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.
Lynwood Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, has enjoyed nearly 30 years in education while teaching, mentoring, and removing barriers to student success. Since joining Lynwood in 2010 as Director of School Reform, Crosthwaite’s collaborative work and leadership has been instrumental to the district’s extraordinary gains in student achievement, including rising graduation rates and increasing participation and success in Advanced Placement (AP) coursework. Crosthwaite is a member of the League of Innovative Schools, the Rise Up Coalition, Edloc, and the National Academy of Sciences and Engineering. He also serves on the board of the Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation. Crosthwaite earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and two master’s degrees: one from California State University, Los Angeles, in Educational Administration and another from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He earned his Ph.D. in Education from Claremont Graduate University.
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.
Bio
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.
Dr. Michael Loughead is the superintendent of Hampton Township School District. Dr. Loughead has more than 30 years of experience in public education and a commitment to providing innovative, student-focused learning with an emphasis on the whole child. Dr. Loughead began his career serving students in rural West Virginia, providing various support services, including teaching, counseling, and psychology. He transitioned to school administration at the Pine Richland School District, where he served as the director of student services. He held the position of assistant superintendent at the Burrell School District and the South Fayette School District prior to being appointed as superintendent of the Hampton Township School District in 2016. Dr. Loughead is presently a visiting professor at the University Pittsburgh School of Education. He was selected to participate in the prestigious Forum for Western Pennsylvania School Superintendents and received the Pennsylvania Association for Curriculum Development Award from PASCD.
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.
League of Innovative Schools