In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Alesia Smith, Deputy Superintendent and Chief of Schools for Cincinnati Public Schools, to explore what it means to lead with both heart and strategy in today’s ever-evolving educational landscape. With over 30 years of transformative experience, Dr. Smith shares the wisdom she’s gained from turning around some of the nation’s lowest-performing schools and her unwavering belief that every child deserves access to rigorous, equitable instruction.

From her early days in Cincinnati to her system-wide successes in Arkansas, Dr. Smith has consistently championed the power of strong school leadership and data-driven practices. She discusses her current work overseeing instructional development in Ohio’s third-largest district, where she’s laser-focused on strengthening Tier 1 instruction, leveraging platforms like iReady, and improving Algebra I outcomes.

The conversation delves into Cincinnati’s proactive approach to AI integration, the importance of remaining connected to schools as a district leader, and the challenges and opportunities behind reconfiguring grade-level structures for long-term student success. Dr. Smith emphasizes that true progress stems from systemic, sustainable models — not isolated wins.

This episode is a masterclass in courageous leadership and a must-listen for educators, policymakers, and anyone committed to making schools work better for all students. Dr. Smith’s passion is palpable, her insight profound, and her vision for the future of public education refreshingly pragmatic.

Key Moments

06:02 "Balancing District and School Roles"

07:05 "School Support and Impact Focus"

10:20 Educational Interaction and Collaboration

15:30 Systemic Educational Success in Arkansas

18:18 "Superintendent Candidate: Dr. Alicia Smith"

Connect with Dr. Alesia Smith

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-alesia-smith-220a52218

Website: https://www.cps-k12.org/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis, Strategos Partner, sits down with Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong, Superintendent of Portland Public Schools, for an insightful conversation on leadership, literacy, and the challenges of guiding Oregon’s largest school district.

Dr. Armstrong, eight months into her tenure, shares her strategic approach to driving positive change in Portland Public Schools, emphasizing three key priorities: advancing literacy, strengthening relationships, and ensuring safe and well-maintained learning environments. She highlights the urgent need for literacy reform, calling it a “civil right” and detailing the district’s city-wide book distribution campaign.

Facing a $40 million budget deficit, Dr. Armstrong discusses her proactive efforts to engage the community and legislators in securing essential funding. She also speaks candidly about the importance of trust-building, particularly in the wake of a teacher strike, and her leadership in navigating Portland’s $1.8 billion bond renewal to modernize aging school facilities.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Armstrong’s passion for education and commitment to equity shine as she reflects on her personal journey from childhood poverty to leading a major urban school district. With her student-first mindset, she is determined to create a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking educational environment in Portland.

Key Moments

00:00 Portland Challenges: Housing and Homelessness

06:06 Empowering Literacy Beyond School Hours

09:35 $1B Maintenance Requires Bond Funding

13:13 "Portland's Inspiring Educational Leadership"

14:00 "See You in Classrooms"

Connect with Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kimberlee-armstrong-88172412/

Website: https://www.pps.net/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Tonja M. Williams Knight, superintendent of Buffalo Public Schools and a hometown changemaker with more than three decades in education. Recorded live at the Council of the Great City Schools Conference in Dallas, this conversation captures the energy and urgency behind Dr. Williams Knight’s leadership.

From school counselor to the top office, Dr. Williams Knight shares her rare journey from student to superintendent in the very district that raised her. She opens up about her signature initiative, Five by 2025—a strategic plan rooted in community voice and designed to close opportunity gaps, elevate classroom excellence, ensure safety, amplify student and parent voices, and foster high-impact partnerships.

Listeners will hear how she’s transforming outcomes with a bold literacy push, early childhood investment, and a restorative, relationship-driven approach to school discipline. Davis and Williams Knight also explore the importance of building a high-performing leadership team, the complexities of post-COVID attendance, and why recruiting talent is a year-round mission in Buffalo.

Dr. Williams Knight’s deep roots and relentless commitment to equity make her story not just inspiring—but instructive for educational leaders nationwide. She leads with heart, strategy, and a sense of purpose that’s reshaping what it means to serve an urban district.

Key Moments

06:04 "Community-Driven Superintendent Initiative"

07:57 "Prioritizing Safety and Community Involvement"

10:30 Guidance for Future Success

15:15 Early Childhood Programs: Urban Education's Game Changer

16:41 Unapologetically Recruiting Top Talent

Connect with Dr. Tonja M Williams

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tonja-m-williams-59940514

Website: https://www.buffaloschools.org/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Joe Gothard, 2024 AASA National Superintendent of the Year and proud Madison native, for an insightful and heartfelt conversation on leadership, resilience, and coming full circle.

Dr. Gothard, who began his journey in education as a biology teacher at his alma mater, La Follette High School, shares the powerful story of returning to lead the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD)—the same district where he was once a student, teacher, and parent. In a remarkable twist of fate, the very day he accepted the MMSD superintendent position, he was also named the top superintendent in the nation.

Together, Davis and Gothard unpack the lessons learned from leading through adversity, including the pandemic, community tragedies, and the complex political realities facing superintendents today. Gothard speaks candidly about the importance of knowing your values, embracing failure, and fostering inclusivity in school systems. He reflects on his leadership in St. Paul, where he launched groundbreaking equity-driven initiatives such as the East African Elementary Magnet School and expanded dual-language and career pathway programs.

Throughout the episode, listeners get a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to lead with heart, humility, and vision. From navigating national recognition to reconnecting with his roots, Dr. Gothard offers a masterclass in servant leadership—and a powerful reminder that coming home is often the boldest move of all.

Key Moments

06:12 "Prioritize Listening Over Reacting"

09:14 Preparing for Leadership and Community Alignment

10:09 Navigating Superintendent Political Role

14:02 "Redefining Possibilities in Leadership"

Connect with Dr. Joe Gothard

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joegothard/

Website: https://www.madison.k12.wi.us/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Morris Leis, Superintendent of Coffee County Schools in Georgia. Recorded live at the AASA Conference, the conversation offers an in-depth look at Dr. Leis’ remarkable 16-year journey as a superintendent, including 14 years leading his hometown district.

A native of Coffee County, Dr. Leis shares how returning home wasn’t just a professional move—it was a personal calling. From his early days as a social studies teacher to his leadership roles across Ben Hill and Wayne counties, Dr. Leis brings a wealth of experience and a steady hand to district leadership. In this episode, he opens up about the importance of board relationships, consistent communication, and hiring strong school leaders.

Listeners will hear how Dr. Leis has championed community trust through the strategic use of ESPLOST funding—building state-of-the-art facilities like new elementary schools, a performing arts center, and a naval JROTC indoor training center. His focus on safety is equally strong, having established an in-district police department and layered security systems across all schools.

Above all, Dr. Leis speaks to the heart of what it means to lead with integrity, transparency, and a deep commitment to student success. Whether you're a seasoned educator or a new leader in the field, this episode offers invaluable insights into sustaining leadership, building community partnerships, and creating a district culture rooted in care and excellence.

Key Moments

03:24 Transparent Communication with Board Members

08:30 New Indoor Multi-Use Facility

12:13 Building a Community Police Department

14:18 Gaggle's Role in Student Safety

16:28 Doctor Morris Leis in Georgia

Connect with Dr. Morris Leis

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morris-leis-b3142934/

Website: https://www.coffee.k12.ga.us/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with two of the nation’s most respected education leaders—Dr. Kristi Wilson and Dr. Susan Enfield—for an unfiltered conversation on leadership, resilience, and the realities of the superintendency. Together, they delve into their new book, On Fire, Under Fire, or Fired, a candid chronicle of 40 superintendents navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and the political and professional turbulence that followed.

Dr. Wilson, former president of AASA and long-time superintendent in Arizona, and Dr. Enfield, a nationally recognized former superintendent from Nevada and Washington, reflect on the urgent need to reframe the narrative around superintendents—not as embattled bureaucrats but as committed public servants with unmatched passion for students and communities. They explore themes like mentorship, systemic equity, political acumen, and the power of networks that sustain leaders through crises.

What emerges is not just a book, but a blueprint—for current and aspiring superintendents to find strength, strategy, and solidarity in a job that’s as rewarding as it is relentless. From war stories to wisdom, the episode is a tribute to the courage and complexity of the role—and a call to action for communities to support those who lead their schools forward.

Key Moments

04:00 Celebrating the Superintendent Role

07:56 Superintendents: Dedicated to Service

11:02 Keys to Success: Prepare, Listen, Connect

14:53 Team Building & Situational Awareness

17:05 "Engaging and Aligning with the Board"

19:19 Lessons from Crisis Management

Connect with Dr. Kristi Wilson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-wilson-ed-d-28597933/

Connect with Dr. Susan Enfield

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanaenfield/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Devon Horton, superintendent of Georgia’s DeKalb County School District—home to over 92,000 students and the third-largest school system in the state. Broadcasting from AASA’s national conference, this candid conversation dives into Dr. Horton’s 25-year journey in public education and the bold transformation he’s leading in DeKalb.

From his early teaching days in Chicago Public Schools to his leadership roles in East St. Louis, Louisville, and Evanston, Horton shares how every step shaped his philosophy: “students don’t fail—systems do.” Now at the helm of DeKalb, he’s reimagining those systems with precision and vision.

Listeners will hear how Dr. Horton restructured DeKalb’s regional model to provide laser-focused support through the district’s Horizon initiative—a bold approach targeting the most vulnerable schools with intensive resources, coaching, and academic leadership. He discusses his strategic hiring of 63 new principals and a revamped leadership cabinet, bringing in top-tier talent to match the district’s ambition.

Dr. Horton also unpacks DeKalb’s innovative moves—from launching elementary sports to planning a districtwide STEAM initiative and a sweeping student assignment redesign. Throughout, Davis highlights Horton’s values-driven leadership, commitment to equity, and relentless drive to ensure every student has access to opportunity.

Key Moments

04:43 Evolution of Leadership in DeKalb

07:14 Educational Transformation and Leadership Focus

11:11 Hiring and Supporting Effective Principals

14:14 High-Impact School Closure Strategy

16:03 District-Wide STEAM and Athletic Revamp

Connect with Dr. Devon Horton

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-devon-horton-53690661

Website: https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. David K. Moore, Superintendent of the School District of Indian River County, for a masterclass in transformative educational leadership. As a former counselor turned nationally recognized superintendent, Dr. Moore brings a compelling blend of heart, strategy, and unrelenting drive to his work—qualities that have propelled his district from the bottom third in Florida to the state’s top ten.

Dr. Moore candidly shares the playbook behind Indian River’s extraordinary rise: a relentless focus on data—not just academic outcomes, but also adult behavior and operational efficiency—paired with a districtwide redesign that flattens hierarchy and accelerates decision-making. The results are staggering: a 96% graduation rate, a 95% rate of schools earning “A” or “B” grades, and a leap from 38th to 9th in state rankings since 2018-2019.

More than numbers, Moore’s story is rooted in a deep commitment to equity and innovation. From rebuilding financial stability to launching strategic plans like ACHIEVE 2025 and the African American Achievement Plan, Moore has crafted a model of leadership that balances urgency with empowerment. His passion for systems thinking, staff ownership, and student success is evident in every initiative—and every word of this interview.

If you’re looking to understand what it truly means to lead with impact in public education, this episode delivers an unfiltered, inspirational look at how one superintendent is rewriting the future for an entire community.

Key Moments

02:12 From Miami-Dade to Indian River

03:45 Taking SDIRC from 38th to 9th in Florida

05:18 The secret sauce: using data on adult behavior and meeting efficiency to drive outcomes.

07:06 "Think fast, act faster"

08:31 Breaking down silos with dual reporting lines

10:02 Pandemic as a leadership accelerator

11:37 From school counselor to superintendent

13:05 Designing for impact

14:48 Clarifying who makes which decisions

16:00 Building a culture of ownership, not just accountability

Connect with Dr. David K. Moore

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-david-k-moore-0445a1342/

Website: https://www.indianriverschools.org/