When Dr. Surrency stepped into the role in 2016, the district faced a 55% graduation rate, multiple failing schools, and declining economic confidence. Drawing on nearly five decades in education, he shares how a systemwide focus on instructional practices, collaboration, and early intervention helped drive graduation rates above 90% and eliminate failing schools across the district.

Dr. Surrency walks through the power of scaling proven practices, from transforming a single turnaround school into a districtwide model to building strong professional learning communities that align teaching across every classroom. He also explains how consistent data conversations with principals and a relentless focus on early literacy and student engagement created sustainable academic growth.

The conversation also dives into the realities of leading in today's environment, including funding challenges driven by school choice, the need for districts to become more competitive, and why community partnerships are critical to long-term success. From launching high-impact CTE programs to rethinking how districts market themselves, Dr. Surrency shares how innovation and adaptability are essential for survival.

Key Moments

02:01 Entering the role with a 55% graduation rate

03:33 Partnering with the community to drive economic and school growth

06:25 Turning around failing schools through structured practices

09:06 Scaling instructional strategies across the entire district

10:12 Building districtwide teacher collaboration systems

12:30 Using trend data to guide coaching and instruction

13:55 Improving teacher retention through mentorship programs

16:52 Leading as an elected superintendent in a close-knit community

19:10 Navigating funding challenges and declining enrollment

20:41 Reinventing districts to stay competitive

23:00 Launching high-impact CTE programs like aviation and manufacturing

27:22 Leveraging community partnerships to fund innovation

30:57 Prioritizing early literacy and foundational skills

32:31 Using continuous data cycles to drive improvement

35:43 The importance of succession planning in leadership

Why You'll Love This Episode

Dr. Surrency offers a masterclass in long-term, systemwide transformation. His approach combines disciplined execution, strong instructional practices, and deep community engagement to drive results that last.

This episode is especially valuable for superintendents and district leaders facing turnaround challenges, funding pressures, or declining enrollment. If you're looking to build sustainable systems, strengthen community trust, and lead through change, this conversation delivers practical, real-world insights.

Connect with Dr. Rick Surrency | Superintendent, Putnam County School District
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-surrency-221a69a5
Website: https://www.putnamschools.org/

Connect with Shweta Gandhi and Strived
Shweta Gandhi | Founder and CEO, Strived
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shwetasharma1
Strived
Website: https://strived.io/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strived-io/

About The So What Podcast
The So What Podcast explores how school system leaders make sense of complexity when data, strategy, and real classroom outcomes are misaligned. The show is designed for district and charter leaders working to turn fragmented information, competing priorities, and limited capacity into clear decisions that improve teaching, learning, and long-term sustainability.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The So What Podcast for more conversations with leaders working to transform data into meaningful action for schools and students.