The So What Podcast

Building Community-Driven, Future-Ready Schools with Joe Fagnant

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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-fagnant-66816614b] Website: https://www.rsu29.org/ [https://www.rsu29.org/]  Connect with Shweta Gandhi and Strived Shweta Gandhi | Founder and CEO, Strived LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shwetasharma1 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shwetasharma1]  Strived Website: https://strived.io/ [https://strived.io/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strived-io/ [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.

Leading with Heart in Rural Education: Balancing Data, Culture, and Community with Dr. Dani Scott

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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-scott] Website: https://www.pecatonica.k12.wi.us/ [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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shwetasharma1]  Strived Website: https://strived.io/ [https://strived.io/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strived-io/ [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.

From Data to Action: Building Systems That Drive Real Results with Dr. Michele Eller

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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-eller-phd] Website: https://www.scsboe.org/ [https://www.scsboe.org/]  Connect with Shweta Gandhi and Strived Shweta Gandhi | Founder and CEO, Strived LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shwetasharma1 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shwetasharma1]  Strived Website: https://strived.io/ [https://strived.io/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strived-io/ [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.

Navigating AI, Distance Learning, and the Future of Education with Jason Neiffer

In this episode of The So What Podcast, host Shweta Gandhi, CEO and Founder of Strived, sits down with Jason Neiffer, Executive Director of Montana Digital Academy, to unpack what it really takes to lead digital learning at scale in a rapidly evolving world. With nearly 30 years in education, Jason shares how Montana Digital Academy serves thousands of students across a geographically vast and rural state, expanding access to courses and opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable. From distance learning design to launching the Frontier Learning Lab, this conversation explores how educators can thoughtfully approach AI, emerging technologies, and the future of teaching and learning. This episode dives into the complexity of innovation in education, where speed, ethics, and human-centered learning must coexist. Key Moments 03:30 Impact of AI on education 07:19 Monitoring student satisfaction data 12:46 Adapting and evolving the program 15:03 Improving student navigation systems 20:39 Supporting rural schools with tech integration 22:22 Adapting to rapid tech changes 25:17 Discussing AI in education policies 30:24 Understanding the pros and cons of AI 34:32 Engaging older students in discussions 35:46 Discussing AI's impact on education 40:12 Discussing technology and learning science in education 43:26 Evolving media and truth challenges Why You’ll Love This Episode Jason brings a rare blend of strategic thinking and on-the-ground experience. His perspective cuts through the hype around AI and focuses on what truly matters: thoughtful implementation, ethical decision-making, and maintaining the human core of education. If you’re trying to make sense of AI in schools, lead innovation across complex systems, or design better digital learning experiences, this episode offers clarity and practical insight. Connect with Jason Neiffer | Executive Director, Montana Digital Academy  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-neiffer [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-neiffer] Website: https://montanadigitalacademy.org/ [https://montanadigitalacademy.org/]  Connect with Shweta Gandhi and Strived Shweta Gandhi | Founder and CEO, Strived LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shwetasharma1 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shwetasharma1]  Strived Website: https://strived.io/ [https://strived.io/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strived-io/ [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.

Leading Learning Without Walls: Rethinking Engagement, Data, and AI in Online Education with Marie Hanna

In this episode of The So What Podcast, host Shweta Gandhi, CEO and Founder of Strived, sits down with Marie Hanna, Superintendent of Ohio Connections Academy, to explore what it takes to lead a fully online public school in a rapidly changing education landscape. With over four decades in education and nearly two decades in virtual learning, Marie shares how online education has evolved from basic digital tools to sophisticated, data-driven systems. She unpacks the realities of engagement in a virtual environment, how her team balances flexibility with accountability, and why teaching students to use AI responsibly is now a core priority. From improving graduation rates to supporting diverse student needs, this conversation highlights how intentional systems, strong relationships, and focused data use can drive meaningful outcomes, even outside traditional classrooms. Key Moments 03:10 Major shifts in education over the last few years 04:40 Academic integrity in an AI-driven world 07:01 Why critical thinking matters more than ever 08:57 Using data to improve graduation rates 10:46 Avoiding data overwhelm and focusing on key signals 11:05 What teachers should actually track 12:35 The role of engagement in student success 14:54 Measuring engagement in a virtual environment 16:16 Creating a culture of experimentation and innovation 19:15 Rethinking report cards and accountability systems 24:33 Flexibility and personalization in virtual schools 26:51 Top challenges: AI, mental health, and policy constraints 29:34 What’s working: culture and career pathways Why You’ll Love This Episode Marie brings a rare perspective, having led both traditional and virtual schools through multiple waves of change. Her insights cut through the noise, focusing on what actually drives student success: clarity, connection, and intentional use of data. If you’re a district leader navigating AI, struggling with engagement, or trying to make sense of overwhelming data, this episode offers grounded, experience-backed guidance that you can apply immediately. Connect with Marie Hanna | Superintendent, Ohio Connections Academy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-hanna-440b9114 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-hanna-440b9114] Website: https://www.connectionsacademy.com/ohio-eschool/ [https://www.connectionsacademy.com/ohio-eschool/]  Connect with Shweta Gandhi and Strived Shweta Gandhi | Founder and CEO, Strived LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shwetasharma1 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shwetasharma1]  Strived Website: https://strived.io/ [https://strived.io/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strived-io/ [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.