Leaders Build Leaders

Season 3 Episode 8: Exploring the Systems Behind Student Well‑Being with Jamie Smith

May is a month when we recognize the vital role of school nurses—professionals who form the backbone of student health and safety. With National School Nurse Day observed on the first Wednesday of May, this episode of Leaders Build Leaders couldn’t be more timely. I sat down with Jamie Smith, Senior Program Administrator for School Health Services at Multnomah Education Service District (MESD). Jamie leads coordinated school health efforts across multiple districts, work that mirrors the very purpose of School Nurse Day: honoring those who ensure students are healthy, safe, and ready to learn. His leadership and the work of his team:  * Provide nursing care, care coordination, and prevention services across districts * Operate at the intersection of education and public health * Remove barriers so students can fully access learning—physically and emotionally Visit multnomahesd.org to learn more about Health Services.

Season 3 Episode 7: Building Inclusive School Communities with Natasha Jackson

This month on Leaders Build Leaders with Dr. Coakley, we are excited to welcome Natasha Jackson, Senior Climate & Culture Administrator at MESD. This episode focuses on how MESD’s Climate & Culture work advances Blueprint’28 by helping schools create environments where every student feels safe, valued, and supported. Through leadership coaching, professional learning, and equity-centered systems improvement, Natasha shares how districts can strengthen belonging, student well-being, and culturally responsive practices. This episode highlights the power of school culture as a foundation for learning, connection, and long-term equity. To learn more about MESD's work to improve School Climate and Culture, visit https://www.multnomahesd.org/departments/si/climate-culture [https://www.multnomahesd.org/departments/si/climate-culture]

Season 3 Episode 6: Technology in Service of Student Success with David Cramblett

This month on Leaders Build Leaders with Dr. Coakley, we are excited to welcome David Cramblett, Senior Technology Services Administrator at MESD. With more than two decades in education technology, David shares how MESD’s Technology Services team supports schools across Multnomah County. In this episode, we talk about: * Technology in service of student success * Advancing the Blueprint’28 goals * Equity-centered tech support and access * The importance of data privacy and security in schools To learn more about Cascade Technology Alliance, visit https://www.multnomahesd.org/departments/cta

Season 3 Episode 5: A Reason for Every Season with Dr. Coakley

This special episode of the Leaders Build Leaders Podcast marks Black History Month with a unique and personal conversation featuring Dr. Coakley. With the roles reversed, Marifer Sager, Director of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs and executive producer of the podcast, steps into the interviewer’s seat. Dr. Coakley reflects on his journey to becoming a superintendent, recognizes the mentors and colleagues who shaped his path, and shares insights on leadership, purpose, and service. Join us for this inspiring episode highlighting leadership stories from MESD.

Season 3 Episode 4: Life Outdoors with Jennifer Basham

Dr. Coakley talks with Jennifer Basham, Senior Program Administrator for MESD’s Outdoor School, about her journey from Outdoor School student to program leader, the power of experiential learning, and how her team is adapting to change while keeping the magic of the outdoors alive for thousands of students each year. Learn more about Outdoor School at outdoorschool.multnomahesd.org [https://outdoorschool.multnomahesd.org]