Welcome to Season 5 of the Unlock 360 podcast by Lead.Teach.Learn.360! In this episode, Wendy York Davoud is joined by Chris Calabrese, Superintendent of Benicia Unified School District, for a conversation about leadership development, district sustainability, and the power of investing in people.

Chris shares the unexpected story that led him into education and the personal motto that has guided his entire career: “Invest in people’s lives instead of their money.” From teacher to superintendent, Chris reflects on his K–12 leadership journey and how developing leaders remains one of the most meaningful parts of his work today.

The conversation explores the realities of leading a district through change, including leadership transitions, declining enrollment, financial pressures, and the challenge of maintaining strong academic outcomes while supporting students socially and emotionally. Chris also discusses the importance of helping leaders think long term, creating sustainable systems, and balancing district-wide coherence with school-level autonomy.

Listeners will also hear how Benicia Unified is working to strengthen collaboration, close achievement gaps, and preserve the unique culture that makes the Benicia community special.

Key Moments

02:52 Investing in People Instead of Positions

05:32 Supporting New Leaders Through Transition

06:47 Building Sustainable Long-Term Systems

07:22 Self-Awareness and Leadership Growth

09:37 Using 100-Day Plans for Leadership Success

13:25 Learning the Culture of Benicia Unified

16:11 Addressing Enrollment and Budget Challenges

17:45 Attracting Families Through Student Opportunities

18:13 Extracurriculars Strengthen School Culture

20:09 What Makes the Benicia Community Special

22:19 Balancing District Alignment and School Autonomy

26:55 Closing Achievement Gaps Through Collaboration

29:07 Expanding Academic Intervention Supports

Why You Will Love This Episode

This episode offers an honest look at what it takes to lead with purpose during times of transition and uncertainty. Chris shares thoughtful insight on leadership development, strategic thinking, and creating sustainable systems that support both students and educators. District and school leaders alike will walk away with practical ideas around collaboration, culture, and long-term planning.

Connect with Chris Calabrese

Website: https://beniciaunified.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-calabrese-b46079268
Email: ccalabrese@beniciaunified.org

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Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/

About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.

Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.

In this episode, Wendy York Davoud sits down with Jamie Bente, Superintendent of Faribault Public Schools in Minnesota, to discuss district transformation, system coherence, and what it takes to unify schools around a shared vision.

Since becoming superintendent in 2022, Jamie has led Faribault Public Schools through major organizational change, including district restructuring, strategic planning, and efforts to break down long-standing silos between campuses. Drawing on experience as a teacher, dean, assistant principal, principal, and now superintendent, Jamie shares the unique perspective he brings to district leadership and the lessons he has learned navigating change at scale.

In this conversation, Jamie explains how Faribault shifted from operating like “multiple districts” into a more unified system focused on collaboration, consistency, and student-centered decision making. He also reflects on the importance of creating clear expectations through the district’s “playbook,” improving professional learning communities, and balancing autonomy with centralized systems.

Key Moments

04:36 Understanding district-wide education programs

07:34 Implementing district-wide systems

11:56 Evaluating teacher performance data

15:37 Improving early childhood education setup

17:57 Setting staff expectations

21:17 Updating our vision plans

22:59 Developing cross-grade teacher collaboration

27:53 First guest from Minnesota

32:21 Mentorship and career growth

33:17 Mentorship from Jason Wenschlag

Why You Will Love This Episode
If you are leading system-wide change or working to create stronger alignment across schools, this episode offers practical insight into navigating restructuring, improving collaboration, and building a shared culture. Jamie’s honest reflections on leadership, communication, and organizational change provide valuable takeaways for superintendents, principals, and district leaders alike.

Connect with Jamie Bente
Website: https://www.faribault.k12.mn.us/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bente-59891493
Email: jbente@faribault.k12.mn.us

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Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/

About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.
Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.

In this episode, Wendy York Davoud sits down with Dr. Theresa Rouse, Superintendent of Joliet Public Schools District 86, to explore what it truly takes to move a district forward when it feels “stuck.”

With over three decades in education and experience spanning classrooms, site leadership, and district roles across multiple states and even internationally, Dr. Rouse brings a powerful perspective on leadership, equity, and system transformation.

In this conversation, she shares how Joliet began a deep equity journey—starting with examining internal beliefs and biases—and how that work has evolved into tangible changes in student outcomes, community perception, and district culture. From addressing achievement and discipline disparities to investing in early literacy, trauma-informed practices, and whole child development, this episode highlights how intentional leadership can reshape a system over time.

Key Moments
05:40 Embarking on an equity journey

09:37 Engaging with the community

13:08 Community literacy and early education

16:40 Supporting women in leadership roles

20:12 Committee involvement and coaching structure

23:49 Federal and state budget challenges

27:33 Community support and assistance programs

31:11 Supporting multilingual student families

32:44 Settling down in Joliet community

35:42 Connecting with an old friend

38:52 Mentorship impact and philosophy

Why You Will Love This Episode

If you are leading in a complex district environment, this episode offers a real-world look at how long-term change actually happens. Dr. Rouse doesn’t talk about quick wins—she shares what it takes to shift mindsets, systems, and outcomes over time. You will gain insight into leading equity work authentically, building strong community partnerships, and balancing academic priorities with the realities students bring to school every day.

Connect with Dr. Theresa Rouse

Website: https://www.joliet86.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-rouse-ed-d-bb65521a
Email: trouse@joliet86.org

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Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/

About Unlock 360°

Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.

Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.

In this episode, Wendy York Davoud sits down with Dr. Ryan D. Smith, Deputy Superintendent of Bellflower Unified School District, to explore how districts can move beyond vision statements and build systems that truly reflect their core values.

Dr. Smith shares his unique journey from a “lost” college freshman to a math teacher, coach, principal, superintendent, and now deputy superintendent, highlighting the mentors, risks, and pivotal moments that shaped his leadership path.

The conversation centers on one critical idea: values only matter if they guide action. Ryan breaks down how Bellflower USD is re-engaging its community to define mission, vision, and values—and more importantly, how they are translating those into measurable student outcomes through a learner profile. From building a guiding coalition of diverse stakeholders to rethinking hiring practices with AI, this episode offers a practical look at what it takes to align systems with purpose.

Key Moments

05:21 Turning around Leuzinger High School

07:25 Switching from teaching to business

10:01 Ryan's early career and engagement

14:14 Defining mission, vision, and values

17:57 Navigating conflict with core values

21:29 Creating a learner profile framework

26:28 Challenges of personalized education

29:58 Using AI to screen candidates

31:02 Using AI in hiring

Why You Will Love This Episode

If you are working to align your district’s vision with real classroom impact, this episode delivers both inspiration and clarity. Dr. Ryan D. Smith shares how to turn abstract ideas like “innovation” and “collaboration” into measurable outcomes—and how to build systems that actually support them. You will walk away with practical insight on leading values-driven change, engaging your community in meaningful ways, and preparing students for a future that is still unfolding.

Connect with Dr. Ryan D. Smith
Website: https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandsmithedd
Email: ryansmith@busd.k12.ca.us
Articles & Additional Info: https://www.ryandsmithedd.com/

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Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/

About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.

Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.

In this episode, Wendy York Davoud sits down with Jim DuBois, Superintendent of Goshen Community Schools in Indiana, to explore how disciplined execution, strategic clarity, and whole-child support systems can transform district outcomes.

Jim shares his journey from educator to superintendent, including his return from retirement to lead a district navigating community tension, financial constraints, and the need for a clear path forward. Through a focus on strategic planning, simplified priorities, and consistent execution, he has helped bring stability, trust, and momentum back to the district.

The conversation dives deep into Jim’s leadership philosophy, centered on doing fewer things better, and his commitment to building systems that support every student. From the “ABCs” framework (Attendance, Behavior, Course Performance) to innovative interventions like cognitive training labs, Jim highlights how districts can move beyond surface-level solutions and address the root causes of student challenges.

Key Moments

05:14 Strategic Planning Success

09:05 ABC: Attendance, Behavior, Courses

11:50 Embedding PBIS into Culture

15:07 Strategic Planning Drives School Success

18:18 Supporting Academic and Emotional Struggles

22:22 Supporting Learning Through SOIIPP

23:40 Cognitive Training for Learning Success

28:08 Addressing Cognitive and Sensory Delays

32:36 Stamina, Focus, and Sensory Integration

34:16 Opposite Direction Training Explained

37:44 Educational Innovation Boosts IQ

41:16 Calming Kids Through Sensory Tools

43:52 Personalized Cognitive Skill Workbooks

Why You Will Love This Episode

If you are working to bring clarity and focus to your district or school, this episode offers a powerful blueprint. Jim DuBois breaks down how to move from scattered initiatives to a cohesive system that actually delivers results. You will gain insight into building sustainable improvement through execution, not overload, and learn how addressing the whole child—academically, socially, and cognitively—can unlock growth for students who are often left behind. This is a must-listen for leaders who want practical strategies grounded in real district experience.

Connect with Jim DuBois
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-dubois-a65b3127
Website: https://www.goshenschools.org/
Email: jim.dubois@goshenschools.org

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Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/

About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.

Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.

In this episode, Wendy York Davoud sits down with Rhett Ladner, Superintendent of Hancock County School District in Mississippi, to explore a leadership journey that redefines what it means to truly lead. With over three decades in education, Rhett shares how he moved from a results-driven, management-focused approach to one centered on relationships, culture, and purpose, and how that shift transformed both his leadership and his district.

Together, Wendy and Rhett dive into the power of Jostens Renaissance and the “6 Rs” framework, showing how intentional culture-building—respect, reward, recognition, reinforcement, relationships, and results can drive measurable outcomes in student achievement, attendance, and staff retention. Rhett also shares candid reflections on leadership missteps, the importance of listening to students and staff, and how creating a sense of belonging for both learners and “staffulty” can unlock performance at every level.

Key Moments

04:30 Progress Beyond the Boxes

07:14 Learning Leadership Through Connection

09:30 Changing Paths to Make Impact

13:05 School Culture and 6 Rs

18:03 Launching Renaissance Leadership Program

19:11 Transforming School Culture

22:44 Graduation Flash Mob Fiasco

26:50 Leadership Challenges and Growth

31:27 Teacher PLC Scheduling Oversight

35:20 Balancing Boxes for Growth

36:49 Leadership Team Tackles Education Reform

40:29 Core Values Drive Decisions

44:36 Finding Your Perfect Home

Why You Will Love This Episode

This episode is both deeply human and highly practical. Rhett Ladner offers an honest look at what happens when leaders chase results without connection—and what becomes possible when they shift to building culture first. You will walk away with a clear framework for improving school climate, real examples of how culture impacts measurable outcomes, and a reminder that leadership is ultimately about people, not programs. If you are working to increase engagement, retention, and achievement without losing your purpose, this conversation will resonate deeply.

Connect with Rhett Ladner
Website: https://www.hancockschools.net/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhett-ladner-a0b643199
Email: rladner@hancockschools.net

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Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/

About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.

Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.

In this episode, Wendy York Davoud sits down with Dr. Keana Daughtry, Chief Academic Officer of Everman Independent School District, to explore what it really takes to strengthen instruction at scale. Dr. Daughtry shares her powerful journey from student learning struggles to reading specialist, turnaround principal, Region 11 leadership coach, and now district academic leader, always anchored in one core belief: she is still a teacher at heart.

Together, Wendy and Dr. Daughtry dive into systems development and change management as the true work behind sustainable improvement. You will hear practical insights on how Everman ISD is tightening Tier 1 instruction through high-quality instructional materials (HQIM), intentional PLC internalization, and coaching-driven leadership support. Dr. Daughtry also breaks down a clear, actionable change management framework that helps leaders diagnose what is missing when adults feel frustrated, anxious, or resistant, so change can be done with people, not to them.

Key Moments

03:21 Education Leadership and Systems Thinking

08:49 Surprising Similarities in Leadership

11:00 Embracing Change Management Leadership

14:11 Rethinking Resource Management in Education

15:58 Managing Change with Action Plan

19:05 Building Relationships, Embracing New Opportunities

25:08 Improving PLCs and Instruction Quality

28:34 Strengthening Tier 1 Instruction

30:40 Challenges of Legislative Impact

34:30 Recruitment Challenges in Education

36:14 Born, Raised, Educator's Journey

Why You Will Love This Episode

This is a systems-and-people episode in the best way. Dr. Daughtry brings a rare mix of lived experience (as a student who struggled), deep instructional expertise (reading + curriculum), and real-world leadership practice (turnaround + coaching + district systems). You will walk away with a clear change management lens for diagnosing what is actually happening when implementation stalls, plus practical examples of how Everman ISD is strengthening Tier 1 instruction through HQIM, internalization-focused PLCs, and campus leader coaching. If you are working to improve learning outcomes without burning people out, this conversation will give you both clarity and momentum.

Connect with Dr. Keana Daughtry
Website: https://www.eisd.org/
Email: kdaughtry@eisd.org

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Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/

About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.

Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.

In this episode, host Wendy York Davoud sits down with Dr. Matthew Neighbors, Superintendent of Galveston ISD, to explore what it looks like to lead a district where community, culture, and continuous improvement are deeply connected. Dr. Neighbors shares his journey from 17 years in the classroom to the superintendency, and why he still approaches district decisions first through a teacher’s lens.

Together, Wendy and Dr. Neighbors unpack how Galveston ISD built an authentic strategic plan with broad stakeholder input, then keeps it alive through consistent check-ins, shared ownership, and a clear focus on what happens inside classrooms. You will hear the powerful origin story behind GISD’s mission, “Raise the Grade,” rooted in Galveston’s history, and how the district defines growth for every learner through classroom essentials, One Plus goals, and multiple measures of progress. The conversation also dives into leadership trust, feedback loops, consistency across campuses, and how strong community partnerships can help bridge real socioeconomic challenges.

Key Moments

05:03 Unexpected Transition to Leadership

07:45 Advantages of Insider Leadership

09:45 Strategic Planning and Progress Tracking

14:17 Mission Alignment Drives Leadership Success

18:47 Ensuring a Year’s Growth

21:41 Comprehensive Student Growth Assessments

23:29 Handshake Rental Agreement Story

28:43 Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment Framework

30:31 District vs. Campus Coaching Roles

34:43 Diverse Community, Unique Challenges

37:26 Island Living: Fun for All

40:49 Seed of Superintendency

Why You Will Love This Episode

This conversation blends heart, history, and practical district leadership. Dr. Neighbors offers a memorable mission story that gives real meaning to systems work, then backs it up with concrete strategies for execution: living strategic plans, clear classroom expectations, growth monitoring, and a trust-centered leadership approach that empowers principals and teachers instead of micromanaging them. If you care about building coherence across campuses, improving outcomes while protecting culture, and leading in a community with both opportunities and challenges, this episode will leave you with ideas you can use right away.

Connect with Dr. Matthew Neighbors
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-neighbors-edd-39014b31
Website: https://www.gisd.org/
Email: matthewneighbors@gisd.org

Follow Us
Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/

About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.

Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.