In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host and former superintendent Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Maria Vazquez, Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), to explore the heart of educational leadership at scale. As the first Latina superintendent of Florida’s eighth-largest district—with over 208,000 students and 213 schools—Dr. Vazquez shares a deeply personal and powerful journey from a first-generation American to a trailblazing educational leader.

Dr. Vazquez, the daughter of Cuban immigrants, recounts how her early struggles as an English learner shaped a lifelong mission: ensuring every child, regardless of background, feels safe, supported, and positioned for success. In their candid conversation, Davis and Vazquez reflect on the complexities of following a legacy leader, navigating Florida’s evolving education policies, and managing the political demands that now define the superintendency.

Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at OCPS’s remarkable 96% graduation rate, the district’s reputation for cultivating national education leaders, and the strength of its diverse, community-driven leadership team. Dr. Vazquez emphasizes the role of equity, not as a buzzword, but as a moral imperative—making sure every student gets what they need to thrive.

With warmth, wisdom, and a touch of humor, the episode showcases Dr. Vazquez’s passion for public education, her collaborative leadership style, and the strong civic partnerships that fuel OCPS’s success. This episode is both a masterclass in educational leadership and an inspiring tribute to the transformative power of public schools.

Key Moments

05:46 Creating Successful Learning Environments

06:39 Cultivating Skilled Leaders in Orange County

10:00 Diverse Board Drives Student Success

13:38 Shared Goals in Education

18:09 Community Support for Education Initiatives

Connect with Dr. Maria Vazquez

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-f-vazquez

Website: https://www.ocps.net/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Tony B. Watlington, superintendent of The School District of Philadelphia, for a candid and energizing conversation about transforming one of the nation’s largest and most complex public school systems. Live from the Council of the Great City Schools Conference in Dallas, Dr. Watlington reflects on his first three years at the helm of Philadelphia’s schools—highlighting early wins, key strategies, and the relentless drive behind “Accelerate Philly,” the district’s ambitious five-year strategic plan.

Drawing on nearly three decades of PK-16 leadership, Dr. Watlington shares how strategic hiring, community engagement, and unwavering focus on student achievement are driving progress. Under his leadership, Philadelphia has seen gains in academic performance, graduation rates, and teacher and student attendance, while dropout rates are on the decline. But this isn’t just about numbers—Watlington’s personal connection to the students he serves is clear: “This is not just a job. It’s personal.”

The episode dives into three core priorities reshaping the district: accelerating academic achievement through aligned curriculum, improving customer service and community responsiveness, and building authentic partnerships with families. Davis and Watlington also discuss the importance of collaborative leadership, union partnerships, and creating a team of “first-round draft picks” to move the district forward.

Key Moments

03:45 Strategic Growth and Achievements

07:21 Outsider Superintendent's Success Strategy

12:08 Accelerating Academic Achievement Initiatives

14:31 Improving Customer Service Feedback

16:41 "Aligning Local Delegation for Community"

21:07 Guidelines for Effective Leadership

22:28 Doc's Leadership Transforms Philly

Connect with Dr. Tony B. Watlington

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-b-watlington-sr-ed-d-a14b845b

Website: https://www.philasd.org/leadership/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Tricia McManus, Superintendent of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, for a dynamic conversation about what it means to lead with vision, courage, and compassion.

With more than 30 years in public education, most of it spent in Hillsborough County, Florida, McManus brings a deep well of experience and a crystal-clear focus to the work of equity, access, and instructional excellence. From her roots as a teacher and principal to her leadership in school transformation and professional development, her journey is a masterclass in how to scale impact while staying grounded in purpose.

McManus shares the bold strategic framework guiding her district’s Future Ready plan, anchored in deeper learning, inclusive practices, and a culture of belonging. She opens up about how she earned the community’s trust, the power of showing up in every space, and the shift from intention to execution that every leader must make to drive real change.

You’ll also hear her take on principal pipelines, the importance of adult wellness, and why leading with authenticity is non-negotiable in today’s education landscape.

Whether you’re a new leader looking for a blueprint or a veteran searching for renewed purpose, Tricia McManus offers wisdom, humility, and practical strategies for creating a school system that doesn’t just function, but thrives. This is one conversation you don’t want to miss.

Key Moments

05:11 "Growth Through Experience and Movement"

06:16 Pandemic Leadership Transition

09:39 "Vision for Inclusive Learning"

13:02 Building Strong School Leadership

17:41 "Strategy for Superintendency Success"

19:36 "Proud of Your Dedication"

Connect with Tricia McManus

Website: https://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with veteran superintendent Jerry Almendarez, a 15-year leader whose career has been defined by resilience, heart, and a deep-rooted commitment to community.

Now leading Santa Ana Unified School District—after decades of service in Colton, the very district where he once walked the halls as a student—Jerry shares a full-circle journey few in education ever experience. From becoming the first Latino superintendent in his hometown to navigating the challenges of stepping into a new district mid-pandemic, he opens up about what it truly takes to lead with longevity and integrity.

Jerry doesn’t sugarcoat the role. He talks openly about the personal toll leadership can take—hospital stays from stress, the emotional burden of the job—and how he learned to lead more sustainably by building trust, empowering his team, and embracing the power of social media to connect with his community.

Whether you’re a new superintendent, a veteran in the seat, or simply passionate about education, Jerry’s story is packed with wisdom: on values-aligned leadership, the importance of community trust, and the kind of mindset it takes to stay in the game—without losing yourself in the process.

Key Moments

00:00 Career Transition to Santa Ana

07:32 Superintendent Navigates Challenges via Social Media

10:29 "Importance of Delegating Leadership"

11:42 Leading with Social Influence

Connect with Jerry Almendarez

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-almendarez

Website: https://www.sausd.us

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Warren Morgan, CEO of Cleveland Metropolitan School District, for a candid and insightful conversation on leading through challenge, driving innovation, and staying rooted in purpose. Recorded live at the Council of the Great City Schools’ 68th annual fall conference in Dallas, this episode explores Dr. Morgan’s first-year milestones—including the historic achievement of CMSD meeting Ohio’s state standards for the first time ever.

Dr. Morgan reflects on returning to Cleveland, a city where he has deep personal and professional ties, to lead during a time of fiscal strain and high expectations. With a background spanning classroom teaching, principalship, nonprofit leadership, and even a White House Fellowship, Morgan shares how his diverse journey shaped his student-centered leadership philosophy.

Listeners will hear how Morgan tackled a looming $200 million budget deficit without cutting school-based resources—making bold central office reductions while simultaneously negotiating the highest raises CMSD staff had ever seen. He outlines how an inclusive listening tour, a laser-focused strategic plan, and intentional alignment from central office to classroom helped drive rapid academic gains.

This episode is not just a playbook for educational turnaround—it’s a testament to what’s possible when courageous leadership meets community-driven vision. Whether you're a seasoned superintendent or an aspiring educator, Dr. Morgan’s journey offers real-world insight and inspiration for transforming systems to serve all students equitably.

Key Moments

05:23 Strategic Planning for Educational Success

07:10 Facing Budget Shortfalls in Education

09:45 "Community Supports Operational Staff Pay"

14:07 Value of Mentorship Networking

16:04 "Thank You, Inspiring Leadership"

Connect with Dr. Warren Morgan

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/warren-morgan-edd-933620113

Website: https://www.clevelandmetroschools.org/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host and Strategos Partner Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Brent Jones, Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, for a candid and compelling conversation about leadership, equity, and transformative change in urban education. Recorded live at the 68th Annual Council of Great City Schools Conference in Dallas, Texas, the discussion offers an in-depth look at how Dr. Jones is steering one of the nation's largest school districts through complex challenges with vision and integrity.

A proud product of Seattle Public Schools himself, Dr. Jones brings a deeply personal and professional perspective to the superintendent role. With roots in K-12 and higher education—and a career grounded in educational justice and organizational transformation—he shares how his leadership team, in partnership with civic and community stakeholders, is reimagining what well-resourced schools look like. The episode dives into Seattle's enrollment declines, the fiscal realities of post-pandemic education, and the district’s strategic push toward school consolidation with community trust at the forefront.

Dr. Jones also reflects on the importance of infrastructure—transportation efficiency, IT reliability, and talent recruitment—as essential pillars of student success. With the recent extension of his contract, he speaks to the stability and forward momentum this brings to Seattle’s next strategic phase. This conversation is a must-listen for education leaders, policymakers, and anyone invested in the future of public education.

Key Moments

04:20 "Community Partnership for Education"

09:11 Addressing Structural Budget Deficit

11:21 Managing Change in School Closures

15:29 Urban Family Retention Challenges

17:54 Timely Infrastructure and Education Analytics

20:53 Celebrating Leadership and Inclusivity

Connect with Dr. Brent Jones

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-jones-ph-d-3359aa40

Website: https://www.seattleschools.org/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host and Strategos Partner Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Errick L. Greene, Superintendent of Jackson Public Schools, for an unflinching, inspiring, and deeply human conversation on transformational leadership in public education.

Dr. Greene, appointed in 2018 at a time when Jackson Public Schools faced a looming state takeover and systemic underperformance, shares the story of how he and his team rebuilt a struggling district into a rising model of academic and organizational reform. Under his leadership, the district climbed two full letter grades in the state’s accountability system and boosted its graduation rate by 14 points—its highest in over a decade. From expanding early childhood education to championing tough but necessary school consolidations, Dr. Greene’s bold decisions were rooted in community engagement, strategic vision, and relentless commitment to equity.

With over 30 years in education—from the classroom in Baltimore to district leadership in D.C., Tulsa, and beyond—Dr. Greene reflects on how his own journey shaped his approach to systems change, team building, and sustaining leadership through adversity. He talks candidly about imposter syndrome, the weight of expectations, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who push you to grow.

Whether you're an aspiring superintendent or a veteran educator, this episode offers real talk, hard-won wisdom, and an authentic glimpse into what it takes to lead with courage and purpose. Dr. Greene doesn’t just lead a district—he models how to lead a movement.

Key Moments

04:11 Unexpected Educational Journey

08:15 "Value of Diverse Experiences"

09:34 "Effective Classroom Management Insights"

13:13 Leadership & Culture Insights

16:54 Enrollment Decline and Educational Shifts

19:41 Intentional Network Building

23:08 "Doc's Community Leadership Praise"

Connect with Dr. Errick L. Greene

Website: https://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Issaquah School District Superintendent Heather Tow-Yick to explore how bold leadership, systems thinking, and a relentless commitment to student opportunity are redefining the traditional K-12 experience in Washington state.

Now in her third year at the helm, Tow-Yick brings a dynamic and nontraditional background—from teaching in the Bronx to leading strategic initiatives at Teach For America and Providence Public Schools. Her approach in Issaquah is anchored by a belief in excellence, access, and systemic innovation. At the heart of this episode is a deep dive into Issaquah’s Gibson Ek High School, a model for project-based learning, mastery-based transcripts, and community-integrated internships that’s reshaping how students engage with their education.

Tow-Yick shares how her district is scaling this work beyond a single site, launching “Kickstart” internships for students across comprehensive high schools and strategically using resources to prioritize what matters most. She also reflects on building a culture of care rooted in collaboration—moving from kindness to coherence through her “Stronger Together” ethos.

From navigating declining enrollment to harnessing AI and driving academic equity, Tow-Yick offers candid insights and replicable strategies for superintendents facing the future of education head-on. Whether you’re a school leader, policymaker, or lifelong learner, this conversation is a masterclass in courageous, adaptive leadership.

Key Moments

03:57 Innovative Education Model Success

08:04 Launching Kickstart Internship Program

12:18 "Access and Opportunity Challenges"

14:52 "Stronger Together Through Kindness"

16:46 "Daily Growth Through Challenges"

19:17 Heather: Exceptional Leader & Partner

Connect with Heather Tow-Yick

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

Website: https://www.isd411.org/