The League of Innovative Schools is guided and advised in its work by the following superintendents:
Dr. Carol D. Birks is a catalytic and transformational educational thought leader with extensive experience in organizational leadership, community empowerment, executive coaching, and change management. She implements leadership strategies designed to enhance the systems, structures, and practices within organizations to accelerate academic progress and promote systems thinking. Dr. Birks has more than 30 years of experience in education and has obtained degrees from Hampton University and the University of Bridgeport, a doctoral degree from Columbia University, and a superintendent’s certification from the University of Connecticut’s School of Education. Dr. Birks has a strong commitment to community, service, civic engagement. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and The Links Incorporated, and she is a Google GSV Education Innovation Fellow.
Dr. Jennifer Burks is an innovative, student-centered leader with more than 25 years of experience in K-12 education. As superintendent of the Solana Beach School District, she is dedicated to fostering meaningful learning experiences that empower students to discover their strengths, explore their interests, and make the world a better place. She holds a doctorate in organizational change and leadership from the University of Southern California, master’s degrees in clinical psychology and education from Pepperdine University, and a bachelor’s degree from UCLA. Her work has been recognized with honors including California Technology Administrator of the Year and the Golden Bell Award for her innovative embedded coaching model. A strong advocate for innovation, inclusion, and equity, Dr. Burks serves on committees such as the San Diego STEM Pathways Advisory, the California School Boards Association AI Taskforce, and the Digital Promise Equity Coalition.
Dr. Gudiel R. Crosthwaite is superintendent of Sunnyvale School District and a nationally recognized educational leader with nearly 30 years of experience advancing equity, student achievement, and innovation. Previously, he served as superintendent of Lynwood Unified School District, where his leadership helped earn the district national honors—including the 2017 AP District of the Year distinction—and secured $250 million in state funding for school facilities. Dr. Crosthwaite has served on national networks and advisory groups, including the League of Innovative Schools, EdLoC (Education Leaders of Color), and the National Academies of Sciences and Engineering, and he is a current Pahara Fellow. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his leadership and service, including being named the 2023 Los Angeles County Superintendent of the Year and a 2023-2024 Google GSV Education Innovation Fellow. He holds a Ph.D. in Education from Claremont Graduate University and master’s degrees from Harvard University and California State University, Los Angeles.
Dr. Nathan L. Fisher is the superintendent of schools for Roselle Public Schools (RPS). He has served in numerous roles across the district for more than three decades, including having served as the former principal of a 2020 National School of Character. As superintendent, Dr. Fisher has implemented numerous character education, SEL, and digital initiatives. He is an active member of the League of Innovative Schools and has spearheaded Roselle’s involvement in various Digital Promise projects, including Data Interoperability, Inclusive Innovation, LeanLab, and Verizon Innovative Learning Schools. Dr. Fisher was awarded the Citation Award from Phi Delta Kappa, the Geraldine Dodge Fellowship Grant for Principal Leadership, the Community Service Award from the National Council of Negro Women, and the NAACP: Roselle Branch Role Model Award. Dr. Fisher earned his bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University, master’s degree from Kean University, and his Ph.D. in Education degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
Dr. Matthew Friedman is an accomplished educator and visionary leader with more than 25 years of experience in public education. As superintendent of the Quakertown Community School District, north of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he has spent 19 years in transformative leadership roles, including director of curriculum, chief academic officer, and assistant superintendent. Dr. Friedman also brings a wealth of expertise in higher education, working at multiple universities teaching future educators and administrators at both the undergraduate and graduate levels along with mentoring doctoral candidates as a dissertation chair. Dr. Friedman specializes in creating transformative learning environments, designing cutting-edge educational experiences, and fostering personalized professional growth for educators. His passion for community building and his commitment to inspiring systemic change have made him a sought-after consultant and speaker across the country. His work continues to center on empowering educators, students, and leaders to unlock their potential, ensuring that schools are vibrant, inclusive spaces where all learners can thrive.
Dr. Bob Hill has served as the proud superintendent of the Springfield City School District since 2015. This year, 2023, marks his twenty-sixth year in public education and his twenty-second year as an education administrator. Dr. Hill has served as a coach, teacher, assistant high school principal, high school principal, superintendent, and adjunct professor. Additionally, Dr. Hill serves as the president of the Clark County Family Children First Council, a member of the Department of Job and Family Services Family Planning Council, a member of the Clark State College Foundation Board of Directors, and a member of the Global Impact Stem Academy Board of Directors. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Denison University, as well as a master of education degree, and doctorate of education degree in leadership from Ashland University. Before accepting the position in Springfield, Dr. Hill served as the superintendent of Firelands Local Schools near Cleveland.
Dr. Kodey Hughes was a musician and wrestler in high school and college and attributed those activities to much of his life’s success. “It was the impact of teachers, administrators, and coaches that kept me on a path of success.” He has an unwavering belief that if we want the best efforts from students, we must give our best efforts to them in everything we do. Now in his fifteenth year as a superintendent, he is committed to a vision that all students can learn and succeed if we provide them with an open, engaging, and steadfast learning environment. Dr. Hughes believes that teaching is one of the essential occupations in terms of the future success of our society. His work is focused on community and fulfilling the mission of empowering students to discover and pursue their dreams by providing flexible, personalized, and blended learning pathways.
John Tague is the superintendent of Franklin West Supervisory Union in Franklin County, Vermont. The district, which includes three towns and 1,600 students, focuses on proficiency-based learning and assessment demonstrated through student exhibitions. John served previously as high school principal and high school math teacher at Bellows Free Academy, an FWSU school. He has served at Franklin West for more than 30 years. John lives in Johnson, Vermont with his wife, Debra. They enjoy traveling and spending time with their dog and adult children.
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