Standing Tall: Voices in Leadership

Key Takeaways for Leaders The "Felt" Culture: Culture isn't just a mission statement on a wall. It’s the audible sound of students encouraging one another and the tangible "vibe" you feel the moment you walk through the doors. The Power of "Best for Kids": Learn how to use a single, simple question to filter every decision, from budget allocations to new recess rules. Systems with a Soul: Janelle discusses how to balance the technical rigor of MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) and SWIS data with the human need for belonging and relationship-first coaching. Leading Through the Unthinkable: A raw look at how to guide a staff and student body through the loss of a student by being present, listening, and allowing space for collective healing. Student Voice & Agency: Why giving kids the power to "invent" recess games (like "Go Ball" or "Toilet Tag") builds more than just fun—it builds ownership and leadership. Notable Quotes "Culture isn't just something that you talk about. You can come in and you see it and you feel it." "Leadership doesn't have all the answers. It’s definitely about showing up, being present, and having a space for staff, families, and kids to process." "If we do what we say we're supposed to do, it works." Resources & Frameworks Mentioned MTSS & PBIS: The academic and behavioral frameworks that anchor Shetler Elementary. 5D+ Rubric: The coaching and feedback framework Janelle uses for instructional leadership. SWIS Data: Used for tracking behavioral trends to inform Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions. Kagan Structures: Engagement strategies used in classrooms to ensure every student is participating.

Guest: Paul Klimza Principal at Reeths-Puffer Elementary School Paul Klimza brings over three decades of experience to the table, specializing in school culture, special education, and alternative learning. His leadership philosophy is rooted in his own experience as a student who felt "unseen," driving him to create an environment where every student is given an opportunity to shine. Key Discussion Points The "Underdog" Mentality: Paul discusses his early career in special education and alternative centers, explaining how those experiences shaped his "no child unseen" philosophy. The Timeline of Culture: Why it takes 7–9 years to truly turn a building around and the importance of leadership longevity. Trauma-Invested vs. Trauma-Informed: A deep dive into meeting families where they are, providing practical resources (like school pantries and laundry facilities), and removing barriers to engagement. Radical Visibility: The impact of the "bus loop" greeting and why the principal should be the first face students see every morning. High-Impact Leadership (HIL): How "jumping in with both feet" to new systems and maintaining fidelity to literacy coaching and instructional rounds transformed their building data. Leading Through Crisis: Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and the "wake-up call" of realizing which students were at risk of falling through the cracks. Memorable Quotes "We might have someone walking the halls that’s going to cure cancer... all they need is opportunity. They need somebody to care for them, somebody to believe in them, and somebody to give them a chance." "Culture is hard to define, but it’s something you can feel... everything starts with the relationships."  

In this episode of Standing Tall: Voices in Leadership, host Randy Lindquist sits down with Michelle Barry, the visionary leader behind Ignite Pathways in Woodbine, Iowa. Michelle shares her journey from a general education teacher to a pioneer in Career and Technical Education (CTE), explaining how she works at the intersection of education and workforce development to change student lives.     Key Topics Discussed   The Engagement Gap: Why Michelle felt disconnected from 40% of her students in the traditional classroom and how CTE became the solution.       Building Ignite Pathways: The creation of a system designed to upskill students for four-year universities, trade schools, or the direct workforce.       The "Village" Approach: How collective efforts between education, labor, and community make transformation possible in rural Iowa.       Leadership Through Iteration: Why "fail forward" is the unofficial middle name of her organization and how to lead by example.       The Tommy Gate Success Story: A specific look at how a partnership with a local manufacturing company created a direct welding apprenticeship pipeline.   Resources & Links Mentioned   Organization: Ignite Pathways — Empowering students through career-linked learning in Woodbine, Iowa.       Industry Partner: Tommy Gate — The local manufacturing company partnering with Ignite for student apprenticeships.       Conference: MAISA / Michigan Fall Leadership Conference (FLC) — The event where this episode was recorded.       Inspiration: The Nebraska Huskers Tunnel Walk — Michelle’s pick for her motivational "walk-in" song.       Memorable Quotes "We stand tall because of those who came before us and because of those who we serve." — Randy Lindquist     "I think being okay with failing to fail forward... iterate over and over. If you keep that end goal in mind... transformation happens." — Michelle Barry

In this episode, we sit down with Sean, the Superintendent at Eaton RESA, to discuss his unique path from the classroom to higher education coaching and back to district leadership. Sean shares his philosophy on building high-trust environments, why he believes leaders should "barrier bust" rather than just provide solutions, and how the "AI revolution" is forcing a 200-year-old system to finally pivot!Key TakeawaysAuthenticity Over Persona: Don't "code switch" into a hard-nosed administrator; lead as the person you were before you got the title.A Culture of Experimentation: Create a space where staff aren't afraid to fail, viewing unsuccessful pilots as valuable learning experiences.The Shift to Wisdom: Since knowledge is now a commodity, schools must pivot toward developing critical thinkers who can apply information.Hire & Empower: Find people who share your core values (kids first) and give them the autonomy to stretch the organization.Reflection as Foundation: Great leadership always starts with reflecting on the "why," the fairness of decisions, and the support provided to others.

Episode Highlights & Key ConceptsThe Unconventional Path to Leadership: John discusses his unique "top-down" career trajectory, moving from high school social studies teacher to the Michigan Department of Education before returning to local and regional leadership.Building the Plane While Flying It: A look into John's entrepreneurial leadership style, where he advocates for launching innovative projects—even if they aren't perfect—to meet the urgent needs of students.The Power of Peer Networks: Insights into the Future of Learning Council, a grassroots network of over 70 districts working to implement personalized, competency-based learning across Michigan.Trust but Verify: Borrowing wisdom from Bo Schembechler, John explains how he manages a staff of hundreds by trusting his "heroic" team while maintaining clear check-ins and accountability.The Relationship Metric: Why social-emotional connections and mentorship are the most enduring rewards of a career in education, far outweighing test scores.Big Ideas & Further Reading1. The Dance Floor and the BalconyJohn highlights the necessity for leaders to "get off the dance floor and get on the balcony" to maintain a strategic view of their organization. This analogy, popularized by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky, distinguishes between technical management and adaptive leadership.Deep Dive: The Balcony and the Dance Floor (Ed Batista) – A detailed exploration of how to move between active participation and objective observation.2. Competency-Based Education (CBE)John discusses breaking away from the "one-hour model" in favor of evidence-based grading and personalized pathways.Learn More: Future of Learning Council – The organization John co-founded to scale student-centered innovation in Michigan.3. "Big Hairy Audacious Goals" (BHAG)John mentions his drive for "big, hairy, audacious goals" to push the boundaries of what is possible in school districts.Concept Origin: Jim Collins - BHAG – A classic leadership principle about setting clear, compelling, and long-term goals.Connect with the LeadersDr. John VanWagoner: LinkedIn Profile – Superintendent of Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS).Randy Lindquist: LinkedIn Profile – Superintendent of the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District (MAISD). 

Key Takeaways for LeadersFramework Over Compliance: PBIS should be a tool to address strategic challenges like chronic absenteeism and test scores, not just a set of rules to follow.The Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF): A strategy for schools and community partners to move beyond just sharing information to authentic, shared decision-making.Moving Beyond "Person-Dependency": Why systems must be team-based to survive leadership turnover and staff burnout.Vulnerability as a Leadership Tool: Building trust with families and agencies requires being honest about school challenges rather than trying to fix everything "in-house" first.Disaggregating for Equity: Using data by race, gender, and IEP status to uncover implicit biases and targeted needs.Leveraging Community Data: How tracking external markers—like the geographic origin of student hotline calls—can lead to better-targeted school interventions.The Culture of Wellness: Creating an environment where adults feel they belong is the first step to ensuring students feel the same.Links & Resources MentionedCenter on PBIS: National resources, research, and technical assistance.Midwest PBIS Network: Training and support for MTSS and ISF implementation.Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF) Overview: Resources for integrating mental health into school systems.Connect with the Guests & HostKelly Perales on LinkedIn: Connect with KellyRandy Lindquist on LinkedIn: Connect with Randy

Episode SummaryIn this special end-of-year mashup, we dive into the lessons that define high-impact leadership. From the precision of a Ferrari pit crew to the "monastic" focus of Victor Hugo, we explore how educational leaders can break out of their silos to create more efficient, connected, and focused school cultures.Key Takeaways for LeadersCross-Pollination: How a London hospital reduced errors by 49% by consulting with Formula One mechanics.The Transition to Leadership: Moving from being responsible for the job to being responsible for the people who do the job.Environment vs. Willpower: Why your school's social and physical environment is more powerful than ANY New Year's resolution.The Myth of the Hero: Rejection of the "Sage on the Stage" model in favor of distributed leadership and learner empowerment.Resources MentionedSimon Sinek: Leadership and "Taking care of those in our charge."Vanessa Van Edwards: The importance of human connection over rigid routines.James Clear: Building systems that make desired behaviors the "path of least resistance."Jonathan Haidt: The Anxious Generation and the power of putting the phone away.Rick DuFour: Leaders of Learning and the obligation to lead regardless of title.Connect with the HostFollow and connect with Randy Lindquist on LinkedIn to continue the conversation on leadership.

Key Takeaways for School LeadersGrowth Without "Collateral Damage" Ambition is critical, but it cannot come at the expense of your people. Smies explains why growth must be managed carefully to avoid leaving a "wake" of burnt-out staff behind.The "Three-Legged Stool" of Sustainability For any district or organization to thrive, growth must happen simultaneously in three areas: volunteers (staff/talent), participants (students), and resources (funding). If one leg outpaces the others, the structure becomes unstable.Stories Over Spreadsheets While metrics matter, they rarely move minds. Smies shares why individual success stories—like that of the Garcia family—are the most powerful tool for promoting your organization’s impact.Leading Like a Putter, Not a Driver The best leadership isn't about the biggest, flashiest swing. It’s about reliability. Smies discusses why being consistent and dependable (like a putter) builds more trust than being powerful but erratic (like a driver).Defining Your "North Star" Does your district have a compelling argument for change? Smies challenges leaders to ask if they are truly the most impactful part of a student's life when they look back on their journey.Notable Quotes"Growth is always going to be at the forefront for us, but we can't leave a collateral damage wake behind us." — Tyler Smies"If you just do what you say you're going to do, you're probably ahead of 75% of your competition." — Tyler Smies"Success is ultimately measured through our students... when somebody graduates high school, when they're talking about the most impactful people or programs... is First Tee a part of that conversation?" — Tyler SmiesResources MentionedFirst Tee – West Michigan: https://firstteewestmichigan.org/Muskegon Area Intermediate School District: https://www.muskegonisd.org/Connect with the SpeakersRandy Lindquist (Host): LinkedInTyler Smies (Guest): LinkedIn

Multiplier Mindset: Moving Beyond Unilateral LeadershipIn this episode, we sit down with Ron Gorman, who shares his journey from a second-grade teacher in Grand Rapids to becoming the Superintendent of Kent ISD . Ron discusses the unique challenges of leading at the county level, the shifting landscape of vocational education, and the critical "soft skills" that define successful district leadership. Key Takeaways Be a Multiplier, Not a Unilateral Leader: Ron argues that authoritarian leadership often creates "yes people" and suppresses innovation . Instead, he strives to be a "multiplier" who empowers the experts around him and collaborates with local districts and business partners before making major decisions .The "Sunday Rule" for Mental Health: To model work-life balance, Ron enforces a rule where his team does not contact one another on Sundays unless it is a true emergency requiring a text message . He believes leaders must model the behavior of "putting the phone down" to prevent burnout .The Rebranding of Career Tech (CTE): CTE is no longer viewed as a track for students not going to college; it is now a high-demand pathway for all students, including high achievers . Ron notes that despite serving thousands of students, waiting lists have grown to nearly 1,500, highlighting the urgent need to expand these opportunities .Advice for New Leaders: When stepping into a new role, avoid the trap of acting like you have "arrived" or know everything . Ron advises adopting a "learner stance," observing teachers, and being transparent when you don't have the answer .Learning from Failure: Ron shares that he has learned far more from his failures than his successes . He emphasizes that a true growth mindset involves "dusting yourself off" after a mistake and reflecting on how to do better next time . Notable Quotes "I strive to be a multiplier every day... I don't see collaboration as a weakness. I see collaboration as empowering those with you, and I see it as a strength.""A leader learns more from his failures than he does from his successes.""When you're in the first few years of your leadership journey, this is a time when you have to ask as many questions as possible. You have to be humble." Topics Covered Ron’s career path: From 2nd grade teacher to SuperintendentLeading a large urban district through the COVID-19 pandemicThe difference between local district leadership and ISD leadershipAddressing the CTE capacity crisisStrategic focus: Keeping "pebbles" from distracting from the "boulders"The importance of visibility and presence in schools

Episode SummaryWhat does it mean to be "kindly accountable"? In this episode, Randy sits down with Liz Calvert, the principal of Madison High School in Virginia, to discuss her journey as an educator and leader. Liz shares her compelling argument for change, rooted in her own children's experience, which sparked her mission to equip students with "durable skills".Liz offers powerful advice on how to lead with authenticity, navigate the difficult process of grading reform, and inspire staff, even when the work is demanding. She shares a key leadership principle: ensuring that the "adults' learning" (like implementing a new system) does not negatively impact student outcomes.About Our GuestLiz Calvert is the principal of Madison High School in Vienna, Virginia. With a diverse background as a history teacher, department chair, tech specialist, assessment coach, and Director of School Counseling, Liz brings a unique and holistic perspective to school leadership. She is a passionate advocate for building a positive school culture where students and staff can thrive.Key TakeawaysThe Compelling Argument for Change: Liz's "why" is deeply personal, driven by a desire to ensure all students are prepared with durable skills (like collaboration, communication, and critical thinking) that will serve them long after high school.Durable Skills > Content: The episode explores using content as the tool to teach durable skills, rather than making content the final goal.Leading with Authenticity: Leaders must be authentic, willing to take feedback, and able to admit when they are wrong. Liz shares that her greatest joy as a principal comes from the individual moment she shares with each student at graduation."Kindly Accountable": A key theme is balancing high expectations with genuine care. Liz explains that "clear is kind" and that you can be direct with people while still respecting them as a human being.Don't Let Adult Learning Impact Kids: When implementing a new competency-based grading system, Liz's core message to parents was, "I'm not going to allow our learning to impact your child's ability to get into college". This built the trust needed to innovate.Shielding Your Staff: To prevent burnout and keep staff inspired, Liz and her admin team work to "filter" district mandates and shield teachers from unnecessary work that distracts from their core mission.Resources MentionedGuest Bio: Liz Calvert, Principal, Madison High SchoolQuote: "Clear is kind." - Brené BrownPodcast Recommendation: Lessons We Forgot (Host recommendation)