{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The So What Podcast","title":"From Turnaround to Transformation: Rebuilding a District Through Systems and Trust with Dr. Rick Surrency","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2408,"description":"In this episode of The So What Podcast, host Shweta Gandhi, CEO and Founder of Strived, sits down with Dr. Rick Surrency, Superintendent of Putnam County School District, to explore how one of Florida's lowest-performing districts transformed into a model of growth and community trust.\nWhen Dr. Surrency stepped into the role in 2016, the district faced a 55% graduation rate, multiple failing schools, and declining economic confidence. Drawing on nearly five decades in education, he shares how a systemwide focus on instructional practices, collaboration, and early intervention helped drive graduation rates above 90% and eliminate failing schools across the district.\nDr. Surrency walks through the power of scaling proven practices, from transforming a single turnaround school into a districtwide model to building strong professional learning communities that align teaching across every classroom. He also explains how consistent data conversations with principals and a relentless focus on early literacy and student engagement created sustainable academic growth.\nThe conversation also dives into the realities of leading in today's environment, including funding challenges driven by school choice, the need for districts to become more competitive, and why community partnerships are critical to long-term success. From launching high-impact CTE programs to rethinking how districts market themselves, Dr. Surrency shares how innovation and adaptability are essential for survival.\nKey Moments\n02:01 Entering the role with a 55% graduation rate\n03:33 Partnering with the community to drive economic and school growth\n06:25 Turning around failing schools through structured practices\n09:06 Scaling instructional strategies across the entire district\n10:12 Building districtwide teacher collaboration systems\n12:30 Using trend data to guide coaching and instruction\n13:55 Improving teacher retention through mentorship programs\n16:52 Leading as an elected superintendent in a...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/8_IWhcz1UYVz_u51Qd70LxMgREGfVeVtbh_cyiQHgMk/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8yMzcw/ZDBhNTFkMjFhY2Rh/MTI1MTQyMTQzN2I0/ZDBiZC5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}