𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this solo episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf challenges a long-standing narrative in education—that rural schools are behind and need to catch up. Instead, she argues that rural education has been leading in many of the practices the broader field is now trying to adopt, including relationship-based learning, whole-child support, and community engagement.
Drawing from data, lived experience, and national research, she highlights the strengths of rural schools while also acknowledging the real challenges they face. This episode is both a call to rethink assumptions and a reminder that rural educators bring valuable expertise that deserves recognition, investment, and study.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Welcome and Thesis
02:09 What Rural Really Means
02:57 The Data Behind Rural
06:20 Conference Wake Up Call
08:24 Whole Child by Default
10:07 Place Based Learning
12:01 Integrated Roles Leadership
14:03 Community as Partner
15:42 Resourcefulness and Ingenuity
16:38 Real Challenges and Equity
19:50 What the Field Must Do
23:10 Final Rally and Wrap
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Rural education is not a problem to be fixed—it is a powerful, proven model that the broader field can learn from. While challenges exist, rural schools continue to lead in relationships, community connection, and meaningful learning. This episode calls on educators, researchers, and policymakers to shift their perspective, recognize rural expertise, and invest in what is already working.

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Dr. Chris Lagoni to unpack the real challenges facing rural school systems—and the practical solutions leaders should be paying attention to.
Chris shares his journey from classroom teacher to national rural education leader, offering a ground-level perspective on policy decisions that directly impact small communities. The conversation dives into critical topics like school funding inequities, consolidation myths, housing shortages, teacher retention, and the unintended consequences of school choice policies.
This episode goes beyond theory and focuses on actionable insights—from local tax solutions and community partnerships to broadband infrastructure and leadership pipelines. If you care about sustaining rural schools while improving opportunity for students, this is a must-listen.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Indiana Rural Squeeze
02:04 Meet Chris Lagoni
03:18 Choice Versus Consolidation
06:13 Two Fixes for Funding
10:00 The Dollar Building Law
15:17 Debt Rules and Fiscal Cliff
21:26 Consolidation Myths and Metrics
26:20 Teacher and Leader Pipeline
28:43 Teacher Pay Flexibility
30:05 Retention First Five Years
30:44 Housing Stock Solutions
34:25 Broadband Strategy Costs
39:54 Community Partnership Playbook
43:24 NREA Priorities Rural Strength
46:56 Advocacy Without Politics
51:59 Defining Rural Advantage
54:27 Closing Actions Thanks
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This conversation highlights a powerful truth: rural education isn’t about limitations—it’s about intentional design. Chris Lagoni emphasizes that with the right policies, partnerships, and leadership mindset, rural schools can thrive while staying deeply connected to their communities.
The path forward isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s local, collaborative, and rooted in real-world needs. For leaders, the challenge is clear: translate complexity into action, advocate with clarity, and never underestimate the strength of community-driven education.

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Dr. Cleve Pilot, Director of the Fairfield Career & Technology Center in South Carolina, to explore the evolving role of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in rural communities.
Dr. Pilot shares his journey from a rural student learning welding and typing to becoming a nationally respected CTE leader. Drawing from his experience as a counselor, administrator, and educator, he explains how modern CTE programs create meaningful career pathways for students—whether they pursue college, certifications, or direct entry into the workforce.
The conversation dives into rebranding vocational education, aligning programs with local workforce needs, creating strong industry partnerships, and ensuring students graduate with real skills and real opportunities. Dr. Pilot also discusses how rural districts can develop sustainable programs that strengthen both students and local economies.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 CTE Promise Paycheck
02:08 Cleve Journey Skills
04:02 Counseling To CTE
05:40 School Based Enterprises
08:00 Rural CTE Training
11:49 Branding Paradigm Shift
15:43 Labor Market Alignment
18:32 Equity Early Access
19:48 Exposure Middle School
20:56 Partnerships Without Burnout
22:17 Work Based Learning
24:24 Counselor Lens Pathways
27:59 IEPs High Demand Success
29:53 IEP to Leadership
31:03 Measuring What Matters
33:18 Tracking Real Placements
34:46 Budgeting for Durability
37:34 Keeping Talent Local
41:04 Fairfield Playbook Steps
43:20 Avoiding Copycat Traps
46:04 Books and Hey Grover
54:21 Reset for Teacher Wellness
58:21 Rural Advantage and Wrap
Closing Summary:
Dr. Cleve Pilot reminds us that career and technical education is far more than an alternative pathway—it is a powerful bridge connecting education to real-world opportunity.
By aligning programs with workforce needs, exposing students to career options early, and building strong community partnerships, rural schools can create pathways that allow students to thrive both locally and beyond. Dr. Pilot’s leadership demonstrates how modern CTE programs can transform lives, strengthen communities, and redefine what success looks like for students.

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Cory Kulig to explore what it truly looks like to lead meaningful change in a rural school district. Rather than simply adopting new programs, Cory shares how thoughtful leadership decisions, community partnerships, and structural shifts have helped move his districts toward a more future-ready model.
Cory discusses the urgency behind rethinking traditional education, the importance of building teacher confidence during major instructional shifts, and how competency-based learning can empower students. He also highlights the role of emerging technologies, personalized learning, and real-world application in preparing students for a rapidly changing workforce.
This conversation offers practical insight for leaders navigating staffing challenges, tight budgets, and community expectations—while still keeping student ownership and engagement at the center.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Meet Corey Kulig
02:01 Career Path and Risks
03:35 Why Incremental Change Fails
05:24 Handling Pushback and Unlearning
07:04 Student Ownership Wins
08:40 Rural Constraints to Advantages
11:32 Messaging the Why
13:24 Personalized Learning Shift
17:16 Competencies and Feedback
18:38 Supporting Teachers to Risk
21:06 Scheduling Time to Explore
22:38 Community and Employer Partners
25:41 AI and Tool Vetting
27:19 Unlocking CTE with Schedules
29:29 Standards vs Compliance
32:00 Trust and Culture Building
36:39 Budgeting for Learning Return
38:57 Evidence Beyond Test Scores
41:54 Advice for Rural Leaders
43:36 Defining Rural Advantage
45:08 Closing and Call to Action
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Cory Kulig’s work demonstrates that meaningful school transformation doesn’t begin with programs—it begins with leadership clarity, trust, and a willingness to rethink long-standing structures. By focusing on student ownership, teacher support, and community alignment, his districts are building systems designed for the future rather than the past.
For rural leaders especially, this episode is a powerful reminder: constraints can become catalysts when paired with intentional design and courageous leadership.

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Dr. Megan Duncan, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators (AAEA). With more than two decades of experience spanning classroom teaching, district leadership, and state-level administration, Dr. Duncan brings a comprehensive perspective on the realities facing today’s education leaders.
The conversation explores the unique challenges and opportunities in rural education, including fiscal pressures, leadership churn, geographic barriers, and the growing need for strong administrator pipelines. Dr. Duncan shares how AAEA is working to bridge policy and practice, support superintendents in real time, and elevate practitioner voices through initiatives like their new podcast and the Arkansas Advantage project.
Listeners will gain practical insights into leadership in rural systems, strategies for navigating policy implementation, and why staying anchored to a clear “North Star” is essential for superintendent success.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Why Administrators Matter
01:31 Meet Dr Megan Duncan
01:58 From Classroom to Statewide
04:34 Turning Policy Into Practice
05:59 Rural Leaders Top Concerns
08:47 What Rural Arkansas Looks Like
14:19 Rulemaking Translation Playbook
20:39 Rural Leadership Strengths
23:39 Building the Admin Pipeline
28:23 Supporting Hidden Operations
31:24 Podcast and Advocacy Stories
35:31 Advice for New Superintendents
40:45 Next Year and Legislative Prep
42:50 Defining the Rural Advantage
44:30 Final Takeaways and Outro
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Dr. Megan Duncan offers a grounded and hopeful look at the future of educational leadership in Arkansas and beyond. Her message is clear: strong systems depend on connected leaders, clear communication, and an unwavering focus on students. Through AAEA’s networking, professional learning, and storytelling efforts, the organization is working to ensure that rural administrators are supported, informed, and never isolated in their work.
For new and veteran leaders alike, this conversation is a powerful reminder that while the challenges in education are complex, collaboration, clarity, and commitment to students remain the most effective path forward.

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Jacob Kantor, the self-described “District Office Door Opener” (Chief DODO), to unpack what it really takes for edtech vendors to earn trust with school systems in 2026. Jacob shares how he vets companies, why relationship-building still beats flashy demos, and what many founders misunderstand about district buying cycles—especially after ESSER funding dried up and AI tools flooded the market.
The conversation dives into practical guardrails for vendors, the importance of doing deep district research, and how rural and small systems require a different level of intentionality. If you sell into schools—or are evaluating vendors—this episode offers a candid playbook for building partnerships that last beyond the pilot phase.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Meet the District Door Opener
01:33 Origin of Chief Dodo
04:32 Is Your Product Ready
07:15 Pre-Meeting Guardrails
12:08 Post-ESSER Buying Reality
19:18 Trust Killers and Builders
21:39 Using AI for District Research
26:11 Selling to Rural Districts
28:52 Rural Market Proof
31:06 Utah Broadband Mindset
33:01 Pricing and Consortium Deals
34:54 Outcomes Based Contracts
38:39 PD for Rural Fidelity
43:02 Buy In Through Story
46:11 Conferences That Move Deals
51:22 Next 18 Months in Edtech
54:20 Defining Rural Advantage
56:33 Closing and Next Steps
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This conversation makes one thing clear: selling into schools in 2026 requires far more than a polished demo. District leaders—especially in rural systems—are demanding proof, preparation, and authentic partnership. Jacob Kantor’s playbook emphasizes deep research, relationship-first conversations, and clear evidence of impact as the new baseline for vendor credibility.
For companies willing to do the homework and commit for the long haul, the opportunity is still enormous. But the era of “shiny tool” selling is over. Trust, transparency, and demonstrated results now drive the deals that actually last.

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with David Little, Executive Director of the Rural Schools Association of New York State (RSA-NY), to unpack the policy realities shaping rural education.
With more than four decades of experience in state government and education advocacy, David brings a rare insider perspective on how legislation is crafted—and how rural schools are often overlooked in the process. He shares how RSA translates the concerns of small districts into meaningful advocacy in Albany, and why New York’s current funding structures are failing rural communities.
The conversation explores foundation aid, student mental health, special education identification rates, unfunded mandates, zero-emission bus timelines, school resource officer funding, and the political dynamics that shape state education budgets. At the center of it all is a powerful idea borrowed from 2018 National Rural Teacher of the Year Wade Alette: the hard work of staying—the reality facing rural communities that remain resilient despite economic and demographic challenges.
David offers both a candid assessment of the current funding crisis and actionable strategies for rural leaders to advocate effectively. This episode is a masterclass in connecting policy to practice—and a call to action for lawmakers and communities alike.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Rural Schools Front and Center: Meet David Little & the RSA Mission
01:52 From Albany Counsel to Rural Advocate: Dave’s Career Path
03:52 What Counts as ‘Rural’? Who RSA Serves and Why It Matters
05:04 Home Rule, State Power, and the Albany–Rural Disconnect
08:44 When One-Size-Fits-All Policy Breaks: The Substitute Teacher Example
11:45 ‘I’m From New York’: The Hidden Scale of Rural NY
12:48 Turning Superintendent Calls into Action: The ‘Hard Work of Staying’ Tour
15:23 Funding by Headcount vs. Student Need: Special Ed & Mental Health Pressures
18:30 Staffing Shortages and the Limits of Shared Services (BOCES)
19:47 Mandates Collide with Reality: Electric Bus Timelines, Tax Caps, and Cuts
27:56 What Lawmakers Must Hear: Reform Foundation Aid for Today’s Needs
30:37 School Safety Costs in Rural Districts: The SRO Funding Dilemma
32:28 Why 911 Can’t Save You in Time: The Case for On‑Site School Safety
33:12 Funding School Resource Officers & Sharing Services (BOCES)
34:30 How NY’s Budget Process Limits the Legislature (and Why It Matters)
40:33 Action Steps for Rural Advocacy: Mobilize Your Community Fast
42:26 Make Them Care: Storytelling, Leverage, and Bipartisan Outreach
49:03 What’s Next for RSA: “The Hard Work of Staying” Policy Priorities
52:37 Defining the Rural Advantage: Community Schools, Graduation, and the Next Challenge
56:56 Closing Thoughts: Reconnecting Leaders, Communities, and Rural America
58:57 Final Wrap: Your Next Move + Subscribe & Share
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This episode is both a reality check and a roadmap.
David Little makes it clear: rural schools are not asking for special treatment—they are asking for equitable treatment grounded in student need rather than outdated enrollment formulas. At a time when New York is implementing transformative reforms like Portrait of a Graduate, the state stands at a pivotal moment. Without adequate funding and thoughtful policy adjustments, even the most promising initiatives will falter.
“The hard work of staying” is more than a phrase—it is a daily commitment made by rural families, educators, and communities who continue to invest in their schools despite economic strain and demographic shifts.
The path forward requires political courage, informed advocacy, and community engagement. As David reminds us, policymakers may hear advocates—but they must also hear from constituents. Because in the end, people only protect what they understand—and only fund what they prioritize.
For rural leaders, the message is clear: connect, communicate, and act.

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Some consultants bring binders. Dr. Daniel Truelove Jr. brings a blueprint for how people actually work together.
In this powerful conversation, Daniel shares how schools can move beyond “people problems” and instead identify perspective gaps that create friction. Drawing from his background in psychology, education, and organizational consulting—and his own lived experiences—Daniel explains how leaders can transform conflict into clarity, shift from toxic positivity to authentic support, and create cultures where adults and students truly thrive.
You’ll hear practical strategies for:
- Naming and navigating different types of conflict
- Using behavioral insights (like DISC) without labeling people
- Building agreements that stick beyond the workshop
- Hiring for culture add—not just culture fit
- Supporting educator resilience in meaningful ways
- Increasing trusted adult relationships for students
If you lead in a rural district—or any district where people wear multiple hats and relationships drive results—this episode offers tools you can start using immediately.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Meet Dr. Daniel True Love Jr. + What We’ll Cover (Culture, Conflict, Metrics)
01:51 Daniel’s Origin Story: Psychology, Education, and Family Dynamics
03:29 “People Aren’t the Problem”: Preferences, Perspective, and the E-B-I-B Model
05:28 A Belief Shift: Stop Forcing Your Perspective, Start Seeing Theirs
07:41 Bridging the Connection Gap: Naming Conflict (Preference, Passion, Process)
10:57 What Changes in 90 Days: No More Elephants in the Room
11:58 Rolling It Out in Small/Rural Districts: Why Leadership Buy-In Matters
14:46 Using DISC Without the Labels: From ‘Who I Am’ to ‘How I Operate’
17:01 Quick Clarity Across Styles: Assign Roles to Strengths in Meetings
19:19 Diagnosing Culture Without Survey Fatigue: What Data Actually Matters
22:13 Making It Stick: Habit-Stacking with Agreements and Hard Conversations
25:37 Avoiding the Perfection Trap: Progress, Humanity, and Open Dialogue
27:11 Toxic Positivity & Real Resilience: Support That Matches the Workload
33:15 Healthy Conflict as a Culture Signal: Surfacing and Resolving It Well
33:39 Healthy Conflict: No Side Huddles, No Confirmation Bias
35:22 Valuing Different Perspectives (Marriage & DISC Example)
37:36 Hiring to Protect Culture: Ditch the Gut Feeling
41:14 One Trusted Adult Away: Daniel’s Story of Ms. Gunner
46:51 Building Trusted Adult Networks: Commonalities, Mentors & Partnerships
54:03 Character Education That Transfers: Aligning Adult & Student Values
58:48 What “Rural Advantage” Really Means (Grit, Creativity, Resilience)
01:00:48 Where to Connect + Final Takeaways & Call to Action
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Healthy school culture isn’t built on programs—it’s built on perspective.
In this episode, Daniel reminds us that conflict isn’t the enemy; unnamed conflict is. When leaders learn to distinguish between preference, passion, and process conflicts, they can address friction at its source. When they replace labels with understanding, perfection with grace, and toxic positivity with authentic presence, trust begins to grow.
And perhaps most powerfully, Daniel’s story reminds us that culture work isn’t abstract—it’s personal. Every adult in a building has the potential to be the one trusted adult who changes a student’s trajectory.
When leaders create environments where adults feel seen, valued, and supported, students experience that ripple effect.
Because in the end, culture isn’t about control—it’s about connection