In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with Dr. Karen Barber, Superintendent of Santa Rosa County School District, to discuss leadership, strategic planning, and the power of hope in education.

Dr. Barber shares how her district has prioritized financial stability, student engagement, and instructional leadership, leading to an A+ S&P rating, increased dual enrollment and career tech opportunities, and a 1.5% rise in graduation rates. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship in leadership, explaining why developing a pipeline of strong, diverse leaders is crucial for the future of education.

A champion of student-centered learning, Dr. Barber discusses how Santa Rosa County has expanded AP courses, industry certifications, and even launched new extracurricular programs like esports and orchestra. She and Davis explore the impact of effective principals, the role of strategic planning, and how her district conducted 33,000 stakeholder surveys to align its mission with community needs.

Beyond academics, Dr. Barber dives into the science of hope, explaining how schools can foster students' goals, pathways, and willpower to improve success rates. Her leadership philosophy—centered on love, education, and preparation—has transformed Santa Rosa into a model of academic achievement and student well-being.

Tune in for a conversation packed with leadership insights, actionable strategies, and a vision for the future of education.

Key Moments

00:00 Mentorship and Leadership Pipeline

05:47 Evidence-Based Leadership in Education

06:55 Hiring Top-Tier Principals

10:45 Strategic Planning Through Stakeholder Engagement

14:25 Three Elements of Hope

15:55 Florida School's Innovative Leadership

Connect with Dr. Karen Barber

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-barber-71b43831/

Website: https://santarosaschools.org/