In this episode of the Lebra Podcast, host Nate Lichte sits down with Spencer Byrd, Superintendent of Cheboygan Area Schools, to discuss leadership, rural education, and the importance of building school systems that students genuinely enjoy being part of.
Drawing on more than 35 years in education, Spencer reflects on his journey from teacher and coach in Illinois to superintendent in Northern Michigan. Along the way, he shares how athletics, mentorship, and meaningful relationships with teachers shaped his own path into leadership and continue to influence how he leads today.
The conversation explores the unique realities of leading a rural district in Northern Michigan, including seasonal economies, declining enrollment, staffing shortages, and the increasing impact of online learning. Spencer explains why listening tours were critical during his first year in Cheboygan and how intentional community engagement helped shape a strategic plan that now guides every major district decision.
Nate and Spencer also dive into Cheboygan’s growing focus on Career and Technical Education (CTE), early middle college opportunities, and building pathways that align with the district’s blue-collar community roots. Spencer shares how the district is expanding middle school CTE programming, creating workforce-ready experiences, and helping first-generation college students access affordable postsecondary opportunities.
They close with leadership advice for aspiring superintendents: listen before acting, stay patient with long-term change, invest in succession planning, and intentionally grow the next generation of educational leaders.
Timestamps
05:26 Planning for retirement and mentorship
09:42 Challenges of winter in our town
12:49 Advice for new superintendents
15:22 Getting involved in the community
19:22 Creating a strategic plan
22:38 Creating actionable strategic goals
25:02 Fostering a growth mindset
29:43 Teacher shortages and online schools
34:09 Advice for new superintendents
35:08 Mentoring future superintendents
38:38 Discussing superintendent succession planning
Why You’ll Love This Episode
If you care about rural education, strategic leadership, or building school systems that truly reflect their communities, this episode offers practical insights from a superintendent who believes schools should be places where students want to be. Spencer shares thoughtful strategies for community engagement, long-term planning, leadership development, and adapting to the changing realities of public education.
Connect with Spencer Byrd
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-byrd-825084b5 Website:
https://www.chebschools.org/ Follow Us
Nate Lichte LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-lichte/Lebra Website:
https://www.lebrahq.com/Lebra LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/lebrahqAbout Lebra Podcast
The Lebra Podcast is where host Nate Lichte speaks with education leaders and innovators about the future of schools, uncovering stories and strategies that create meaningful impact.
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