In this episode of Little Wins, host Karen Borchert sits down with Dr. Jessica Sonntag, Superintendent at Hinckley-Big Rock CUSD #429 in Illinois. Leading a small, close-knit district with deep community roots, Dr. Sonntag shares how intentional choices, calming spaces, personalized support for staff, and a bold “phones away, bell-to-bell” policy are restoring attention, dignity, and joy to learning.
From redefining building aesthetics with a shared color palette and secure, welcoming entries to partnering with first responders on crisis communication, Jessica models courageous, thoughtful leadership. She also breaks down structural tweaks, like a single common lunch and conference-style PD that create time for clubs, relationships, and real adult learning. If you’re rethinking culture without a massive budget, this conversation is a playbook.
💡 Little Wins in This Episode:
- Design for Calm → A shared, muted district color palette gives teachers autonomy within a cohesive, soothing environment.
- Welcome with Intention → Farmhouse-cozy, human office spaces + clear entry flow reduce noise and anxiety the moment you arrive.
- Phones Away, Bell-to-Bell → Lockable pouches and clear, zero-exceptions expectations reclaim attention and reduce social media fallout.
- One Lunch, One Community → A single common lunch opens time for clubs, connection, and five extra minutes of instruction per class.
- Care for the Hive → Beekeeping and marigold vs. black walnut metaphors remind everyone they share responsibility for culture.
Key Moments
03:07 Celebrating Nostalgia and Calm in School Buildings
05:25 Redesigning Spaces with Teacher & Student Voice
09:51 From Special Education Teacher to Superintendent
13:04 Meeting People Where They Are—Leadership Philosophy
17:58 Eliminating Smartphones and Smart Tech in Classrooms
24:20 Restoring Joy, Conversation, and Engagement
29:39 Partnering with Parents and First Responders on Safety
34:26 Bridging Veteran and New Teachers’ Perspectives
37:15 Personalizing Professional Learning for Staff
39:18 One Common Lunch to Build Community
44:30 Caring for the Hive: Shared Responsibility for Culture
Connect with Dr. Jessica Sonntag
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🧵 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, one meaningful win at a time.
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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.