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

From Insight to Impact: Strengthening Leadership and Systems at Scale with Adriana Garza

In this episode of The So What Podcast, host Shweta Gandhi, CEO and Founder of Strived, sits down with Adriana Garza, Executive Director at Northside Independent School District, to explore what it takes to lead and support one of the largest districts in Texas. With over four decades in education, Adriana shares how the role of district leadership has evolved from oversight to active, on-the-ground support. She explains why “boots on the ground” leadership is critical, especially in a post-COVID environment where student needs, teacher challenges, and system complexity have all intensified. The conversation dives into how Northside ISD shifted its approach after seeing declining student outcomes, moving from high-level oversight to deeply embedded support within schools. Adriana highlights how being physically present in classrooms and working side by side with principals creates urgency, clarity, and better decision-making at the district level. Shweta and Adriana also explore how data must be understood in context, not isolation. Through real examples, Adriana shares how combining different data points such as attendance and academic performance can reveal powerful insights that drive meaningful interventions for students. The episode emphasizes the importance of leadership development, relationship-building, and intentional coaching systems to ensure principals and teachers are supported in navigating today’s challenges. Key Moments 01:05 Adriana’s journey across 40+ years in education 03:10 How teacher support systems have evolved 05:00 What has not changed in great schools 06:30 The importance of relationships in student success 07:45 Defining Adriana’s role in supporting 80+ schools 09:10 Why district leaders must be “boots on the ground” 10:45 The shift in leadership approach after declining outcomes 12:20 Post-COVID challenges impacting schools 13:40 Why presence in classrooms creates urgency 15:10 Moving from data access to data understanding 16:50 The importance of analyzing data in context 18:30 Identifying patterns through combined data sets 20:10 Using data to communicate with families 22:45 Supporting first-year principals effectively 24:10 Why leaders must listen before acting Why You’ll Love This Episode Adriana Garza brings a deeply practical perspective on leadership at scale. She shares how large districts can stay connected to real classroom experiences by prioritizing presence, relationships, and contextual data analysis. This episode is especially valuable for district leaders and administrators responsible for supporting multiple schools. Whether you’re building leadership pipelines, improving data practices, or strengthening instructional support, you’ll walk away with actionable insights you can apply immediately. Connect with Adriana Garza | Executive Director, Northside Independent School District LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriana-garza-9b882475 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriana-garza-9b882475] Website: https://www.nisd.net/ [https://www.nisd.net/] 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 Through Complexity: Systems, Community, and Innovation in a Unique District with Dr. Todd Cutler

In this episode of The So What Podcast, host Shweta Gandhi, CEO and Founder of Strived, sits down with Dr. Todd Cutler, Superintendent of Lake Tahoe Unified School District, to explore what it takes to lead in one of the most unique educational environments in the country. With more than 30 years in education, Dr. Cutler shares how leading a geographically isolated, tourism-driven community like Lake Tahoe requires a different approach to systems, relationships, and long-term planning. From navigating fluctuating enrollment to addressing funding pressures, he explains how district leaders must constantly adapt while staying grounded in what matters most for students. The conversation dives into how Dr. Cutler approaches data beyond surface-level metrics. Rather than focusing only on scores, he emphasizes understanding the “why” behind performance and building systems that identify gaps, scale bright spots, and create consistency across schools. Shweta and Dr. Cutler also discuss the importance of community trust and presence in a smaller district. In a setting where relationships are deeply interconnected, leadership visibility and authentic engagement play a critical role in driving both staff alignment and student outcomes. The episode also explores broader challenges facing education today, including staffing shortages, funding uncertainty, and the rapid rise of AI. Dr. Cutler shares a balanced perspective on innovation, emphasizing the importance of experimentation while ensuring students continue to build critical thinking and real-world skills. Key Moments 01:15 Introduction to Lake Tahoe Unified School District 03:40 Transitioning leadership across different district contexts 06:12 Breaking out of insular thinking as a district leader 10:42 Moving from data awareness to system-level action 12:30 Scaling bright spots across schools 16:05 The importance of leadership presence in schools 18:47 Implementation challenges in a geographically unique district 21:22 Aligning career pathways with local opportunities 24:10 Preparing students for an AI-driven future 27:05 Balancing innovation with foundational skills 29:50 Navigating funding and enrollment challenges 32:18 Top priorities for district leadership 35:02 The importance of asking “why” behind the data Why You’ll Love This Episode Dr. Cutler offers a thoughtful and grounded perspective on leading through complexity. He highlights how strong systems, deep community relationships, and a willingness to adapt can help districts navigate even the most unique challenges. This episode is especially valuable for district leaders working in smaller or geographically distinct communities. Whether you're managing shifting enrollment, building trust, or integrating innovation, you’ll walk away with practical insights on how to lead with clarity and purpose. Connect with Dr. Todd Cutler | Superintendent, Lake Tahoe Unified School District LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtoddcutler [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtoddcutler] Website: https://www.ltusd.org/ [https://www.ltusd.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.

From Infrastructure to Insight: Rethinking Technology’s Role in Modern School Systems with David Wildy

In this episode of The So What Podcast, host Shweta Gandhi, CEO and Founder of Strived, sits down with David Wildy, Chief Technology Officer at Dublin Unified School District, to explore how technology is reshaping the way schools operate, teach, and make decisions. With responsibility for everything from network infrastructure to cybersecurity and instructional technology, David shares how the pandemic forced a rapid shift to one-to-one learning environments and how that transformation continues to impact districts today. He explains why technology can no longer sit in a silo and must be deeply integrated with instructional strategy to truly support students and teachers. The conversation dives into the challenge of turning overwhelming amounts of data into meaningful action. David walks through how his district approaches longitudinal data, cohort tracking, and integrated systems to better understand student progress and identify support needs early. Shweta and David also unpack the evolving role of AI in education. From building district-wide guidelines to balancing innovation with academic integrity, David shares how schools can thoughtfully integrate AI while still preserving critical thinking, creativity, and foundational skills. The episode highlights a central tension facing education today: how to embrace powerful new tools without losing the human elements that make learning meaningful. David offers a grounded, practical perspective on finding that balance while preparing students for a rapidly changing future. Key Moments 02:14 The evolving role of a CTO in modern districts 04:33 Pandemic-driven shift to one-to-one technology 05:37 The rapid emergence of AI in education 07:22 Balancing screen time with foundational skills 09:22 Turning overwhelming data into actionable insights 12:31 Using cohort tracking to understand student progress 15:29 Systems for early student intervention 17:23 Integrating data across behavior, attendance, and academics 21:25 Building effective AI policies in schools 27:23 AI’s role in improving teacher efficiency 29:23 How students are already leveraging AI 34:18 Top challenges facing district technology leaders Why You’ll Love This Episode David brings a rare systems-level perspective that connects technology, instruction, and leadership. He goes beyond tools and platforms to explain how districts can actually make technology work in service of better outcomes for students. This episode is especially valuable for district leaders and technology teams navigating rapid change. Whether you're managing data systems, implementing AI, or balancing innovation with classroom realities, you’ll walk away with practical insights on how to move from complexity to clarity. Connect with David Wildy | Chief Technology Officer, Dublin Unified School District LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wildy-mpa-ba41b95 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wildy-mpa-ba41b95] Website: https://www.dublinusd.org/ [https://www.dublinusd.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.

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.