<![CDATA[Stronger School]]>The Stronger School Podcast by PowerSchool is a weekly podcast for K-12 district cabinet leaders and senior education decision-makers. Each episode features practical conversations about how education leaders are building stronger schools through the effective use of technology, along with perspectives from industry, technology, and policy leaders shaping K-12 education, focusing on improving family engagement, strengthening student outcomes, and streamlining operations. The Stronger School is a podcast for real voices in K-12.

]]>https://www.powerschool.com/Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Sun, 30 Aug 2026 09:46:52 GMTThu, 18 Jun 2026 19:31:33 GMT60PowerSchool<p><i>The Stronger School Podcast by PowerSchool is a weekly podcast for K-12 district cabinet leaders and senior education decision-makers. Each episode features practical conversations about how education leaders are building stronger schools through the effective use of technology, along with perspectives from industry, technology, and policy leaders shaping K-12 education, focusing on improving family engagement, strengthening student outcomes, and streamlining operations. The Stronger School is a podcast for real voices in K-12.</i></p>episodicPowerSchooltrip.kucera@powerschool.comno<![CDATA[How Effectively Are You Using Technology? Dr. Julie Evans on What Districts Need to Measure]]>In this episode of Stronger School, host Trip Kucera welcomes Dr. Julie Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Project Tomorrow, for a conversation about how research and data can help school leaders make smarter decisions in an increasingly complex educational landscape. Drawing on nearly three decades of Project Tomorrow's work with K-12 schools, Dr. Evans shares how understanding the voices of students, teachers, parents, and administrators can transform research into practical strategies that improve teaching, learning, and district operations.

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Evans reflects on the evolution of the Speak Up Research Project and the changing role of technology in education. She explores how student expectations, parent priorities, and educator needs have shifted over time, emphasizing that technology should be viewed as a purposeful tool rather than an end in itself. The conversation also examines the growing importance of durable skills like critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration in an AI-driven world, along with the need for school systems to rethink instruction to prepare students for an uncertain future.

Dr. Evans also highlights Project Tomorrow's partnership with PowerSchool through the EdTech Pulse research and introduces the vision behind the upcoming Stronger School Index. By helping districts better measure technology effectiveness, connect operational excellence to student outcomes, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement, she believes leaders can make more informed decisions while building greater trust with their communities. She closes with a simple but powerful reminder that stronger schools are built by empowering people first, creating cultures where educators are encouraged to innovate, collaborate, and grow together.

2026 Pulse Report: https://www.powerschool.com/pulse-b2s-2026/

Key Moments

00:22 The mission behind Project Tomorrow

03:18 How the Speak Up Research Project has evolved

06:33 What students and teachers consistently value

12:32 Why durable skills matter in the age of AI

18:54 The partnership behind EdTech Pulse

26:45 District challenges that keep leaders up at night

30:29 Why data and connected systems are top priorities

33:13 Measuring technology effectiveness beyond screen time

41:24 Introducing the Stronger School Index

50:09 Why empowering people builds stronger schools

Connect with Dr. Julie Evans | Chief Executive Officer, Project Tomorrow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjulieevans

Organization: https://www.tomorrow.org/

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

]]>7b23ae65-380b-46b0-b355-02be1c7fef2aTue, 25 Aug 2026 14:47:22 GMT<p>In this episode of Stronger School, host Trip Kucera welcomes Dr. Julie Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Project Tomorrow, for a conversation about how research and data can help school leaders make smarter decisions in an increasingly complex educational landscape. Drawing on nearly three decades of Project Tomorrow's work with K-12 schools, Dr. Evans shares how understanding the voices of students, teachers, parents, and administrators can transform research into practical strategies that improve teaching, learning, and district operations.</p><p></p><p>Throughout the discussion, Dr. Evans reflects on the evolution of the Speak Up Research Project and the changing role of technology in education. She explores how student expectations, parent priorities, and educator needs have shifted over time, emphasizing that technology should be viewed as a purposeful tool rather than an end in itself. The conversation also examines the growing importance of durable skills like critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration in an AI-driven world, along with the need for school systems to rethink instruction to prepare students for an uncertain future.</p><p></p><p>Dr. Evans also highlights Project Tomorrow's partnership with PowerSchool through the EdTech Pulse research and introduces the vision behind the upcoming Stronger School Index. By helping districts better measure technology effectiveness, connect operational excellence to student outcomes, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement, she believes leaders can make more informed decisions while building greater trust with their communities. She closes with a simple but powerful reminder that stronger schools are built by empowering people first, creating cultures where educators are encouraged to innovate, collaborate, and grow together.</p><p></p><p>2026 Pulse Report: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.powerschool.com/pulse-b2s-2026/" target="_blank">https://www.powerschool.com/pulse-b2s-2026/</a></p><p></p><p>Key Moments</p><p>00:22 The mission behind Project Tomorrow</p><p>03:18 How the Speak Up Research Project has evolved</p><p>06:33 What students and teachers consistently value</p><p>12:32 Why durable skills matter in the age of AI</p><p>18:54 The partnership behind EdTech Pulse</p><p>26:45 District challenges that keep leaders up at night</p><p>30:29 Why data and connected systems are top priorities</p><p>33:13 Measuring technology effectiveness beyond screen time</p><p>41:24 Introducing the Stronger School Index</p><p>50:09 Why empowering people builds stronger schools</p><p></p><p>Connect with Dr. Julie Evans | Chief Executive Officer, Project Tomorrow</p><p>LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjulieevans" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjulieevans</a></p><p>Organization: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tomorrow.org/" target="_blank">https://www.tomorrow.org/</a></p><p></p><p>Follow us on LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/</a></p><p></p><p>If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.</p>no00:53:32How Effectively Are You Using Technology? Dr. Julie Evans on What Districts Need to Measurefull<![CDATA[AI, Equity, and Future of Learning: Navigating Change in Education with Chris Cromwell]]>In this episode of Stronger School, host Jesse Roy welcomes Chris Cromwell, Instructional Technology Coordinator for West Chester Area School District, for a thoughtful conversation about why this is one of the most exciting and transformative moments in education. Drawing on his experience as both a classroom teacher and instructional technology leader, Chris shares how bridging the gap between teaching and technology has shaped his approach to supporting educators, fostering innovation, and keeping students at the center of every decision.

Throughout the discussion, Chris explores how AI, personalization, and educational technology are creating new opportunities while challenging educators to rethink traditional classroom practices. He explains why today's conversations around technology should focus less on fear and more on intentional implementation, helping schools balance innovation with reflection. The conversation also highlights West Chester's work to redefine its Portrait of a Graduate through broad community engagement, ensuring students, families, educators, and district leaders all have a voice in shaping the skills and experiences that matter most for the future.

Chris also reflects on the importance of collaboration across technology, curriculum, and district leadership, emphasizing that there are rarely simple solutions to complex educational challenges. Instead, he encourages leaders to step back, learn from past experiences, and bring diverse perspectives into decision-making before implementing change. He closes with a reminder that stronger schools are built when leaders remain reflective, embrace collaboration, and align every technology decision with meaningful learning outcomes for students.

Key Moments

00:22 Bridging the gap between teaching and technology

02:53 Why this is an exciting time for education

04:33 Learning from past technology shifts

07:12 Keeping students at the center of innovation

08:53 Redefining the Portrait of a Graduate

10:23 Listening to community and student voices

11:40 The value of learning alongside peers at ISTE

14:01 Why there is no AI silver bullet

15:17 Finding balance in purposeful technology use

17:08 Rethinking district technology ecosystems

19:22 Advice for leaders navigating educational change

Connect with Chris Cromwell | Instructional Technology Coordinator, West Chester Area School District

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-cromwell-667759295
District: https://www.wcasd.net/

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

]]>5b08f588-7eca-44b9-a148-5353657c0790Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of Stronger School, host Jesse Roy welcomes Chris Cromwell, Instructional Technology Coordinator for West Chester Area School District, for a thoughtful conversation about why this is one of the most exciting and transformative moments in education. Drawing on his experience as both a classroom teacher and instructional technology leader, Chris shares how bridging the gap between teaching and technology has shaped his approach to supporting educators, fostering innovation, and keeping students at the center of every decision.<br /><br />Throughout the discussion, Chris explores how AI, personalization, and educational technology are creating new opportunities while challenging educators to rethink traditional classroom practices. He explains why today's conversations around technology should focus less on fear and more on intentional implementation, helping schools balance innovation with reflection. The conversation also highlights West Chester's work to redefine its Portrait of a Graduate through broad community engagement, ensuring students, families, educators, and district leaders all have a voice in shaping the skills and experiences that matter most for the future.<br /><br />Chris also reflects on the importance of collaboration across technology, curriculum, and district leadership, emphasizing that there are rarely simple solutions to complex educational challenges. Instead, he encourages leaders to step back, learn from past experiences, and bring diverse perspectives into decision-making before implementing change. He closes with a reminder that stronger schools are built when leaders remain reflective, embrace collaboration, and align every technology decision with meaningful learning outcomes for students.<br /><br />Key Moments<br /><br />00:22 Bridging the gap between teaching and technology<br /><br />02:53 Why this is an exciting time for education<br /><br />04:33 Learning from past technology shifts<br /><br />07:12 Keeping students at the center of innovation<br /><br />08:53 Redefining the Portrait of a Graduate<br /><br />10:23 Listening to community and student voices<br /><br />11:40 The value of learning alongside peers at ISTE<br /><br />14:01 Why there is no AI silver bullet<br /><br />15:17 Finding balance in purposeful technology use<br /><br />17:08 Rethinking district technology ecosystems<br /><br />19:22 Advice for leaders navigating educational change<br /><br />Connect with Chris Cromwell | Instructional Technology Coordinator, West Chester Area School District<br /><br />LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-cromwell-667759295" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-cromwell-667759295</a> <br />District: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.wcasd.net/" target="_blank">https://www.wcasd.net/</a> <br /><br />Follow us on LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/</a><br /><br />If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.</p>no00:22:00AI, Equity, and Future of Learning: Navigating Change in Education with Chris Cromwellfull<![CDATA[Innovation Beyond the Classroom: Expanding Opportunity for Every Student]]>In this episode of Stronger School, hosts Jesse Roy and Steven Anderson welcome Dr. Karen Cheser, Superintendent of Durango School District 9-R in Colorado, for a conversation about leading innovation in a rural district while ensuring every student has access to meaningful opportunities. Drawing on her experience serving geographically diverse communities, Dr. Cheser shares how her district is preparing students for the future by focusing on equity, career-connected learning, and a shared vision that extends far beyond the classroom.

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Cheser explains how initiatives like the district's Portrait of a Graduate, strategic planning, and an innovative mobile STEAM learning lab are helping bridge opportunity gaps for students in remote communities. She also explores the evolving role of educational technology, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing productive learning tools from passive screen time. The conversation dives into AI implementation, highlighting why districts should focus on responsible use, teacher support, digital citizenship, and ensuring every student develops the skills needed for an increasingly technology-driven future.

Dr. Cheser also offers practical advice for district leaders navigating rapid change, encouraging them to create a shared vision with students, educators, and the broader community before aligning every instructional decision, professional learning opportunity, and resource around that common purpose. Rather than treating innovation as a collection of disconnected initiatives, she advocates for making the district's vision the guiding force behind every decision. She closes with a powerful reminder that stronger schools are built when leaders make intentional promises to students and consistently deliver on them.

Key Moments

00:32 Creating opportunity in a rural school district

02:59 Why ISTE continues to inspire innovation

05:22 Rethinking technology beyond screen time

07:53 The moral imperative of digital access

09:42 Building AI guidelines instead of banning AI

12:16 Supporting learners through AI

13:39 Training teachers for responsible AI use

14:44 Why strategic AI implementation matters

15:50 AI as a thought partner for educators

16:53 Creating a shared vision for every student

17:44 Turning a Portrait of a Graduate into action

Connect with Dr. Karen Cheser | Superintendent, Durango School District

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karencheser

District: https://www.durangoschools.org/

Follow us on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

]]>80afe3e1-04a9-4f85-a551-166002dfc902Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of Stronger School, hosts Jesse Roy and Steven Anderson welcome Dr. Karen Cheser, Superintendent of Durango School District 9-R in Colorado, for a conversation about leading innovation in a rural district while ensuring every student has access to meaningful opportunities. Drawing on her experience serving geographically diverse communities, Dr. Cheser shares how her district is preparing students for the future by focusing on equity, career-connected learning, and a shared vision that extends far beyond the classroom.</p><p></p><p>Throughout the discussion, Dr. Cheser explains how initiatives like the district's Portrait of a Graduate, strategic planning, and an innovative mobile STEAM learning lab are helping bridge opportunity gaps for students in remote communities. She also explores the evolving role of educational technology, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing productive learning tools from passive screen time. The conversation dives into AI implementation, highlighting why districts should focus on responsible use, teacher support, digital citizenship, and ensuring every student develops the skills needed for an increasingly technology-driven future.</p><p></p><p>Dr. Cheser also offers practical advice for district leaders navigating rapid change, encouraging them to create a shared vision with students, educators, and the broader community before aligning every instructional decision, professional learning opportunity, and resource around that common purpose. Rather than treating innovation as a collection of disconnected initiatives, she advocates for making the district's vision the guiding force behind every decision. She closes with a powerful reminder that stronger schools are built when leaders make intentional promises to students and consistently deliver on them.</p><p></p><p>Key Moments</p><p>00:32 Creating opportunity in a rural school district</p><p>02:59 Why ISTE continues to inspire innovation</p><p>05:22 Rethinking technology beyond screen time</p><p>07:53 The moral imperative of digital access</p><p>09:42 Building AI guidelines instead of banning AI</p><p>12:16 Supporting learners through AI</p><p>13:39 Training teachers for responsible AI use</p><p>14:44 Why strategic AI implementation matters</p><p>15:50 AI as a thought partner for educators</p><p>16:53 Creating a shared vision for every student</p><p>17:44 Turning a Portrait of a Graduate into action</p><p></p><p>Connect with Dr. Karen Cheser | Superintendent, Durango School District</p><p>LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/karencheser" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/karencheser</a> </p><p>District: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.durangoschools.org/" target="_blank">https://www.durangoschools.org/</a> </p><p></p><p>Follow us on LinkedIn:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/</a> </p><p></p><p>If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.</p>no00:18:33Innovation Beyond the Classroom: Expanding Opportunity for Every Studentfull<![CDATA[Creating Classrooms by Trusting Teachers and Inspiring Curiosity]]>In this episode of Stronger School, host Trip Kucera sits down with Dr. Cecelia Gillam, Science Teacher at Benjamin Franklin Senior High School in New Orleans, to explore how trust, curiosity, and innovation can transform teaching and learning. Drawing on more than two decades in the classroom, Dr. Gillam shares her unconventional path into education and explains why empowering teachers is one of the most important investments school leaders can make.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Gillam discusses why schools must move beyond treating teachers and students as data points and instead create environments where educators are trusted to teach creatively and authentically. She explains how personalized learning, project-based instruction, and the Modern Classroom Project have reshaped her classroom, leading to stronger student engagement and measurable academic growth. The discussion also explores the responsible use of AI in education, highlighting why students should be taught to think critically about AI-generated content, identify misinformation, and use emerging technologies as tools for learning rather than shortcuts.

Dr. Gillam also shares practical advice for school and district leaders, emphasizing that lasting improvement begins with supportive leadership, ongoing professional learning, and authentic collaboration with teachers. Rather than relying on punitive accountability systems, she encourages leaders to build trust, seek regular feedback from educators and students, and create opportunities for hands-on, curiosity-driven learning. She closes with a simple but powerful reminder: stronger schools are built when leaders trust their people and give them the support they need to help students thrive.

Key Moments
03:09 Why trusting teachers improves retention
05:52 Meeting today's learners through active learning
07:42 How personalized learning transformed the classroom
10:38 Inspiring curiosity instead of chasing scores
13:19 Teaching students to use AI responsibly
15:23 Helping students identify deepfakes and misinformation
19:00 How students are embracing AI more thoughtfully
22:24 Building teacher trust through ongoing support
25:08 Bringing classroom voices into school decisions
26:17 Expanding hands-on science opportunities
28:40 Why stronger schools begin with trusting teachers


Connect with Dr. Cecelia Gillam | Science Teacher, Benjamin Franklin Senior High School
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecelia-gillam

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

]]>f02d0020-1101-4803-b828-322d0712a4fbWed, 05 Aug 2026 20:25:06 GMT<p>In this episode of Stronger School, host Trip Kucera sits down with Dr. Cecelia Gillam, Science Teacher at Benjamin Franklin Senior High School in New Orleans, to explore how trust, curiosity, and innovation can transform teaching and learning. Drawing on more than two decades in the classroom, Dr. Gillam shares her unconventional path into education and explains why empowering teachers is one of the most important investments school leaders can make.<br /><br />Throughout the conversation, Dr. Gillam discusses why schools must move beyond treating teachers and students as data points and instead create environments where educators are trusted to teach creatively and authentically. She explains how personalized learning, project-based instruction, and the Modern Classroom Project have reshaped her classroom, leading to stronger student engagement and measurable academic growth. The discussion also explores the responsible use of AI in education, highlighting why students should be taught to think critically about AI-generated content, identify misinformation, and use emerging technologies as tools for learning rather than shortcuts.<br /><br />Dr. Gillam also shares practical advice for school and district leaders, emphasizing that lasting improvement begins with supportive leadership, ongoing professional learning, and authentic collaboration with teachers. Rather than relying on punitive accountability systems, she encourages leaders to build trust, seek regular feedback from educators and students, and create opportunities for hands-on, curiosity-driven learning. She closes with a simple but powerful reminder: stronger schools are built when leaders trust their people and give them the support they need to help students thrive.<br /><br />Key Moments<br />03:09 Why trusting teachers improves retention<br />05:52 Meeting today's learners through active learning<br />07:42 How personalized learning transformed the classroom<br />10:38 Inspiring curiosity instead of chasing scores<br />13:19 Teaching students to use AI responsibly<br />15:23 Helping students identify deepfakes and misinformation<br />19:00 How students are embracing AI more thoughtfully<br />22:24 Building teacher trust through ongoing support<br />25:08 Bringing classroom voices into school decisions<br />26:17 Expanding hands-on science opportunities<br />28:40 Why stronger schools begin with trusting teachers<br /><br /><br />Connect with Dr. Cecelia Gillam | Science Teacher, Benjamin Franklin Senior High School<br />LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecelia-gillam" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecelia-gillam</a> <br /><br />Follow us on LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/</a> <br /><br />If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.</p>no00:29:5312Creating Classrooms by Trusting Teachers and Inspiring Curiosityfull<![CDATA[Building Stronger Schools Through Purposeful Innovation with Jean-Claude Brizard]]>In the first episode of Stronger School, host Jesse Roy welcomes Jean-Claude Brizard, President and CEO of Digital Promise, for a thought-provoking conversation about what it truly takes to build stronger schools in today's rapidly evolving education landscape. Drawing on his experience as a former superintendent and leader of one of the nation's foremost education innovation organizations, Jean-Claude shares why meaningful transformation is about much more than adopting new technology.

Throughout the conversation, Jean-Claude explains how Digital Promise works at the intersection of research, innovation, and implementation to help school systems solve complex challenges. He discusses why education technology companies must move beyond being vendors and become true partners, collaborating with districts to design solutions that fit the realities of classrooms, educators, and students. The discussion also explores how connected data systems can help leaders address persistent challenges like chronic absenteeism, improve decision-making, and create more equitable outcomes for students.

Jean-Claude also highlights inspiring examples from Digital Promise's League of Innovative Schools, where districts across the country are reimagining teaching, learning, and community engagement. From student-led demonstrations of Portrait of a Graduate initiatives to districtwide approaches for developing computational thinking, he illustrates how sustainable innovation happens when educators, students, and communities share ownership of change.

Key Moments

01:39 How Digital Promise drives education innovation

03:14 Why vendors must become true district partners

05:09 Using connected data to solve chronic absenteeism

07:03 Moving beyond procedural learning with AI

08:06 Inside the League of Innovative Schools

11:00 District examples of successful change management

12:41 Building community ownership through Portrait of a Graduate

14:03 Why school leaders must become community organizers

16:06 Separating meaningful learning technology from screen time

16:53 Keeping humans at the center of AI

18:40 How curriculum and pedagogy must evolve alongside AI

19:21 The leadership mindset behind stronger schools


Connect with Jean-Claude Brizard | President & CEO, Digital Promise

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-claude-brizard-0080a810 

Website: https://digitalpromise.org/ 


Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/ 


If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

]]>9245760e-bfbf-4bb6-87f7-a2b9099cb913Mon, 27 Jul 2026 19:07:24 GMT<p>In the first episode of Stronger School, host Jesse Roy welcomes Jean-Claude Brizard, President and CEO of Digital Promise, for a thought-provoking conversation about what it truly takes to build stronger schools in today's rapidly evolving education landscape. Drawing on his experience as a former superintendent and leader of one of the nation's foremost education innovation organizations, Jean-Claude shares why meaningful transformation is about much more than adopting new technology.<br /></p><p>Throughout the conversation, Jean-Claude explains how Digital Promise works at the intersection of research, innovation, and implementation to help school systems solve complex challenges. He discusses why education technology companies must move beyond being vendors and become true partners, collaborating with districts to design solutions that fit the realities of classrooms, educators, and students. The discussion also explores how connected data systems can help leaders address persistent challenges like chronic absenteeism, improve decision-making, and create more equitable outcomes for students.<br /></p><p>Jean-Claude also highlights inspiring examples from Digital Promise's League of Innovative Schools, where districts across the country are reimagining teaching, learning, and community engagement. From student-led demonstrations of Portrait of a Graduate initiatives to districtwide approaches for developing computational thinking, he illustrates how sustainable innovation happens when educators, students, and communities share ownership of change.</p><p></p><p>Key Moments</p><p>01:39 How Digital Promise drives education innovation</p><p>03:14 Why vendors must become true district partners</p><p>05:09 Using connected data to solve chronic absenteeism</p><p>07:03 Moving beyond procedural learning with AI</p><p>08:06 Inside the League of Innovative Schools</p><p>11:00 District examples of successful change management</p><p>12:41 Building community ownership through Portrait of a Graduate</p><p>14:03 Why school leaders must become community organizers</p><p>16:06 Separating meaningful learning technology from screen time</p><p>16:53 Keeping humans at the center of AI</p><p>18:40 How curriculum and pedagogy must evolve alongside AI</p><p>19:21 The leadership mindset behind stronger schools</p><p><br /></p><p>Connect with Jean-Claude Brizard | President &amp; CEO, Digital Promise</p><p>LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-claude-brizard-0080a810" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-claude-brizard-0080a810</a> </p><p>Website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://digitalpromise.org/" target="_blank">https://digitalpromise.org/</a> </p><p><br /></p><p>Follow us on LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc/</a> </p><p><br /></p><p>If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stronger School for more conversations on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.</p>no00:19:5011Building Stronger Schools Through Purposeful Innovation with Jean-Claude Brizardfull<![CDATA[Introducing Stronger School]]>The Stronger School Podcast by PowerSchool is a weekly podcast for K-12 district cabinet leaders and senior education decision-makers. Each episode features practical conversations about how education leaders are building stronger schools through the effective use of technology, along with perspectives from industry, technology, and policy leaders shaping K-12 education, focusing on improving family engagement, strengthening student outcomes, and streamlining operations. The Stronger School is a podcast for real voices in K-12.

]]>964a27ae-ab33-47c7-b986-a3b06946e454Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:41:48 GMT<p>The Stronger School Podcast by <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.powerschool.com/" target="_blank">PowerSchool</a> is a weekly podcast for K-12 district cabinet leaders and senior education decision-makers. Each episode features practical conversations about how education leaders are building stronger schools through the effective use of technology, along with perspectives from industry, technology, and policy leaders shaping K-12 education, focusing on improving family engagement, strengthening student outcomes, and streamlining operations. The Stronger School is a podcast for real voices in K-12.</p>no00:00:48Introducing Stronger Schooltrailer