DALI

Three ways leaders can build lasting university partnerships

The School District of Philadelphia and two major universities are reshaping how research gets done. They are moving “at the pace of K12 policy,” not “the pace of the Ivy League."

This new network aims to help female leaders thrive

Female superintendents, principals and other educators are coming together to advance "leadhership" in K12 educations.

These superintendents show how to redefine K12 success

The transformative efforts of several superintendents give the phrase "bold leadership" new meaning.

Superintendent Rosa Diaz is riding the ‘progress train’

How the leader of Carteret Public Schools transformed her district's culture and saw academic improvement.

How to say “so long, superwoman,” and really thrive

Superintendent Teresa Hill admits she is "a recovering superwoman." At the upcoming Leadhership Network for Women conference, she will encourage others to join her.

‘Breaking the myth’: A look at Houston ISD’s big turnaround

The sprawling district no longer has any F-rated schools. That's one way Superintendent Mike Miles says the narrative about large urban systems is changing.

DA Research: Before you solve it, you have to name it

The superintendent’s job has never been this public, politicized or personal. If you haven’t clarified the actual problem, no solution—no matter how polished—will move your system forward.

Dina Scippa guides K12’s women leaders to be authentic

Women often hold themselves to impossible, even superhuman standards, says Scippa, a leadership coach. She wants them to lead unapologetically and, even, imperfectly.

Why this superintendent wants to make ‘new mistakes’

When Superintendent Travis Hamby shares what sounds like an unusual ambition, it's another way of describing how he is experimenting with new educational models. 

This small district is only as strong as its community

When you run a very small district, with just 700 students, resources can be an issue. On the other hand, the size—or lack of it—makes for very strong relationships.

Leadership Lens: Is now your favorite time of year?

"Leadership Lens" is a monthly column featuring the insights of K12 leaders who are navigating common opportunities and challenges.

How to rally the community when disaster strikes

Superintendent Antonio Shelton learned on the job at the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District that preparedness begins with building relationships before the crisis occurs

Why this superintendent says she found a dream job

You might see Superintendent Jeanne Siegenthaler shoveling snow, serving lunch or helping custodians clean her district's single building during the summer. She's also in charge of social media.

How to stay close-knit in a growing district

One way to give a larger district a small-town feel is customization in the form of extensive school choice, Superintendent Jean Luna-Vedder says.

How Toyua Watson-Bacchus offers internships in her rural district

This superintendent and her team are committed to providing all of the Concordia Parish School Board's students with work-based learning opportunities.

How two brand new principals are transforming an elementary school

For the first time, Orchard View Schools placed administrators who were new to the district and building leadership at the helm of one of its most critical and foundational schools.

How to create a (very popular) extra school day

Traffic in front of a school is a "great problem to have"—especially on a Saturday, says Superintendent Tahira Dupree Chase of New York's Westbury Union Free School District.

Superintendent Paula Knight: How to take risks on behalf of students

Superintendent Paula Knight was way ahead of the curve on a big issue: Cell phones in schools.

Take DA’s survey: What are your big priorities this year?

With so much going on in education, you deserve a chance to speak out. DA’s new survey is gauging the goals of education leaders.

Jamil Maroun: How this superintendent inspires new leaders

New Jersey K12 leader says he is just as eager to motivate staff as he is students. It's the "best form of leadership," he says.

ThoughtExchange teams with DA to gather new K12 wisdom

District Administration is now collecting and sharing the latest insights from education leaders with the help of ThoughtExchange.

Superintendent Jeni Gotto is all in on competency-based education

Superintendent Jeni Gotto and Westminster Public Schools are so accomplished at competency-based education that she has literally written the book on it.

Walter B. Gonsoulin Jr. named AASA’s Superintendent of the Year

Gonsoulin is superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools in Alabama, the state's second-largest district, and previously led Fairfield City Schools.

Superintendent Ken Oertling: How to keep business ties strong

Superintendent Ken Oertling sums up his leadership philosophy with an acronym: ICE. It stands for "invest, communicate, engage."

Toledo Public Schools: Why more students go to the airport

If you want students to embark on aeronautics or aviations careers, put a school at the local airport. That's what Toledo Public Schools and Superintendent Romules Durant did.

Parent engagement: How to build better partnerships

As confident as leaders may feel about spearheading new student success initiatives, assuming parent engagement is a given may be unwise.

Parent engagement: How to build better partnerships

As confident as leaders may feel about spearheading new student success initiatives, assuming parent engagement is a given may be unwise.

DA names Superintendent of the Year and Districts of Distinction

Tony Watlington, leader of The School District of Philadelphia, was named Superintendent of the Year at this week's 2025 District Administration National Awards Program ceremony.

Superintendents on the move: A look at the latest retirements

Superintendent turnover has been making headlines over the last few years. The good news is that superintendents on the move are most likely to leave of their own volition.

Superintendent Lauren Zirpoli: How to get off to a strong start

Lauren Zirpoli became a superintendent for the first time this spring. Here's how she hit the ground running.

Superintendent Raymond Sanchez: Active listening is so important now

A superintendent's work is professional and personal for Raymond Sanchez, who leads the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns in the suburbs just north of New York City.

Superintendent Renee Nugent: How to truly connect

The whiteboard in Superintendent Renee Nugent's office at USD 409 Atchison Public Schools reflects one of her top priorities: her schedule of school and classroom visits.

See which hot topics dominated the latest DALI summit

Building a trusted brand became just one facet of a broader conversation leaders shared about how they strengthen their communication strategies.

On the move: Several superintendents elected to new posts

Several superintendents were also on the ballot on Election Day. See the incumbents and newcomers who won their races.

How to give students power to make important decisions

The Franklin Northeast Supervisory Union on Vermont's Canadian border took the extra step of letting high school students help craft its portrait of a graduate."