Standing Tall: Voices in Leadership Leading with a "Kids First" Focus, Even When It's Hard
In this episode, Randy Lindquist sits down with Jim Alston, Superintendent of Kelloggsville Public Schools, to discuss his powerful leadership journey as a first-generation college graduate inspired by his own middle school teacher.
Jim shares how his leadership philosophy evolved from "my way or the highway" to a relationship-centered approach focused on one simple question: "Is it what's best for students?"
This conversation is a masterclass in staying grounded, building a "kids first" culture, and finding creative ways to provide equitable opportunities for every single student.
Key Themes & Discussion Points:
The Inspiring Teacher: Jim's entire career path was set in motion by a single middle school math teacher, Mr. Offerman, who strategically seated him next to a competitor to raise the bar for both of them.
Evolution of a Leader: Jim is candid about his early, "hard-nosed" teaching style and the realization that an admin-first, top-down approach doesn't work with staff. His philosophy is now centered on removing roadblocks so teachers and students can succeed.
The Guiding Question: In a world of constant change, Jim keeps his team focused by asking one question about every decision: "Is it what's best for students?"
Leading Through Adversity: Jim shares the difficult story of being laid off in 2011 due to state budget cuts. His focus remained entirely on the students, a lesson in maintaining a "kids first" perspective even during personal challenges.
Equity in Action (It's Not Just College):
Jim defines equity as figuring out what will make each student successful, not pushing a one-size-fits-all path.
Example 1: Kelloggsville partnered with the SME PRIME program to build a STEM facility where students can graduate with up to 18 industry certifications.
Example 2: When three female students said they wanted to go into nursing, the district "brought the nursing right to them" and started an on-campus Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program.
He notes that success is also a student trying a program in high school (for free) and discovering, "You know what? That's not for me".
How to Stay Grounded: When feeling stressed, Jim's solution is simple: "Go talk to students." He makes it a point to be in school buildings every single day, especially during passing times, to stay connected.
Advice for New Leaders:
Don't think you're the smartest person in the room.
It's okay to say, "I don't know," but you must follow up and find the answer.
Work your butt off.
Keep every decision "kid-focused".
The Power of Relationships: Jim ends with a powerful story about a challenging student, "DB," whom he taught at three different schools. That student recently returned, is now graduating from college, and wants to become a teacher or school psychologist because of the relationship they built.
Resources & Schools Mentioned:
Guest: Jim Alston, Superintendent
Host: Randy Lindquist
District: Kelloggsville Public Schools (serving parts of Wyoming and Kentwood, MI)
Program: SME PRIME (Partnership Response in Manufacturing Education)
Program: CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)
Colleges: