In this episode of School District Superheroes, Nick Telford sits down with Bruce Bivins, Superintendent of Perris Elementary School District, to discuss how true leadership and holistic education can transform a school community.

Bruce shares how growing up in an adopted family built on love and service shaped his lifelong desire to create a sense of belonging. He details his unique path to education, which included coaching youth, almost becoming a firefighter, and working with highly vulnerable populations like displaced foster youth and incarcerated teens. Bivins also shares the innovative work he's doing in the Perris school district. In this conversation, you'll learn:

• Why the "command and control" mindset that dominated early 2000s education is broken
• How a leadership style rooted in humility, curiosity, vulnerability, and trust is more effective
• Why psychological safety is the absolute foundation for student success.
• Why Perris emphasizes emotional intelligence and critical problem-solving
• Innovative techniques, like classroom Zen zones, and campus sensory rooms
• How holistic strategies have led to decreases in suspensions and accelerated English literacy
• Impact of enrichment programs like school gardens and a bike-riding program for kindergartners

Tune in to hear how Superintendent Bivins is working to leave a legacy of deep care, strong relationships, and a school culture where kids and families are the ultimate winners

Learn more about Perris Elementary School District

What does it mean to lead when you’re accountable for everything—but in control of very little?

In this episode of School District Superheroes, Nick Telford sits down with Dr. Paul Marietti, Superintendent of Lancaster School District, to explore the realities of leadership at the highest level of public education.

Dr. Marietti shares his journey from a blue-collar upbringing—where college wasn’t the expected path—to becoming a district leader responsible for thousands of students and staff. Along the way, he reflects on the power of mentorship, perseverance as a struggling student, and the defining influence of his mother’s belief in education.

At the heart of the conversation is a powerful reframing of leadership: the superintendency isn’t about doing the work—it’s about owning the responsibility for it.

Together, they unpack:

• The emotional and professional weight of leading a school district
• Why leadership becomes less about control and more about trust
• How to build alignment through clarity and consistent communication
• The growing challenges of AI, misinformation, and student behavior
• The expanding role of school districts as essential community support systems

This episode offers a grounded, honest perspective on what it takes to lead in today’s educational landscape—and why the best leaders focus on building people, not just systems.

Emy Flores’ story is one of resilience, opportunity, and purpose.

After immigrating from Guatemala at age nine, Emy grew up in the projects of East Los Angeles, where instability and limited opportunity were a daily reality. School became her refuge—and the educators who believed in her changed the course of her life.

Today, she serves as Superintendent of West Covina Unified School District, where she is focused on creating the very opportunities that once changed her own trajectory.

In this episode, Emy shares how her upbringing shaped her leadership, why resilience is at the core of student success, and how she is reimagining education through innovation, career pathways, and a deep commitment to student well-being.

This conversation offers a powerful reminder of the impact educators can have—and what’s possible when students are seen, supported, and given the chance to thrive.

Connect with Emy on LinkedIn

Visit the West Covina Unified School District website