Beyond Academics: Preparing Students for Life with Dave Means

Dr. Brian Maher | Nebraska Commissioner of EducationWhat does it take to build stronger schools, support educators, and improve student outcomes across an entire state?In this episode of The Superintendent Effect, Anne Brown sits down with Dr. Brian Maher, Commissioner of Education for the State of Nebraska. Originally from a small town in Nebraska, Dr. Maher shares his journey from teaching math and physics to leading three school districts and ultimately serving as his state's Commissioner of Education.In this episode:How teachers and coaches shaped Dr. Maher's journey into education.Why the path to becoming a superintendent requires years of dedication and sacrifice.The connection between student attendance and literacy outcomes.Listen in for an insightful conversation about leadership, service, and the people who make education possible.#TheSuperintendentEffect #EducationLeadership #SchoolLeadership #Superintendent #Nebraska

Dr. Jonathan Cooper, Superintendent of Mason City Schools in Mason, Ohio, joins The Superintendent Effect to discuss how listening to students transformed his district's approach to education, mental health, and student well-being.After students challenged district leaders to address a troubling pattern of student suicides, Mason City Schools began making significant changes, from later high school start times and a renewed focus on belonging to expanded prevention programs and student-led initiatives.In this episode, Dr. Cooper shares how the district empowers students through real-world learning experiences, including a student-run investment class, career exploration, and hands-on leadership opportunities. He also explores the emerging challenge of a potential “purpose crisis” in an AI-driven world and explains why helping students discover their purpose and potential matters more than ever.In this episode:Building a culture of belonging in a large, diverse school districtPrioritizing student mental health and suicide preventionGiving students a meaningful voice in school decisionsConnecting classroom learning to real-world careers and financial literacyPreparing students for a changing world through purpose, character, and critical thinkingPractical leadership advice on listening, learning, and staying connected to studentsListen today to learn how intentional leadership and student-centered systems can help schools build healthier communities.#TheSuperintendentEffect #StudentWellbeing #MasonCitySchoolDistrict #Ohio

What does it take to build a school community where students, families, and educators can thrive?David Means, former superintendent of Whitefish School District in Whitefish, Montana, joins Anne Brown on The Superintendent Effect to discuss collaborative leadership, student mental health, family support, and the future of education.Listen today! #TheSuperintendentEffect #EducationalLeadership #StudentMentalHealth #SchoolLeadership #Whitefish #Montana #Retirement

What does it look like to put students at the center of school district leadership?On this episode of The Superintendent Effect, host Anne Brown sits down with Dr. Dan Linford, superintendent of Davis School District in Utah, to explore how schools can create meaningful opportunities for every student.In this episode, we discuss:Dan’s journey from high school English teacher to superintendentHow Davis School District is expanding career and technical education through its Catalyst CenterWhy student belonging matters, including support for students experiencing homelessness and housing insecurityWhy communication, collaboration, and other human skills remain essential in a changing worldHear how the 2026 Utah Superintendent of the Year is leading with a student-centered approach, strengthening schools, supporting families, and helping young people discover their potential.Listen today!#TheSuperintendentEffect #EducationalLeadership #StudentMentalHealth #StudentSuccess #DavisSchoolDistrict #Utah

Dr. Daniel Bittman, Superintendent of Edina Public Schools in Minnesota, joins Anne Brown for a great conversation about leadership, community partnerships, student opportunities, and the lasting impact of a superintendent.With 17 years of experience as a superintendent and a career that has taken him from Minnesota to the Clark County School District in Las Vegas and the Minnesota Department of Education, Dr. Bittman shares lessons he has learned from leading school communities of vastly different sizes.Listen today! #TheSuperintendentEffect #SchoolLeadership #EdinaPublicSchools #Superintendent

Aaron Bayer, Superintendent of the Oregon Trail School District in Oregon, joins The Superintendent Effect to share his remarkable journey into education leadership and his vision for preparing students for the future.Located east of Portland and at the base of Mount Hood, Oregon Trail serves nearly 4,000 students across a unique community that includes Sandy, Boring, Welches, Government Camp, and surrounding areas. Aaron shares his personal journey from a difficult childhood and early struggles in school to becoming a superintendent who has spent 16 years serving the same district. He discusses the importance of resilience, building trust within a community, and focusing on the long-term impact educators can have on students.Aaron's message is ultimately about helping students recognize the potential within themselves — and giving them the confidence and opportunities to turn that potential into their future.#TheSuperintendentEffect #EducationLeadership #Superintendent #Oregon

Dr. Dallas LeDuff, Superintendent of the Barrow County School System in Georgia, joins The Superintendent Effect to share his journey from special education teacher to district leader and superintendent. With a commitment to students, educators, and the community he serves, Dr. LeDuff discusses what it takes to build a school system that supports every learner and prepares students for a successful future.Dr. LeDuff talks about mental health partnerships, supporting families, innovative CTE programs, and preparing students for the workforce of tomorrow. He also shares advice for new superintendents, including the importance of authenticity, collaboration, and remembering that education is a team sport.A few highlights from the conversation:• How Barrow County is investing in educator salaries to recruit and retain great teachers• The district’s growing mental health resources and partnership with the Cook Center• Hands-on CTE opportunities including drones, EVs, construction, culinary arts, and welding• How community employers can help shape the skills students need for the future• Dr. LeDuff’s advice for new superintendentsListen today! 🎧 #TheSuperintendentEffect #EducationLeadership #BarrowCounty #Georgia #CTE #strategicplan #BarrowCountySchoolSystem

In this episode of The Superintendent Effect, Ben Gilpin, Superintendent of Newaygo Public Schools in Michigan, shares his journey from classroom teacher to principal to superintendent and the lessons he’s learned along the way about leadership, culture, community, and supporting every student.Ben discusses his first three years leading Newaygo Public Schools, including the work of bringing three buildings together as one district, strengthening professional learning communities, balancing a $1.3 million budget, improving systems and processes, and building a stronger school culture.One of Ben’s central leadership philosophies is simple: “I got you.” He explains why healthy culture comes down to supporting one another and why leaders need to be willing to be vulnerable and let people see the person behind the title.Listen today!#TheSuperintendentEffect #EducationalLeadership #Newaygo #Michigan

Dr. Terry Brenner — Grand Forks, North Dakota | Grand Forks Public SchoolsIn this episode of The Superintendent Effect, Dr. Terry Brenner shares how Grand Forks Public Schools is creating new pathways for students through STEM, drone and aeronautics programs, career education, mental health supports, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.Dr. Brenner discusses the district’s new Career Impact Academy, its partnership with Grand Forks Air Force Base, strategies for connecting every student with a caring adult, and how the district is working to make it “almost impossible to fail.”Listen today!#NorthDakota #GrandForks #Superintendent #EducationalLeadership #STEM #Drones #ASL

Dr. Robert Mungo, Superintendent of Mount Holly Township School District in Mount Holly Township, New Jersey, joins The Superintendent Effect for a conversation about family engagement, leadership, resilience, and building stronger communities.Dr. Mungo discusses the difference between family involvement and true engagement, his own journey to the superintendency, breaking generational cycles, and how his understanding of leadership has evolved over time.His message is simple but powerful: leadership is ultimately about people and the impact we leave behind.#TheSuperintendentEffect #SchoolLeadership #NewJersey #MountHollyTownship