Leaders Learning From Leaders

A Conversation with Dr. George Fiore, Executive Director, Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) in Pennsylvania

About Dr. George Fiore  
Dr. George F. Fiore is a veteran educational leader with over 25 years of experience. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Chester County Intermediate Unit in Downingtown, PA, a position he has held since 2019. 
Dr. Fiore's diverse career includes roles as a teacher, dean of students, principal, district superintendent, and the founding headmaster of the highly-regarded Downingtown STEM Academy. He has also been an adjunct professor at Kutztown University, Cabrini College, and Wilkes University, supporting doctoral and educational leadership programs. 
Beyond his administrative work, Dr. Fiore is a strong advocate for public education. He is the President of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA), serves on the board of directors for the Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units, and is the President of the Children's Fund of Chester County.  He also chairs the Workforce Development Committee as a board member of the Chester County Economic Development Council.  
Dr. Fiore's academic credentials include a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University, a master's degree from Wilkes University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from Kutztown University. He has earned the AASA National Superintendent Certification and holds other leadership certifications. 
Dr. Fiore's expertise extends to publications on educational leadership, with articles featured in the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators' publications and contributions to local newspapers and academic journals. He is deeply committed to community service through his involvement in various boards and organizations. 
Dr. Fiore resides in Pennsylvania with his wife and three school-aged children. 
Podcast Summary: 
In this episode of the Leaders Learning from Leaders podcast, Dr. George Fiore, the Executive Director of the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) in Pennsylvania and the President of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA), shares insights into the role of intermediate units in Pennsylvania's education system and the challenges and opportunities facing school leaders. 
Dr. Fiore discusses the evolution of Intermediate Units in Pennsylvania, which provide various services to school districts, including special education, virtual learning, executive searches, and technical college high schools. He emphasizes the importance of being proactive in addressing challenges such as the politicization of education, mental health issues, and the recruitment of quality teachers. 
As a lead learner, Dr. Fiore emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in education, particularly in leveraging emerging technologies like AI to improve efficiency and effectiveness. He discusses the role of current superintendents in mentoring and developing future leaders to ensure the profession's sustainability. 
Topics Covered: 
Introduction to Intermediate Units: Dr. Fiore explains the role of intermediate units in Pennsylvania's education system, including the range of services they provide to school districts. 
Challenges Facing School Leaders: Dr. Fiore highlights key challenges such as the politicization of education, mental health issues among students and staff, and the recruitment of quality teachers. 
Role of Superintendents: Dr. Fiore discusses the importance of superintendents as lead learners and mentors in developing future leaders and addressing emerging challenges in education. 
Leveraging AI in Education: Dr. Fiore explores the potential of AI to enhance teaching and learning experiences, improve efficiency, and address complex educational issues. 
Developing Future Leaders: Dr. Fiore emphasizes the responsibility of current school leaders to mentor and develop future leaders to ensure the sustainability of the education profession. 
Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of education leadership and the strategies needed to navigate challenges and embrace opportunities for innovation and improvement. 
Dr. Fiore welcomes education leaders to reach him directly via email at georgef@cciu.org.

A Conversation with Dr. Sherri Smith, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators

About Dr. Sherri Smith
Dr. Sherri Smith is the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA). Before her time at PASA, she served as Deputy Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education for the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Prior to providing leadership at the state level, Dr. Smith led the Lower Dauphin School District for 14 years as superintendent. In addition, Dr. Smith served as PASA President in 2014-15 and as a member of the Board of Governors. Dr. Smith received the Leadership in Public Education Award in 2017, one of the PASA Awards of Achievement.
Overview:
In this Leaders Learning from Leaders episode, host Steve Barkley interviews Dr. Sherri Smith, the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA). Dr. Sherri Smith discusses the organization's mission, goals, and the challenges and opportunities facing school leaders in Pennsylvania. PASA, a nonprofit organization, supports and cultivates school leaders across the Commonwealth, focusing on superintendents, assistant superintendents, central office administrators, and aspiring leaders. The organization advocates for quality education with legislators, provides professional development through webinars, conferences, and workshops, communicates statewide and federal education updates, and fosters networking among school leaders.
Podcast Summary:
Dr. Smith emphasizes the challenges facing superintendents, including building effective leadership teams, navigating increased politicization at the local school board level, addressing mental health and aggression among students, and managing teacher workforce shortages and burnout. Despite these challenges, she sees opportunities for innovation and creativity in education, advocating for outcome-focused policies over procedures and promoting collaboration among educators to meet the evolving needs of students.
Reflecting on her experience as a former superintendent and deputy secretary of elementary and secondary education, Dr. Smith underscores the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and community engagement in education leadership. She encourages aspiring leaders to lean on support networks, seek mentorship, and embrace the opportunity to make a positive impact on students and society.
Topics Included in the Episode:
Mission and Goals of PASA: Dr. Smith explains PASA's mission to support and cultivate school leaders in Pennsylvania through advocacy, professional development, communication, and networking.
Challenges Facing Superintendents: The discussion highlights challenges such as building effective leadership teams, navigating politicization at the local level, addressing student mental health and aggression, and managing teacher workforce shortages and burnout.
Opportunities for Innovation: Dr. Smith identifies opportunities for innovation and creativity in education, emphasizing the importance of outcome-focused policies, collaboration, and community engagement.
Insights from State-Level Experience: Drawing from her experience at the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Dr. Smith shares insights on advocacy, collaboration, and the importance of networking in education leadership.
Encouragement for Aspiring Leaders: Dr. Smith encourages aspiring leaders to seek support, embrace challenges, and make a positive impact on students and society.
You can reach Dr. Smith directly via email ssmith@pasa.net.

A Conversation with Dr. Gladys Cruz District Superintendent/CEO, Questar III Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES)

About Dr. Gladys Cruz
Dr. Gladys I. Cruz is the 2023 President of The School Superintendents Association (AASA) while maintaining a dual leadership role as the District Superintendent (DS) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Questar III Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES).  As the District Superintendent, Dr. Cruz represents the NYS Commissioner of Education and is responsible for providing strong leadership within the supervisory district and bringing local school district concerns to the attention of state leaders. As the CEO, Dr. Cruz leads the organization in developing, implementing, and providing programs and services at the request of the component districts and serving districts across New York State. Questar III BOCES is located about eight miles outside of Albany, NY.
Overview:
In this episode of Leaders Learning from Leaders, host Steve Barkley interviews Dr. Gladys Cruz, the District Superintendent and CEO of Questar III BOCES in New York State and the current president of AASA (The School Superintendents Association). Dr. Cruz discusses her dual role as the district superintendent of BOCES and the commissioner's representative in the field, highlighting superintendents' collaborative efforts to address education challenges. She emphasizes the importance of collective wisdom and collaboration in finding solutions.
Podcast Summary:
Dr. Cruz identifies key challenges facing school leaders, including funding issues post-pandemic, the transition to electric buses, and a shortage of educators. She stresses the need for a comprehensive redesign and rethinking of educational systems to meet the evolving needs of students and the world.
The discussion touches on Dr. Cruz's interest in technology and education, encouraging leaders to embrace AI and incorporate it into educational systems. She emphasizes the role of educators in teaching students to discern reliable sources and become critical thinkers.
Addressing the shortage of superintendents, Dr. Cruz calls for current leaders to mentor and support the next generation, particularly encouraging diversity in leadership roles. In closing, she expresses gratitude to those in superintendent roles, acknowledging the challenges they face and encouraging them to connect with others in the field.
Key Themes:
Collaboration and Collective Wisdom: Dr. Cruz highlights the importance of leaders coming together to address challenges while emphasizing the power of collective wisdom collaboratively.
Challenges in Education: Funding issues, the transition to electric buses, educator shortages, and the need for system redesign are key challenges facing school leaders.
Embracing Technology: Dr. Cruz advocates for integrating AI in education, urging leaders to embrace technology and teach students to use it effectively and ethically.
Mentorship and Diversity: The importance of mentorship in leadership roles and the need to encourage diversity, particularly in superintendent positions, are emphasized.
Appreciation for Superintendents: Dr. Cruz expresses gratitude to those in superintendent roles, acknowledging the significance of their contributions and encouraging continued collaboration.
Dr. Cruz's passion for collaboration, transformative thinking, and technology integration in education shines through in the podcast. Her emphasis on mentorship and building a diverse leadership pipeline reflects a commitment to the future of education.
You can follow Dr. Cruz on X @GladysICruz or contact her directly via email gcruz@questar.org

A Conversation with Dr. Charles Dedrick and Jacinda Hall Conboy, Esq. of the New York State Council of School Superintendents

About Dr. Charles Dedrick
Dr. Charles Dedrick, currently serving as the Executive Director at the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS), possesses a wealth of experience in education leadership. With over seven years in his current role, Chuck oversees the NYSCOSS’ operations, governance, and policy matters. He offers professional guidance, regional presentations, and fosters engagement with NYSCOSS. His career spans leadership roles as District Superintendent at Capital Region BOCES, Superintendent of Schools in Cohoes City School District, and Green Island School District. Chuck holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from The Sage Colleges-Sage Graduate School, along with several master's degrees and a bachelor's in Political Science from Excelsior University.
About Jacinda Hall Conboy, Esq. 
Jacinda Hall Conboy, Esq., known as "Jazz," is the dedicated General Counsel at the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS), serving in this role for over a decade. A proud graduate of Albany Law School of Union University, she expertly handles negotiations of superintendents' contracts and provides invaluable legal counsel. Jazz's commitment to education law extends to educating NYSCOSS members through her engaging legal seminars. She is the driving force behind the Council's Women's Initiative in New York, empowering women in leadership roles. Jazz's influence transcends borders as she leads workshops and discussions both statewide and nationally. Her outstanding contributions earned her the prestigious 2020 "Friend of AASA" award from the national superintendent's association, AASA, recognizing her exceptional dedication to advancing public education. Jazz remains an unwavering advocate for superintendents and a fervent champion for women in leadership.
Overview:
In this episode of Leaders Learning from Leaders, host Steve Barkley welcomes Dr. Charles Dedrick and Jacinda Conboy, Esq. from the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS). Chuck Dedrick serves as the Executive Director and Jazz Conboy is the General Counsel of NYSCOSS. The episode delves into their roles at the Council and their dedication to advocating for the success of children and communities served by their members.
Key Topics Discussed in the Episode:
Advocacy for Children: Chuck Dedrick emphasizes the Council's primary mission to support its members in their service to children and communities through advocacy. NYSCOSS is recognized as a respected advocate for education in New York State, known for its unwavering commitment to children's success.
Supporting Superintendents: Chuck and Jazz discuss their roles in supporting superintendents by providing professional development, mentorship, and guidance on leadership issues, including gender equity and women in leadership.
Educating the Public: The discussion touches on the importance of superintendents' role in educating their local communities and NYSCOSS’ focus on helping superintendents become effective communicators to address diverse needs across the state.
Recruitment Challenges: Chuck and Jazz highlight the recruitment challenges facing the superintendency positions, including the lack of candidates, especially in roles like school psychologists and mental health professionals, which is exacerbated by the post-COVID mental health crisis.
Succession Planning: The podcast explores how current superintendents can play a crucial role in mentoring and identifying the next generation of leaders, emphasizing the importance of diversity and opening doors for underrepresented groups.
Changing Leadership Perspectives: Chuck and Jazz discuss the need to broaden leadership perspectives and encourage leaders to see potential in people who may differ from them in various ways.
Diversity and Team Performance: The podcast concludes with a focus on the benefits of diversity in leadership teams and the importance of collaboration among superintendents to address challenges collectively.
The episode concludes with Chuck and Jazz sharing the website for NYSCOSS (nyscoss.org) for further information and resources. They expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to discuss their work and emphasized the significance of supporting superintendents in their mission to provide the best education for children.

A Conversation with Dr. Luvelle Brown

About Dr. Luvelle Brown
Dr. Luvelle Brown is a highly accomplished educator with a diverse background in various educational roles. He currently serves as the Superintendent of the Ithaca City School District (ICSD) in Ithaca, New York, where he has overseen remarkable achievements during his tenure. Recognized as the 2017 New York State Superintendent of the Year, Luvelle Brown has received numerous accolades for his contributions to education.
Among his many honors, Dr. Brown was acknowledged by TrustED as one of the nation's foremost educators and thought leaders. In 2022, he was honored with the prestigious Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award. His recognition extends to the National School Boards Association, which named him a "20-to-Watch" and a "Difference Maker." Dr. Brown has also been honored with awards such as the Center for Digital Education Top 30 Award and the eSchool News Tech-Savvy Superintendent Award in 2014. His innovative leadership earned him a place among the nation's top 100 Innovative Superintendents, and he was invited to speak at President Barack Obama's 1st National Superintendent Summit at the White House.
Apart from his educational roles, Luvelle Brown serves as an adjunct faculty member at SUNY Cortland and St. John Fisher College in New York. He is actively engaged in his community, having been recognized as the Tompkins County Distinguished Citizen in spring 2019. His community involvement includes serving as a term trustee at Ithaca College, a member of the Tompkins County Area Development Board, and a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He also co-founded the nationally acclaimed 100 Black Men of Central Virginia.
Overview:
In this episode of Leaders Learning from Leaders, host Steve Barkley interviews Dr. Luvelle Brown, the superintendent of Ithaca School District in New York State and author of "Culture of Love: Cultivating a Positive and Transformational Organizational Culture." Dr. Brown is a nationally recognized speaker and consultant with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education.
The episode begins with an introduction of the guest, Dr. Luvelle Brown, who shares his background and passion for creating a more inclusive and loving educational environment. He highlights the unique characteristics of Ithaca, New York, a diverse and vibrant town known for its educational institutions.
Key Topics Discussed in the Episode:
Ithaca School District's Success: Dr. Brown discusses the significant improvements and successes achieved during his tenure as the superintendent of Ithaca School District. These include a rise in the graduation rate, elimination of achievement gaps, increased participation in extracurricular activities, and recognition for diverse enrollment in high-level academic courses.
Sense of Urgency: Dr. Brown emphasizes the importance of leaders feeling a sense of urgency when it comes to meeting the needs of young people. He describes how this sense of urgency has driven positive change in Ithaca.
Student-Centered and Equity-Focused Education: Dr. Brown discusses his involvement in the Learning 2025 National Commission on Student-Centered Equity-Focused Education, highlighting the importance of including students in decision-making and curriculum development. He emphasizes that such initiatives benefit all students.
Diversity Symposium of Thought Leaders: Dr. Brown talks about his role in organizing the Diversity Symposium of Thought Leaders, an event focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. He underscores the need to create access and opportunities for everyone, regardless of their identities.
Culture of Love in Education: Dr. Brown delves into the concept of a "culture of love" in education, emphasizing that it goes beyond emotional connections and includes principles like patience, trust, caring, forgiveness, and commitment. He discusses the importance of incorporating these principles into school practices and policies.
Leadership as a Way of Being: Dr. Brown challenges the notion that leadership is solely defined by titles. He believes that leadership is a way of thinking, working, and living that involves facilitating change and inclusivity. He encourages educators to embrace an authentic journey toward creating positive change in education.
Inspiration for the Future: Dr. Brown draws inspiration from his ancestors and their fight for a better future. He hopes to inspire others to continue the work of creating an inclusive and equitable educational system.
Listeners are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Luvelle Brown via email at luvelleb@gmail.com to connect. Listeners can also learn more about Dr. Brown and his work by visiting his website: https://luvellebrown.com/
This episode offers valuable insights into the importance of fostering a culture of love, equity, and inclusion in education and highlights Dr. Brown's commitment to creating a better educational future for all students.

A Conversation With Dr. Jason Andrews

In this podcast episode, Steve Barkley interviews Dr. Jason Andrews, the superintendent of Windsor Central School District in New York State. He shares the importance of collaboration, high expectations, and support within the district.
The conversation covers several key topics:
Andrews describes the transformation of Windsor Central School District, including improvements in graduation rates, performance on state assessments, and a focus on providing diverse opportunities for students. They emphasize the importance of creating a "future-ready" environment that empowers students to explore various pathways.
Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) significantly affect the district's success. Dr. Andrews emphasizes the importance of collaboration, focusing on student learning outcomes, and providing high levels of support to teachers and students. The district's commitment to the PLC process has led to positive results.
The role of school boards and community relationships is highlighted. Dr. Andrews discusses the critical role of the school board in setting the tone and culture of the district. He shares insights on guiding board conversations, providing governance-level information, and working collaboratively with the board to drive positive outcomes for students.
Andrews addresses challenges facing schools, such as societal polarization and misinformation, and the need for schools to address these issues. Additionally, he discusses the importance of clarity in measuring student learning and the need to define what success means for students in the education system.
The podcast concludes with Dr. Andrews sharing his perspective on school leadership. He encourages new leaders to persevere, emphasizing that while leadership can be challenging, the impact on students and the community is incredibly rewarding.
This interview reveals Dr. Andrews' dedication to creating a supportive, forward-thinking educational environment that empowers students, teachers, and the community.
Watch the video version of this episode here. 
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A Conversation with Dr. Kevin McGowan

Kevin McGowan, Ed.D., is the Superintendent of the Brighton Central School District, a suburban district in Monroe County, New York. In addition to being highly ranked in New York State (NYS) and nationally, Brighton schools have been recognized as "Schools to Watch," Blue Ribbon award winners, and as a 2018 US News and World Report Gold Medal school. Throughout his work in each position, Dr. McGowan has focused on high-quality systems that provide consistency, accountability, and a focus on meeting the needs of all learners. Dr. McGowan established the commitment to "every student, every day, in every way" in leading the Brighton education community. Beyond his district leadership, Dr. McGowan has previously served on many boards, including as the President of the Monroe County Council of School Superintendents, the NYS Council of School Superintendents, and the Leadership for Educational Achievement Foundation. In 2023, Dr. McGowan was named NYS Superintendent of the Year and AASA National Superintendent of the Year.
Watch the video version of this episode here. 
Learn more about Dr. McGowan.
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