In this episode of The So What Podcast, host Shweta Gandhi, CEO and Founder of Strived, sits down with Joe Fagnant, Superintendent of RSU 29 and Executive Director of the Southern Aroostook Regional Service Center in Maine, to explore what it truly takes to lead transformation in a rural school system.

With nearly three decades of experience in the same community, Joe shares how he has evolved from music teacher to superintendent, bringing a deep understanding of student needs, workforce development, and community dynamics. From declining enrollment and staffing challenges to bold initiatives like pathway-based learning, alternative education models, and district-wide innovation, this conversation highlights how rural districts can adapt, innovate, and thrive.

This episode is a powerful reminder that meaningful change in education starts with community, courage, and a willingness to rethink traditional systems.

Key Moments

03:47 Podcast structure and focus

08:39 Managing budget and funding challenges

12:42 Analyzing educational data trends

13:44 Engaging students with future pathways

17:05 Flexible transition models for students

23:27 Starting early childhood education program

24:12 Getting started with new programs

30:21 Integrating pathways for students

33:30 Having tough conversations early

35:44 Wrapping up with final thoughts

38:07 Innovating Adult Education Approaches

Why You’ll Love This Episode

Joe brings a grounded, real-world perspective on leadership. His approach blends practicality with vision, showing how even resource-constrained districts can drive meaningful change. From creative problem-solving to deep community connection, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable ideas.

If you’re navigating challenges in your district, thinking about workforce alignment, or looking to innovate without massive budgets, this conversation will resonate.

Connect with Joe Fagnant | Superintendent, RSU 29

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-fagnant-66816614b
Website: https://www.rsu29.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.

In this episode of The So What Podcast, host Shweta Gandhi, CEO and Founder of Strived, sits down with Dr. Dani Scott, Superintendent of Pecatonica Area School District, to explore what it really takes to lead a small, rural district through today’s biggest challenges.

With 30 years in public education and a background as a school psychologist, Dr. Scott brings a deeply human-centered approach to leadership. She shares how rural districts can turn limitations into strengths, why mental health and funding pressures are reshaping education, and how focusing on “measures that matter” can drive better outcomes than traditional testing alone.

From rethinking professional development to leading a successful $18.8M referendum, this conversation highlights how trust, community voice, and intentional systems can transform both culture and student success.

Key Moments

05:18 Superintendent's daily focus and initiatives

10:19 Using data for systemic changes

11:19 Improving data usage in schools

17:16 Improving curriculum consistency

21:43 Engaging community for school improvements

25:51 Gathering teacher input for planning

29:26 Benefits of a Smaller School District

30:48 Prioritizing work-life balance

36:01 Supporting students' mental health needs

Why You’ll Love This Episode

Dr. Dani Scott blends strategy with empathy in a way that feels both practical and inspiring. Her leadership shows that you don’t need more resources to create meaningful change, you need clarity, trust, and a deep understanding of your people.

If you’re navigating funding constraints, struggling to balance data with human needs, or leading in a rural or small district, this episode offers grounded insights you can apply immediately.

Connect with Dr. Dani Scott | Superintendent, Pecatonica Area School District

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-scott
Website: https://www.pecatonica.k12.wi.us/

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.

In this episode of The So What Podcast, host Shweta Gandhi, CEO and Founder of Strived, sits down with Dr. Michele Eller, Superintendent of Sylacauga City Schools, to unpack what it truly takes to turn data into meaningful change.

With experience spanning classroom teaching to district leadership, Dr. Eller shares how she transformed her district from fragmented efforts into a cohesive, high-performing system. From conducting an instructional audit to building a culture of accountability and support, she explains how intentional leadership, strong systems, and clear expectations led to measurable gains across the district.

The conversation also explores how schools must evolve in the age of AI, why portraits of graduate frameworks matter more than ever, and how leaders can balance innovation with proven instructional practices.

Key Moments

02:12 District growth from an 82 to 87 performance score

04:04 The growing impact of AI in education

06:55 Conducting an instructional audit to reset the system

08:08 Moving from “hope” to structured data checkpoints

09:17 Teaching educators how to actually use data

10:41 Building a culture of accountability through tough conversations

12:20 The challenge of fragmented data systems

13:30 Creating a culture of high expectations and support

14:58 Designing a meaningful portrait of a graduate

17:49 Shifting mindset from “one more thing” to intentional practice

20:00 Embedding graduate skills into classroom walkthroughs

21:33 Measuring what’s working in a rapidly changing environment

23:50 Launching an AI integration task force

Why You’ll Love This Episode

Dr. Eller brings a practical, no-nonsense approach to school improvement. She doesn’t just talk about data—she shows how to build systems that make data actionable at every level, from district leadership to the classroom.

This episode is especially valuable for superintendents and district leaders who are trying to balance innovation with execution. Whether you're rolling out new initiatives, improving instructional practices, or navigating AI adoption, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable insights.

Connect with Dr. Michele Eller | Superintendent, Sylacauga City Schools

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-eller-phd
Website: https://www.scsboe.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.