In this special crossover episode with co-host Dr. Nashay Lowe of The Resolution Room podcast, we conducted on the spot interviews with education leaders at the 2026 AASA National Conference on Education. In this interview, we were joined by an amazing team from Lake Forest Schools to share their story about the development of a community-created Portrait of a Learner and the how the districts focused on student growth and readiness. With five years to reflect on this work, they share important insights about collaboration and measurement that warmed our hearts! Don't miss this lively conversation.

Dr. Matthew L. Montgomery

Dr. Montgomery has been the Superintendent of Lake Forest Elementary School District 67 and Lake Forest Community High School District 115 since July 2021, serving the communities of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood, Illinois. In this role, he oversees educational programs, finance, facilities, and personnel, ensuring alignment with board policies and priorities. Committed to communication and community engagement, Dr. Montgomery led the development of the "Portrait of a Learner," collaborating with 150 community members to establish a K-12 vision anchored in academic excellence and essential competencies for students' future success. Building on this foundation, he initiated five-year strategic plans for both districts, involving diverse stakeholders to create actionable and measurable roadmaps for the future. Dr. Montgomery holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, a Master of Education in Educational Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Education, all from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-l-montgomery-ph-d-41365a70/

Dr. Renée Fitzsimmons

Dr. Fitzsimmons has been in education for 20 years and has experienced many different aspects of the field of education including a middle school science teacher, building coach, principal and district leader. She led through the pandemic and completed her doctoral dissertation in March of 2023 with a comparative study on literacy growth in a hybrid-in person model compared to a fully virtual learning model. Dr. Fitzsimmons is passionate about culture and environment and its effects on achievement. Currently she is the K-12 Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Accountability for the Lake Forest Schools in Lake Forest, Illinois.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-fitzsimmons-ed-d-457b7213b/

Dr. Erin Lenart

Dr Lenart serves as the assistant superintendent/principal of Lake Forest Community High School District 115. They have approximately 1400 students, grades 9-12 and a Transitions Program through age 22. Lake Forest Community High School proudly boasts a robust range of programming and extracurricular activities for students, despite being one of the smallest comprehensive, public high schools on the North Shore of the Chicago suburbs. LFHS is a high-performing and high-achieving school, serving the communities of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood, with an engaged community, talented and educated faculty, and a committed and supportive operational staff.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-boothe-lenart-708217208/

Visit https://www.lakeforestschools.org/ to learn more about their work or follow on their socials!

And be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Visit www.yourschoolsucks.com to subscribe to our Measure UP Newsletter and to get a copy of Dr. Alioto's book, Your School Sucks, Why Schools Fail to Measure Up and What to Do About It.

In this special crossover episode with co-host Dr. Nashay Lowe of The Resolution Room podcast, we conducted on the spot interviews with education leaders at the 2026 AASA National Conference on Education. In this interview, Dr. Jen Schwanke, author of Trusted: Trust Pillars, Trust Killers, and the Secret to Successful Schools, discusses what it means to be trust-willing, the impact of trust on achievement, the challenges of building (or re-building) trust internally and externally, how to differentiate trust from approval and transparency, and advice for those entering leadership positions. Don't miss this important and timely topic!

Dr. Jen Schwanke is a longtime educator, teaching and leading at all levels. She is the author of five ASCD books, including The Principal’s Guide to Conflict Management. A frequent contributor to multiple educational publishers, Schwanke consults with districts and school leaders in the areas of school climate, personnel, and instructional leadership. She is a frequent presenter at national organizations including ASCD + ISTE, NASSP, and NAESP. An instructor in educational administration at The Ohio State University, Dr. Schwanke currently serves as a Deputy Superintendent in Ohio.

Visit https://jenschwanke.com/ to subscribe to her "Principal Problems" newsletter and learn more about her exciting work!

And be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Visit www.yourschoolsucks.com to subscribe to our Measure UP Newsletter and to get a copy of Dr. Alioto's book, Your School Sucks, Why Schools Fail to Measure Up and What to Do About It.

In the episode, join us for a conversation with Mike Setaro, Supervisor of Teaching, Learning, and Student Support, from Southern Westchester BOCES. It can be a challenge to provide support to schools through programs and services when you aren't inside of the district on a regular basis. How do you know what you do is making a difference? Tune in to hear how the efforts in SW BOCES have impacted districts at all levels from someone who absolutely digs data.

For more information about the Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support, visit: https://plcs.swboces.org/

To be a guest on a future episode, email hello@allabreveconsulting.com with the subject line: "I'm ready to Measure UP!"

And be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Visit www.yourschoolsucks.com to subscribe to our Measure UP Newsletter and to get a copy of Dr. Alioto's book, Your School Sucks, Why Schools Fail to Measure Up and What to Do About It.