The podcast that puts the SUPER back in Superintendent.
On School District Superheroes, the most innovative Superintendents share how they are reshaping the landscape of public education. From navigating funding realities and board dynamics to launching bold student initiatives and strengthening community partnerships, these district leaders share what it truly takes to lead at the highest level. Hosted by Nick Telford, co-founder and co-CEO of Elevo Learning.
Dalia Gadelmawla: Corona-Norco Unified School District
What can school district leaders learn from the Walt Disney Company and student-led AI guidelines? In this episode, Nick Telford sits down with Dr. Dalia Gadelmawla, Superintendent of Corona-Norco Unified School District—one of the largest districts in California. Dr. Gadelmawla shares her inspiring personal journey from immigrating to Hollywood as an 11-year-old English learner to managing food and beverage operations at Disneyland, before bringing her business expertise to public educati...
16 Sept 2026
Ramiro Rubalcaba: Los Nietos School District
What can district leaders learn from martial arts black belts, scratch-cooking in classrooms, and Abraham Lincoln-era history? In this episode, Nick Telford sits down with Dr. Ramiro Rubalcaba, Superintendent of Los Nietos School District. Dr. Rubalcaba shares how his background as a karate black belt shapes his humble, servant-leadership philosophy, why he integrates student energy into major decision-making, and how a whole-child approach to wellness earned national recognition for his sch...
18 Aug 2026
Don Austin: Laguna Beach Unified School District
What can school district leaders learn from Silicon Valley venture capitalists, legendary sports coaches, and offensive linemen? In this episode, Nick Telford sits down with Don Austin, the Superintendent of Laguna Beach Unified School District. Drawing on his experience leading in the heart of tech innovation, Don shares how K-12 leaders can borrow evaluation metrics and team-building perks from Silicon Valley, why he rejects traditional transition timelines, and how to over-plan against fa...
28 Jul 2026
Katie Russell: Panama-Buena Vista Union School District
What does it take to persevere through nine grueling interviews to become a trailblazing superintendent? In this episode, Nick Telford sits down with Katie Russell, the first female and first African American superintendent in the 150-year history of Panama-Buena Vista Union School District. Katie opens up about overcoming bias on her journey to the top office, the secrets to continually transitioning a school board from politics to governance, and how she built a cohesive district culture f...
14 Jul 2026
Gunn Marie Hansen: Westminister School District
What can American school districts learn from education systems in other nations? And what is the most challenging aspect of being a Superintendent? In this episode, Nick Telford speaks with Gunn Marie Hansen, the veteran Superintendent of Westminster School District. Drawing on her international perspective, Hansen shares her journey to the top office, lessons learned studying schools in Helsinki, and strategies for empowering female leaders. In this episode you'll learn: Why the most chall...
30 Jun 2026
Kent Bechler: Leadership Associates
What happens when a former basketball coach takes his playbook to the superintendent's office? In this episode, Nick Telford sits down with Kent Bechler, a former varsity basketball coach who now coaches and mentors superintendents across California as a Senior Partner at Leadership Associates. Kent explains why district leaders need coaches just like professional athletes do, and shares how to trade outdated "command and control" tactics for expert facilitation. In this episode you'll learn...
9 Jun 2026
Bob Taylor: Walnut Valley Unified School District
What does it take to lead the same school district for 14 years while consistently building a culture that develops leaders who get recruited across the entire state? In this episode of School District Superheroes, Nick Telford sits down with Bob Taylor, the Superintendent of Walnut Valley Unified School District in California. Broadcasting from a leadership retreat in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Bob shares his deep commitment to developing people at every level of his organization. From...
26 May 2026
Gordon Amerson: Val Verde Unified School District
In this episode of School District Superheroes, Nick Telford sits down with Dr. Gordon Amerson, Superintendent of Val Verde Unified School District, to discuss his unique path to education and his forward-thinking approach to school leadership In his early years, baseball was a big part of Gordon's future plans. Gordon shares his personal journey of being drafted by the San Diego Padres and playing for the New York Yankees organization, and how a career-ending hand injury led to a profound i...
12 May 2026
Bruce Bivins: Perris Elementary School District
In this episode of School District Superheroes, Nick Telford sits down with Bruce Bivins, Superintendent of Perris Elementary School District, to discuss how true leadership and holistic education can transform a school community. Bruce shares how growing up in an adopted family built on love and service shaped his lifelong desire to create a sense of belonging. He details his unique path to education, which included coaching youth, almost becoming a firefighter, and working with highly vuln...
28 Apr 2026
Dr. Paul Marietti: Lancaster School District
What does it mean to lead when you’re accountable for everything—but in control of very little? In this episode of School District Superheroes, Nick Telford sits down with Dr. Paul Marietti, Superintendent of Lancaster School District, to explore the realities of leadership at the highest level of public education. Dr. Marietti shares his journey from a blue-collar upbringing—where college wasn’t the expected path—to becoming a district leader responsible for thousands of students and staff. ...
7 Apr 2026
Emy Flores: West Covina Unified School District
Emy Flores’ story is one of resilience, opportunity, and purpose. After immigrating from Guatemala at age nine, Emy grew up in the projects of East Los Angeles, where instability and limited opportunity were a daily reality. School became her refuge—and the educators who believed in her changed the course of her life. Today, she serves as Superintendent of West Covina Unified School District, where she is focused on creating the very opportunities that once changed her own trajectory. I...
1 Apr 2026
Introducing the 'School District Superheroes' Podcast
What does it really take to lead a school district today? In this trailer episode of School District Superheroes, host Nick Telford introduces the show and why it's dedicated to the leaders who carry one of the most demanding—and impactful—roles in education: superintendents. These are the individuals making high-stakes decisions, shaping vision, building teams, and ultimately influencing the opportunities available to thousands of students. This podcast shines a light on the inno...
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Spotify
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