In this episode of Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools, I have the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Patrick Fogarty, the founder of the New York State Artificial Intelligence Consortium (NYSAIC), and Daniel Friedman, Director of Educational Technology in Hicksville Public Schools, for this timely conversation about the responsible integration of artificial intelligence in K-12 education.

NYSAIC brings together administrators, teachers, researchers, and technology leaders who are working to move school districts beyond fear, hype, and one-size-fits-all vendor solutions toward ethical, practical, and student-centered AI implementation. The conversation explores how districts can build capacity, protect student data, support teachers, strengthen AI literacy, and create local solutions that reflect the real needs of schools.

Patrick and Daniel will also discuss the growing “builder mentality” among educators, including the shift from simply asking, “What AI tool should we buy?” to asking, “What can we design, test, and improve together?” Their recent conversation on AmpED to 11 highlighted themes such as local AI infrastructure, practitioner collaboration, custom instructional tools, and equity of access across New York State.

https://nysaic.org/

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In this episode of Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools, we visit East Aurora Union Free School District to celebrate a powerful example of authentic, hands-on learning.

Superintendent Brian Russ joins the podcast to share the story behind East Aurora High School’s Sustainable Agriculture program, launched during the 2023–2024 school year on the district’s beautiful 107-acre campus, once family farmland. Rather than simply honoring the land’s history, East Aurora is bringing it back to life as a “living laboratory” where students learn through farming, animal care, composting, soil health, sustainability, food systems, entrepreneurship, and service to the community.

This episode also features 12th grader Maya Reynolds, along with the work of teachers Jeff Shelley and Ethan Hansen, who are helping students connect science, environmental stewardship, responsibility, business, and community in meaningful ways.

At its heart, this conversation is about what happens when public schools create learning experiences that are real, relevant, and rooted in place. East Aurora’s Sustainable Agriculture program reminds us that students can do more than study the world around them. They can help sustain it, improve it, and grow from it.

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n this episode, I speak with Dr. Venu Govindaraju, SUNY Distinguished Professor at the University at Buffalo, Senior Vice President for research, innovation and economic development, and founding director of the National AI Institute for Exceptional Education. We discuss the Institute’s continued progress in supporting children with speech and language processing challenges through innovations such as the AI Screener and AI Orchestrator, along with the broader work of UB’s research in AI.

The conversation also explores UB’s growing leadership in artificial intelligence, the promise of Empire AI, and what these developments could mean for education, workforce development, and Western New York. This episode highlights how AI can be used for social good to improve outcomes for children, families, educators, and schools.

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In this episode of Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools, we highlight one of the Grand Island Central School District’s and Tonawanda City School District's most meaningful early literacy initiatives: Growing Readers. Launched in 2018, this community-based effort helps place free books into the hands of families during well-baby visits, encouraging parents and caregivers to begin reading aloud to their children from the very start.

This conversation explores how early literacy, strong family connections, and community collaboration can work together to build a lasting love of reading in young children. Our guests discuss the origins of the initiative, the importance of reaching families before children enter school, and the powerful role that schools, pediatricians, libraries, Rotary, and community partners play in supporting language development and literacy.

Featured guests include Cheryl Cardone, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services for the Grand Island Central School District; Stephanie Anderson, principal; Maureen Roussi, early childhood educator; Faye Teluk, President of the Grand Island Rotary Club; Sarah Infante, Assistant Superintendent for the Tonawanda City School District; and Bridgette Heintz, Librarian Director II at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library branch on Grand Island.

Together, they reflect on why investing in babies, toddlers, and families is one of the smartest and most hopeful things a community can do.

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Public schools do far more than teach academics — they often serve as the heartbeat of a community. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jacob Reimer, the Superintendent of Barker CSD and school counselor Allison Finitz as well as Andrea Gray from the United Way to share the story behind Barker’s Care Closet and the broader network of support services now available to students and families.

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In this episode I interviewed Kirk Koennecke, the Superintendent of the EANES Innovative School District. Kirk is a veteran educational leader with 20 years of experience in administration and 30 years of service to students. Kirk is a standing member of AASA, NASS Executive Board, NCERT, NSR, BASA Communications Committee, AUSA Trustee, 1N5 Trustee, HQ Leaders LLC Board. Kirk loves to podcast, create blogs and promote the excellent work of his teachers and students on social media.

He has presented at the local, state, and national levels, and has been published in several educational journals and books.

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At the NYSCOSS Winter Institute, I had the privilege of sitting down with three outstanding superintendents immediately following their keynote presentations. Each brought a powerful and deeply personal message to educational leaders from across New York State.

Dale L. Breault Jr., District Superintendent of Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES in the North Country near the St. Lawrence River, shared his keynote message, Strong Enough to Be Real: From Imposter to Empowered. Dale spoke candidly about imposter syndrome and the quiet voice of self-doubt that even seasoned leaders experience. His message resonated deeply in the room. He challenged leaders to acknowledge those doubts without being defined by them, and to lead from a place of authenticity by embracing their strengths, lived experiences, and purpose. His perspective was a reminder that vulnerability and strength are not opposites. They are partners.

Dr. Krislynn Dengler, Superintendent, Glens Falls City Schools. in her keynote Building Teams, Lifting Voices: Creating Spaces Where All Students Belong, focused on the power of perseverance, servant leadership, and elevating voices that are too often unheard. She emphasized that belonging does not happen by accident. It requires intentional systems, empowered teams, and leaders who listen deeply to students, staff, and families. Her message centered on creating environments where every learner feels seen, valued, and supported. The conversation reinforced that when we lift others, we strengthen the entire organization.

Dr. Brian Bailey - Interim Superintendent, Hudson City School District delivered a moving ignite keynote titled How to Protect, Serve, and Care for Those Who Protect, Serve, and Care. Through powerful storytelling and practical strategies, he honored those who dedicate their lives to service in our schools and communities. His focus on uncommon appreciation, gratitude, and purpose reminded us that leadership is not just about direction and strategy. It is about recognizing the humanity of those who carry heavy responsibilities every day. When we intentionally care for the caregivers, we build resilient and inspired teams.

This episode captures three distinct but interconnected themes: authenticity, belonging, and appreciation. Together, they offer a blueprint for educational leadership that is both courageous and compassionate.

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Today on the podcast we have Dr. Kusum Sinha, Superintendent of Schools, with the Garden City Public Schools. Garden City is located in Long Island NY and has approximately 3,900 students served in 7 schools. Kusum was appointed to the superintendency in July of 2018 and she is in his 8th year.

Dr. Kusum Sinha brings over 25 years of experience in various leadership roles, including Director of PPS, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, and Assistant Superintendent for HR and Leadership Development. These positions have honed her leadership skills. Dr. Sinha has presented to state and regional audiences on diverse topics such as special education, universal design, instructional technology, AI, curriculum alignment and accountability, ENL, and parent-school partnerships. Her systems-thinking approach has been pivotal in developing a vision, driving positive changes, and fostering innovation within the district. She has spearheaded the creation of innovative indoor and outdoor learning spaces, enhancing the learning environment and operational efficiency. Her commitment to integrating technology and innovative practices has transformed the educational landscape, providing students with access to cutting-edge resources and learning opportunities. Dr. Sinha also serves on the AASA governing board and participates in several local and national organizations.

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