About No Manual Included- A Kansas Education Podcast on Leadership
Welcome to No Manual Included, the podcast where two Kansas superintendents dig into what it really means to lead in a world where there’s no instruction book for the challenges we face. I’m Greg Lehr from USD 262, joined by Dr. Ron Barry from USD 440, and every episode we have candid conversations about leadership, growth, and the future of education in Kansas.
We explore with our guests the experiences that shape us, the decisions that define us, and the communication and collaboration that make strong school communities possible. If you’re an educator, leader, or someone who cares deeply about the direction of our schools, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive in — because leadership doesn’t come with a manual, but we can learn a lot by talking through it together.
In this episode of No Manual Included, Greg and Ron sit down with Trevor Ashcraft, whose leadership journey includes two superintendent roles: Onaga USD 322 and Holton USD 336. Before becoming a superintendent, Trevor served as the Curriculum Director and Vermillion Principal for USD 380, where he helped lead professional learning communities, district accreditation, curriculum development, and the redesign of the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. He also helped develop and implement a five-year strategic plan focused on student learning and community partnerships.
Trevor's experience reflects the connection between instructional leadership and districtwide vision. He understands that strong schools are built by investing in educators, aligning people around a common purpose, and continually looking for ways to better serve students.
The future of educational leadership in Kansas is bright because of leaders like Trevor Ashcraft—leaders who are willing to learn, collaborate, lead with purpose, and keep students at the center of the work.
That's what No Manual Included is all about: learning from the people doing the work and sharing the leadership lessons that will help Kansas schools thrive.
30 Sept 2026
NMI Episode #15 - Justin Coup USD 393
In this episode of No Manual Included, Greg Lehr sits down with Justin Coup, Superintendent of Solomon USD 393, to talk about leadership, education, community, and the lessons that come from serving students and families in a small Kansas school district.
Justin has served as superintendent of Solomon Schools since 2014, bringing a student-centered approach to leadership and a strong commitment to creating opportunities for students and staff. Under his leadership, Solomon USD 393 has expanded career and college pathways, increased enrollment, developed an on-site Early Learning Center and full-day preschool, and focused on staff retention and community engagement.
Justin's leadership was recently recognized statewide when he received the 2026 Dr. Doug Moeckel Distinguished Service Award from the Kansas School Superintendents’ Association. The award recognizes exceptional dedication to Kansas public schools through mentorship, service, and a commitment to the success of others.
Join Greg Lehr and Justin Coup for a conversation about leadership, education, community, and learning how to navigate the moments where—just like the title says—there's No Manual Included.
17 Sept 2026
NMI Episode #13 Dr. Heath Hogan
In this episode of No Manual Included, Greg Lehr and Ron Barry sit down with Dr. Heath Hogan, Superintendent of Salina Public Schools.
Heath brings nearly three decades of experience in public education, serving as a teacher, coach, principal, human resources director, deputy superintendent, and superintendent. After 25 years in Garden City USD 457 and three years leading Smoky Valley USD 400, Heath began serving as superintendent of Salina USD 305 in 2025.
We talk with Heath about the realities of leading a school district, building strong relationships with staff and communities, navigating the challenges facing public education, and what it takes to lead when there is no perfect playbook.
Like every conversation on No Manual Included, this episode explores the experiences, lessons, and perspectives that shape the people leading our schools and communities—and the idea that sometimes the best way to lead is to learn as you go.
Join us for a conversation with Dr. Heath Hogan.
3 Sept 2026
NMI Episode #13 Rebecca Kramer
In this episode, Greg and Ron sit down with Dr. Rebecca Kramer, Superintendent of South Brown County USD 430 in Horton, Kansas. Dr. Kramer brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership, including her previous district-office leadership with Seaman Public Schools (USD 345) in Topeka, where she served as Executive Director of Teaching and Learning and as a building administrator.
Greg and Ron talk with Dr. Kramer about her journey in education, leadership, and the experiences that have shaped her approach to serving students, staff, and communities. Tune in for an insightful and engaging conversation with an experienced Kansas school leader.
20 Aug 2026
NMI Episode #12: Dr Justin Henry USD 265
Greg and Ron sit down with Dr. Justin Henry from USD 265 Goddard Public Schools. He is the 2021 Kansas Superintendent of the Year and has served as a Superintendent at USD 306 Southeast of Saline.
With nearly three decades in education, Dr. Henry has experienced leadership from just about every angle—from the classroom to the principal's office and ultimately the superintendent's chair. He has helped lead one of Kansas' fastest-growing school districts while navigating the challenges of school finance, student needs, community expectations, growth, and an ever-changing educational landscape.
In this conversation, we explore leadership, education, community, and the reality that there really is no manual for the moments that matter most.
In this episode of No Manual Included, hosts Greg Lehr and Ron Barry sit down with Faith Flory, Superintendent of Santa Fe Trail USD 434, to discuss educational leadership, rural schools, and the importance of building strong connections between students, staff, families, and the community. Faith shares insights from her journey in education and reflects on the opportunities and challenges of leading a growing district while maintaining a student-centered focus.
In addition to serving as Superintendent, Faith has held a variety of leadership roles within USD 434, including Director of Curriculum, Deputy Superintendent, and Early Childhood Administrator. A passionate advocate for public education, leadership development, and empowering future leaders, she is committed to creating innovative learning opportunities that prepare students for success while strengthening the future of Kansas education
23 Jul 2026
NMI Episode #10: Dr. Brent Yeager
In this episode of No Manual Included, Greg Lehr and Ronald Barry are joined by Dr. Brent Yeager, Superintendent of Olathe Public Schools, for a conversation about what it really takes to lead one of Kansas' largest and most recognized school districts. From building a strong culture and navigating change to preparing students for an unpredictable future, Dr. Yeager shares lessons learned from a career dedicated to serving students, supporting educators, and strengthening communities.
8 Jul 2026
NMI Episode #9: Jamie Rumford
In this episode of No Manual Included, hosts Greg Lehr and Ron Barry sit down with Jamie Rumford, Superintendent of Scott County Schools USD 466, to discuss leadership, rural education, and the importance of building a strong school culture. Jamie shares insights from his more than three decades in education and reflects on his journey leading Scott County Schools since 2014.
In addition to leading USD 466, Jamie has served as President of the Kansas School Superintendents Association (KSSA), providing leadership and advocacy for school districts across the state. His service at the state level reflects his commitment to supporting fellow educational leaders and strengthening public education throughout Kansas.
18 Jun 2026
NMI Episode 8: Dr. Craig Correll USD 445
In Episode 8 of No Manual Included, Greg and Ron sit down with former Superintendent of the year Craig Correll from USD 445 Coffeyville Public Schools. Dr. Correll is a strong advocate for public education across the state of Kansas and has held leadership roles in KSSA.
3 Jun 2026
NMI Episode 7: Dr. Randy Watson - Commissioner of KSDE
Join Greg and Ron as they do a live podcast from the USAKansas Conference with the Kansas Commissioner of Education, Dr. Randy Watson. Greg and Ron sit down with Dr. Watson and fellow administrators as he reflects on his career as a teacher, coach, building administrator, assistant superintendent, superintendent, and Commissioner of Education at KSDE.
14 May 2026
NMI Episode 6: Adrian Howie Superintendent USD 210
Greg and Ron sit down with the Superintendent of USD 210, Adrain Howie to discuss the people that had the greatest impact on his leadership journey, how he adapts his leadership style, his passion for western Kansas school districts, and so much more!
29 Apr 2026
NMI Episode 5: Cindy Couchman USD 313
Greg and Ron link up with the USD 313 Superintendent of Schools, Cindy Couchman, from Buhler, Kansas. Cindy longtime classroom teacher and Kansas Teach of the Year winner, who then served as Curriculum Director, and finally transitioned into the Superintendent role in the community that she has served for many years. She is the current Kansas School Superintendent Association President, where she guides our professional organization through advocacy, recognition, and continued education.
15 Apr 2026
NMI Episode 4: Dr. Cory Gibson USD 232
Greg and Ron welcome Dr. Cory Gibson, Superintendent at USD 232 DeSoto Schools where he shares his unique connection to our two hosts.
1 Apr 2026
NMI Episode 3 with Don Potter - Circle USD 375
Join Ron and Greg as they welcome their 3rd guest on the podcast, Don Potter. Don currently is the superintendent at Circle USD 375 and has served in that position since 2017. He has over 27 years of experience in K12 education serving as a teacher, coach, principal, and district administrator . He was a 2024 Superintendent of the Year Finalist for the state of Kansas and previously served as the Superintendent of USD 461 in Neodesha, Kansas.
20 Mar 2026
NMI Episode 2 with Karen Burrows
2 Mar 2026
No Manual Included with Don Epps
Welcome to our first episode of No Manual Included! Join Greg and Ron as they interview their first guest, Mr. Don Epps, Superintendent USD 344 Pleasanton Schools!
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