EP2: From Student to Superintendent: Kevin K. Hendrick on Transforming the Future of Education

In this episode, Dr. Tonjua Williams sits down with Superintendent Kevin Hendrick, the visionary leader behind Pinellas County Schools.  Superintendent Hendrick is a true product of the Pinellas County education system. Having moved here in third grade and never left, his journey from student to superintendent is a testament to his dedication to education and the community. Under his leadership, Pinellas County Schools has achieved its highest graduation rates in history and witnessed consistent improvements in academic performance, particularly in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Superintendent Hendrick shares his insights into the transformative journey of education in Pinellas County, including the innovative programs and initiatives implemented during his tenure such as the expansion of early learning, literacy instruction, and the establishment of College and Career Centers in every Pinellas County High School. He also discusses the recent launch of a pilot program aimed at reimagining the middle school curriculum to facilitate a smoother transition from elementary to high school. By prioritizing both student and employee experiences, Superintendent Hendrick has successfully cultivated a culture of excellence and collaboration within Pinellas County Schools. Join Dr. Williams and Superintendent Hendrick as they explore the dynamic landscape of education and share valuable insights and inspiring perspectives on transforming the future of learning in Pinellas County. KEY POINTS [00:39] - Superintendent Kevin Hendrick's journey in Pinellas County Schools [04:32] - The challenges of public education and adapting to its changes  [06:07] - What communities can do to stand better in the gap and create an impact [09:18] - Superintendent Hendrick’s tribe  [10:58] - How Superintendent Hendrick stands in the gap to help Pinellas County Schools [12:23] - One of the things Hendrick changed when he became a Superintendent  [13:28] - The importance of giving recognition and appreciation to employees [16:50] - The need for superintendents to connect with employees and students [22:20] - How Supt. Hendrick handles when the expectations exceed the role of organization [23:35] - The critical role of having partnerships  [26:01] - One of the challenges for higher education: AI  [26:28] - On navigating AI and other technologies to help students and employees QUOTABLES  "Partnerships are so important to being successful. And especially in today's world." — Superintendent Kevin Hendrick  "When you invest in the lives of others, you have an opportunity to change the trajectory of their generation." — Dr. Tonjua Williams "Affirmation is so important to everyone. They want to know that they matter and that they're not Hidden Figures, that they're not invisible." — Dr. Tonjua Williams RESOURCES: Kevin Hendrick  X | @PinellasSuper  Pinellas County Schools  LinkedIn | @pinellascountyschools St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College Facebook | @stpetecollege  IG | @stpetersburgcollege YouTube | @SPC  LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college  X | @spcnews  Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/