Unlock 360

In this episode of Unlock 360, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Dr. Michelle Kuss-Cybula, Superintendent of Oak Harbor Public Schools in Washington. With more than 35 years in public education and leadership experience across multiple states, Michelle shares how listening deeply to students, families, and the community has shaped a unified vision for one of Washington's unique military-connected school districts.

Michelle reflects on her own educational journey, including the counselor who told her she wasn't 'college material' and the teachers and mentors who inspired her to prove otherwise. She explains how those experiences continue to fuel her commitment to ensuring every student feels valued, supported, and capable of achieving their goals.

The conversation explores Oak Harbor's 'One Oak Harbor' philosophy, the power of student voice in strategic planning, creating a strong sense of belonging for highly mobile military families, and building coherent instructional systems that strengthen both academic achievement and community partnerships. Michelle also shares practical leadership lessons on listening first, leading with purpose, and designing schools around the student experience.

Key Moments

00:54 Michelle's Journey into Education

04:02 The Counselor Who Changed Her Path

09:48 Listening Before Leading

11:06 Creating a Community-Driven Strategic Plan

14:33 Measuring Progress Beyond the Plan

15:53 Balancing Belonging and Academic Rigor

17:33 Building Collaborative Learning Systems

19:37 Leadership Lessons Across States

22:23 Learning Through Student Voice

25:28 The One Oak Harbor Experience

27:58 Sharing Alumni Success Stories

29:12 A Tribute to Mrs. Dana

Why You'll Love This Episode

Dr. Kuss-Cybula shares inspiring leadership lessons on building community trust, elevating student voice, and creating school systems where every student feels they belong while achieving at high levels. Her practical approach to strategic planning, collaboration, and culture offers valuable insights for district and school leaders everywhere.

Connect with Dr. Michelle Kuss-Cybula
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-kuss-cybula-ed-d-4b2322319
Website: https://ohsd.net/
Email: mkuss-cybula@ohsd.net

Follow Us
Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/

About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360°, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.

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What is Unlock 360?

Welcome to Unlock 360 Podcast, where each episode unpacks the practices, partnerships, and people behind measurable gains in student outcomes. From building collaborative leadership cultures to designing equity-driven systems, you'll hear what happens when clarity, coherence, and coaching align.

Whether you're a superintendent, campus leader, or classroom educator, Unlock 360 offers fresh insights, practical strategies, and an honest look at what it takes to create lasting impact. New episodes released biweekly.