Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast

About Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast

Welcome to "Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast," where we explore education leadership with a focus on equity. Join us as we delve into inspiring narratives, challenges, and triumphs of diverse superintendents shaping the future of education. Each episode takes you to their districts, sharing unique stories and innovative strategies to ensure every student receives a quality education. Discover how they navigate challenges like achievement gaps, inclusivity, and cultural responsiveness in the evolving educational landscape.

Publisher

Institute for Education Innovation

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 Sept 2019

Latest episode

10 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

117 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Apr 2026

   Elevating Student Success, Community Schools, and Leadership Practices with Dr. Roberto Hernandez

   In this episode, host Iranetta Rayborn Wright sits down with Dr. Roberto Hernandez, Network Instructional Superintendent from San Antonio Independent School District, Texas. You'll hear Dr. Roberto Hernandez reflect on his journey from a first-generation college student and bilingual classroom teacher to an influential district leader. He shares how those early experiences shaped his belief in the power of strong relationships, high expectations, and community partnerships. The conversation explores data-driven strategies for closing achievement gaps, the importance of student ownership, and innovative approaches like wraparound services and community schools. They also talk candidly about the realities of school consolidations, the need for transparency, and how to keep equity and support for underserved students at the forefront, even in times of budget cuts and tough decisions. This episode highlights the central role public schools play in our communities and why continued support and conversation matter now more than ever. Join us for insights, inspiration, and practical wisdom from the field. Key Moments 06:11 "Prioritizing Equity in Education" 08:47 Improving Math Through Data Analysis 13:43 Student Ownership Drives Success 14:42 "Student Ownership and Support Initiatives" 18:54 Parent Partnerships Enhance Community Support 24:33 "Balancing Support Amid School Closures" 27:13 Community Engagement During Transitions 29:28 "Power of Public Schools" Why You’ll Love This Episode: Hear how Dr. Roberto Hernandez brings a deeply human-centered approach to leadership, shaped by his roots as a bilingual teacher. He shares how relationships, family engagement, and honoring students’ identities drive stronger outcomes across diverse communities. Learn how he tackles persistent achievement gaps through data-driven systems and high-quality instruction. From supporting multilingual learners to ensuring access to grade-level content, this episode highlights practical strategies that move beyond intervention and toward real equity. Gain insight into his work building community schools and wraparound supports that extend beyond the classroom. He reveals how strong partnerships, clear roles, and trust-centered communication help schools support both students and families—even in times of constraint and change. Connect with Dr. Roberto Hernandez LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-hernandez-ed-d-837a96146 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-hernandez-ed-d-837a96146) Website: https://www.saisd.net/ (https://www.saisd.net/) Follow Us On Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iranetta-rayborn-wright-00053937 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/iranetta-rayborn-wright-00053937) Company LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/) Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/ (https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/) Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to IEI for more powerful conversations on educational leadership, innovation, and the stories shaping our schools.

2. 

   10 Apr 2026

   Building Trust and Excellence through Strategic Planning and Communication with Dr. Kelley Gallt

   In this episode, host Iranetta Rayborn Wright sits down with Dr. Kelley Gallt, superintendent of Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95, just outside Chicago. She shares her district’s journey with the Empower 95 strategic plan, detailing an inclusive visioning process that authentically elevates student, staff, family, and community voices. You’ll hear how student input directly shaped district direction, the steps taken to foster transparency and accountability, and the ways communication and recognition have transformed her staff culture. We also explore how Dr. Kelley Gallt’s focus on clear, consistent communication built trust during the pandemic, the impact of celebrating staff legacies through innovative tools, and the district’s impressive achievement of multiple National Blue Ribbon School designations., including recognition for closing achievement gaps. Tune in to get inspired by how one district is defining excellence, strengthening relationships, and creating opportunities for all learners, backed by the power of strong community partnerships and a supportive school board. Key Moments 04:53 "Adaptive Strategic Planning Redesign" 08:26 "Strengthening Communication Through Connection" 09:31 Advisory Teams Enhance Communication 14:10 "Building Bonds in Education" 17:39 "Prioritizing Resources for Students" 20:27 "Improving Strategies for Success" Why You’ll Love This Episode: Hear how Dr. Kelley Gallt is redefining strategic planning by putting students at the center of every decision. From co-creating Empower 95 with students, staff, and community members to building ongoing stakeholder engagement, she shares how authentic voice drives meaningful change. Learn how she builds a culture of trust, transparency, and accountability through consistent communication and collaborative systems. This episode highlights how evolving strategies, clear goals, and shared ownership keep districts aligned—even in times of disruption. Gain insight into her approach to staff culture and student success. From strengthening teacher-to-teacher trust to achieving Blue Ribbon recognition through continuous improvement, she shows how investing in people, partnerships, and data leads to lasting impact. Connect with Dr. Kelley Gallt LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelley-gallt-693a13269 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelley-gallt-693a13269) Website: https://www.lz95.org/ (https://www.lz95.org/) Follow Us On Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iranetta-rayborn-wright-00053937 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/iranetta-rayborn-wright-00053937) Company LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/) Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/ (https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/) Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to IEI for more powerful conversations on educational leadership, innovation, and the stories shaping our schools.

3. 

   10 Apr 2026

   From Crisis to Excellence: Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency’s Strategic Approach in Florida

   In today’s episode, host Iranetta Rayborn Wright talked to Dr. Rick Surrency, superintendent of Putnam County Schools in Florida, who takes us on a journey through the remarkable turnaround his district has achieved. In this candid conversation, Dr. Rick Surrency shares how Putnam County, once facing the challenge of 11 schools labeled as D or F, transformed through a systematic approach, community engagement, and a focus on elevating both student outcomes and teacher retention. We hear about innovative programs in STEM and career pathways, including partnerships that give students access to emerging fields like aerospace, and even opportunities for them to earn pilot licenses. Dr. Rick Surrency dives into the unique perspective of being an elected superintendent, describing how sustained leadership has been critical to building trust and securing a $300 million investment for school revitalization. Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or someone passionate about the future of public education, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories of progress, from improved graduation rates to meaningful community partnerships. Join us as we celebrate success from Putnam County and explore what it truly takes to achieve lasting change in our schools. Key Moments 04:41 "Elected Leadership vs. Appointed" 06:53 "K-12 STEM Future Focus" 13:06 Teacher Retention Through Mentorship 16:50 "Florida Teacher Support Initiatives" 18:06 "Retaining High-Quality Teachers" 21:31 "Trust Drives Community Leadership" Why You’ll Love This Episode: Hear how Dr. Rick Surrency led a dramatic district turnaround by focusing on systems, high expectations, and instructional consistency. He shares how Putnam County moved from widespread low-performing schools to one of the fastest-improving districts in the nation. Learn how community trust and engagement became the foundation for sustainable change. From parent involvement to a $300M school investment, this episode shows how aligning schools with the community drives real results. Gain insight into his practical approach to student relevance and teacher retention. From career pathways and STEM programs to a 93% teacher retention rate, he reveals how purpose, support, and real-world opportunities transform outcomes. Connect with Dr. Rick Surrency LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-surrency-221a69a5 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-surrency-221a69a5) Website: https://www.putnamschools.org/ (https://www.putnamschools.org/) Follow Us On Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iranetta-rayborn-wright-00053937 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/iranetta-rayborn-wright-00053937) Company LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-education-innovation/) Company Website: https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/ (https://www.instituteforedinnovation.com/) Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to IEI for more powerful conversations on educational leadership, innovation, and the stories shaping our schools.

Who has been a guest on Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Dr Matthew Wienclawski
• Tim Wolff
• Dr Melissa Dandy Walker
• Dr Devon Horton
• Dr PJ Caposey

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 45 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

76

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32