In this episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with John Pandolfo, Superintendent of Telluride School District and former Vermont Superintendent of the Year, to unpack his leadership journey and vision. From re-framing the district mission around “each and every student” to building belonging through dual language programs and inclusion initiatives, John shares how he is cultivating a culture of excellence in a diverse, rural mountain community.
Together, they explore how rural districts can innovate with limited resources, why vocational pathways are vital in the “AC stage” of education, and how leaders can balance human and artificial intelligence in the classroom. John also reflects on lessons learned uniting communities in Vermont, the urgency of equity work in shifting demographics, and why his leadership signature is grounded in inclusion, integrity, and excellence.
