was a founding councilor of the Oregon Educator Advancement Council and served two terms as Superintendent Advisor to the State Board of Education. She is currently on the Executive Committee for AASA, the national School Superintendents Association and served on the AASA Governance Committee for two terms. Dr. W. Burke Royster became the 10th Superintendent of Greenville County Schools, the 42nd largest district in the nation, in 2012. His tenure as Superintendent has been marked by significant advances in student achievement, with a particular focus on improving the District’s graduation rate and ensuring that students are college- and career-ready. In a nod to the progress achieved under his direction, Dr. Royster has been named an Education Week “Leader to Learn From,” was selected as the South Carolina Association of School Administrators’ 2018 Superintendent of the Year, and in 2023 was named to Greenville Business Magazine’s “50 Most Influential” Hall of Fame. He serves on the Governing Board of AASA, The School Superintendents’ Association, and is an active member of the Large Countywide and Suburban District Consortium, having served as its chair.

  5. Jan 5

    Mic Drop 2025: Reflecting on How School Superintendents United To Lead During Divisive Times

    This year-end review of the school superintendent association captures a pivotal year in which school leaders came together for extensive strategy conversations to define a clear path forward. Across these episodes, leaders reflect on navigating divisive times, responding to the pandemic’s lasting impact, and rising above personal biases to lead with purpose. The discussions emphasize listening deeply to families and students, prioritizing well-being as the foundation for learning, and rebuilding trust through transparency and action. Together, these strategic reflections reveal how leaders are shifting toward student-centered learning and real-world skills—moving from crisis response to intentional planning. @larawadem | @Karen Cheser @Jonharper70bd | @BAMRadioNetwork

  6. 12/16/2025

    The Public Education Promise Principle-2: Real Skills for Real Life

    This conversation explores the AASA’s Public Education Promise, focusing on the need for real skills in education that prepare students for the future. The discussion highlights the importance of community engagement, the role of workforce partnerships, and the shift from traditional academic assessments to skills-based learning. The speakers emphasize the need for educators to foster critical thinking, adaptability, and collaboration among students, ensuring they are prepared for careers that may not yet exist. Follow on X: @ValerieTruesdal| @larawadem | @Karen Cheser @Jonharper70bd | @BAMRadioNetwork Dr. Brian Troop became Superintendent of the Ephrata Area School District in July 2013. He served the District as Assistant Superintendent from January 2011 through June 2013. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Millersville University, a Master of Science Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Memphis, and a Doctorate in Educational Administration from Immaculata University. Additionally, he has earned his National Superintendent Certification from the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). He serves on the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA) and is a member of its Innovative Teaching and Learning Committee. At the national level, he serves as the Lead Teacher for the East Coast Cohort of the AASA National Superintendent Certification Academy. He is also on the Board of the EdLeader21 Network Advisory Committee. Finally, Dr. Troop received the recognition of PASA 2023 Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year. John Malloy, Ed.D. is Senior Vice President, Leadership Network, AASA, The School Superintendents Association. John came to AASA after serving as superintendent of San Ramon Valley Unified School District (Calif.) for 4 years and prior to that, as the Director of Education (superintendent) at the Toronto District School Board in Toronto. John has an extensive background in education at all levels and is a fierce advocate for an equitable, accessible, quality public education. John has taken his vision for learning and student engagement to new heights in SRVUSD. He led the District to adopt their Strategic Directions, which now guide the definition of student success built upon the existing foundation of academic excellence. John prioritizes student voice, ensuring that students have space to share their stories and insights, and that all of the district’s work is guided by the experience and expertise of students, staff, parents/caregivers and the wider community. Developing leaders at every level of the organization is John’s passion and priority. David Law is the superintendent of Minnetonka Public Schools, one of the top school districts in Minnesota. Law earned a BA from Hamline University with a major in mathematics and a minor in education. His teaching career includes experiences in California and Minnesota at the middle school and high school level. In 1998, he began his administrative career. Law completed his K-12 principal and superintendent license at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and earned his Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 2010, he was named assistant superintendent for White Bear Lake Area Schools.

  7. 11/11/2025

    ​The Public Education Promise Principle-1: How Do We Prioritize Student Centered Learning?

    In this discussion, we focus on the first principle of the Public Education Promise: Prioritizing student-centered learning. The conversation explores the shift from traditional teacher-led instruction to more engaging, project-based learning approaches that emphasize real-world applications and student involvement.The conversation also covers the AASA messaging guide created to help school leaders explain the Public Education Promise to key stakeholders. Follow on X: @ValerieTruesdal| @larawadem | @Karen Cheser @Jonharper70bd | @BAMRadioNetwork Karen Cheser, Ed.D., is the 2025 CoSN/AASA Digital Ed Superintendent of the Year, Superintendent of the Durango School District in Durango, CO and was previously superintendent of Fort Thomas Independent Schools and Deputy Superintendent/ CAO of Boone County Schools, in Kentucky. Before working in education as a teacher, coach, literacy and math specialist, and principal. Cheser was a Distinguished Educator and district administrator. Valerie Truesdale joined AASA’s LN team in 2019 as assistant executive director responsible for guiding professional learning and leadership development. With years of experience in the superintendency and roles in instructional technology, she knows that professional learning through AASA’s Leadership Network can be a premier resource for school leaders to keep pace with the rapidly changing K-12 education ecosystem. David Law is the superintendent of Minnetonka Public Schools, one of the top school districts in Minnesota. Law earned a BA from Hamline University with a major in mathematics and a minor in education. His teaching career includes experiences in California and Minnesota at the middle school and high school level. In 1998, he began his administrative career. Law completed his K-12 principal and superintendent license at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and earned his Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 2010, he was named assistant superintendent for White Bear Lake Area Schools.

  8. 09/09/2025

    AASA Introduces an Action Framework to Help School Superintendents Support Effective Public Education

    This conversation explores AASA’s Public Education Promise, a framework designed to guide education leaders in navigating the complexities of modern public education. The discussion highlights the importance of student-centered learning, real-life skills, teacher retention, community partnerships, and measuring success beyond traditional metrics. Education leaders share insights on how they are implementing these principles in their respective districts, emphasizing the need for collaboration and innovation in the face of challenges. Follow on X: @Supt_Balderas | @drgoffney | @larawadem | @Jonharper70bd | @BAMRadioNetwork Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney is the Superintendent of Schools for the Aldine Independent School District in Houston, Texas. Since taking the helm in July 2018, she has dedicated herself to the district’s over 60,000 students and nearly 9,000 employees, as well as the entire Aldine community. She began her career as a teacher at Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD in 1999 before eventually leading COCISD as superintendent from 2008 to 2013. In 2013, she was named Superintendent of Lufkin ISD. Dr. Goffney is the AASA president-elect. David Law is the superintendent of Minnetonka Public Schools, one of the top school districts in Minnesota. Law earned a BA from Hamline University with a major in mathematics and a minor in education. His teaching career includes experiences in California and Minnesota at the middle school and high school level. In 1998, he began his administrative career. Law completed his K-12 principal and superintendent license at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and earned his Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 2010, he was named assistant superintendent for White Bear Lake Area Schools. Dr. Gustavo Balderas is President of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents and President of AASA.Balderas has been and is involved in numerous state, regional, and national organizations and committees, including having served on the Oregon State Board of Education as a superintendent liaison, the AASA Executive Committee, Chiefs for Change Board, is a co-founder and inaugural president of the Oregon Association of Latino Administrators. Dr. Balderas is also a volunteer consulting superintendent for the Educational Research and Development Institute, Suburban School Superintendents, and the Institute for Educational Innovation national organizations.

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AASA Radio brings you school leaders who are fulfilling the promise of public education, every day in their communities. From AASA, The School Superintendents Association, these conversations cover what education leaders are doing to prepare every child for college, career, and real life in the real world. Our students only get one chance at a K-12 education and these quick, informative episodes will help administrators lead with purpose—creating schools where joy, belonging, and learning thrive to ensure children succeed now and in the future.

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