Powercast Ep 7: Student-Centered Leadership in Birmingham City Schools

Welcome to the newest episode of Powercast: Superintendent Spotlight, where we talk about the exciting intersection of technology and education! In this episode, hosts Dr. Rick Fernandez and Jeff Pelzel sit down with Dr. Mark Sullivan, Superintendent of Birmingham City Schools, to explore his remarkable journey from substitute teacher to superintendent in the same district over a 30-year career.

Dr. Sullivan shares his unexpected path into education after serving in the Navy Reserves during Desert Storm, and how his early teaching experiences in high-poverty schools transformed his perspective on the power of education. Now in his fifth year as superintendent—making him the longest-serving superintendent in Birmingham since 1996—Dr. Sullivan discusses the strategies that have led to impressive academic gains, including an increase from 53% to 86% of third graders reading at grade level.

The conversation delves into Birmingham's shift from remediation to high-quality Tier 1 instruction, their innovative modified school calendar that provides more instructional time through intercessions, and how the district maintains a culture of continuous improvement. Dr. Sullivan also shares insights on creating a nimble organization that can adapt to change, the importance of letting staff "fail forward," and his approach to choosing strategic partners who truly understand the district's mission.

Whether you're an educational leader or passionate about creating equitable outcomes for all students, this episode offers practical wisdom on transforming expectations and results in urban education.

To learn more about PowerSchool, visit: https://www.powerschool.com/

Hosts: Dr. Rick Fernandez, Jeff Pelzel
Guest: Dr. Mark Sullivan, Superintendent of Birmingham City Schools