In this episode of Leadership Voices, host Jacob Geller sits down with Dr. Adam Clark, Superintendent of Mount Diablo Unified School District, to explore what it truly means to lead with purpose, transparency, and unwavering belief in students. From navigating diverse communities to making data-driven decisions rooted in equity and care, Dr. Clark shares a candid look at the challenges and joys of modern district leadership — and the mindset required to keep students first, always.

He also reflects on the experiences that shaped his leadership journey — from preschool classrooms to complex systemwide decisions — offering clarity, honesty, and wisdom for anyone aspiring to lead in education.

Key Moments

00:45 Dr. Clark’s early years, football, and finding education

03:33 How a summer camp job changed his career trajectory

06:20 From preschool teacher to superintendent — the unexpected path

09:17 Lessons from leading in diverse communities

13:36 What people don’t see about Mount Diablo Unified

17:04 Designing equitable systems across seven cities

20:27 Leading through COVID and staying student-centered

27:26 The “magic dashboard”: attendance, literacy, math

30:46 Why every grade level matters — not just Algebra I

34:20 Hidden parts of the superintendency most leaders don’t expect

40:30 How Mount Diablo is embracing AI with guardrails

44:23 CTE, trades, restaurants, and real-world learning

47:21 What excites Dr. Clark most about his district

51:43 Advice for aspiring superintendents — finding your “why”

Connect with Dr. Adam Clark
Website: https://www.mdusd.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mraclark29/

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About Leadership Voices Podcast
Leadership Voices is where host Jacob Geller speaks with education leaders and innovators about the future of schools, uncovering stories and strategies that create meaningful impact.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Leadership Voices for more conversations on leadership, culture, and the future of learning.

In today’s first episode of Leadership Voices, host Jacob Geller sits down with John Martin, Superintendent of Hallsville Independent School District in Northeast Texas.

A lifelong learner and former coach turned superintendent, John shares his journey from the football field to district leadership, highlighting how reflection, teamwork, and purpose define his approach to education.

Together, they explore the future of virtual learning, how Hallsville ISD has grown to serve over 22,000 students statewide, and why focusing on thinking and problem-solving creates more meaningful outcomes than standardized tests ever could.
From leadership philosophy to hands-on examples of innovation, this conversation reveals how courage, community, and continuous learning drive real educational impact.

Key Moments

00:00 Welcome and introduction to Leadership Voices

03:06 John Martin’s journey from athlete to educator

08:47 Building Hallsville’s statewide virtual campus

10:10 Lessons on leadership, teamwork, and family

33:51 Teaching kids how to think, not what to think

37:00 Balancing assessments with human connection

45:12 Preparing students for careers and real-world success

50:30 Reflections on leadership, growth, and purpose

Connect with John Martin

Website: https://www.hisd.com/Page/10848
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-martin-00675655

Follow Us

Jacob Geller LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-geller-0bb133101/?originalSubdomain=ca

Paper LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/paperlearning/

About Leadership Voices Podcast

Leadership Voices is where host Jacob Geller speaks with education leaders and innovators about the future of schools, uncovering stories and strategies that create meaningful impact.

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Leadership Voices for more conversations on leadership, culture, and the future of learning.