In this episode, host Karen Borchert sits down with Dr. Andy Crozier, Superintendent of Central Lee Community School District in rural southeast Iowa, a district where homegrown pride meets award-winning culture.
A Central Lee alum himself, Dr. Crozier returned home to lead the district that shaped him and has spent the past decade proving that culture is a strategy. From visible leadership and weekly scoreboards to thoughtful staff recognition and quality-first decisions, Andy shows how consistent, intentional actions turn values into results.
Together, Karen and Andy explore how presence, trust, and pride create a ripple effect across classrooms, staff, and community, and how happy teachers really do make happy kids.
đź’ˇ Little Wins in This Episode:
- From Student to Superintendent: How Dr. Crozier’s journey home shaped his leadership philosophy.
- Culture as Strategy: Building award-winning schools through visibility, recognition, and accountability.
- Happy Teachers → Happy Students: Why employee joy is at the heart of student success.
- The Power of Presence: How weekly walkthroughs, one-on-ones, and PLC visits fuel authentic connection.
- Recognition That Matters: Why high-quality staff gifts and visible appreciation strengthen pride and belonging.
Key Moments
00:01 Introducing Dr. Andy Crozier and Central Lee CSD
02:15 Small-town pride and culture that feels like family
13:45 Turning feedback into growth and systems of visibility
16:58 How weekly “wins and measures” create sustainable change
20:14 Scoreboards, accountability, and the 4 Disciplines of Execution
26:07 Walkthroughs, PLC visits, and visibility as a superintendent
28:27 “Little Wins” that drive culture from Yeti cups to recognition
🧵 About the Podcast:
Little Wins is the podcast that digs into the small, deliberate actions school leaders are taking to build strong, human-centered cultures.
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What is Little Wins?
Little Wins is a podcast that shines a light on the small moments making a big impact in schools. Hosted by Karen Borchert, each episode features courageous conversations with principals, heads of school, and superintendents who are building trust, sparking belonging, and shaping culture—one hallway celebration, heartfelt gesture, or coffee-fueled conversation at a time.
Because in education, it’s the little things that often matter most—and they’re the reason people stay.