
SchoolCEO: K-12 Marketing + Communications
School CEO podcast takes a deep dive into the minds and hearts of the country’s most successful and innovative school leaders and subject matter experts on the topics of brand, culture and marketing strategies for schools.
Join us in our discussions where we explore how the role of education is changing and learn private sector best practices that can be adopted into the way you lead your team and shape your community. Whether you're a superintendent, communications director, a principal or in another role, this show will help you better understand how to shape and lead your schools.
Inspired by SchoolCEO Magazine, our original research, case studies, and marketing guides are all tools to equip you to become a better leader in a time of rapid change in public education.
Latest episodes

Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 4min
Encore: Schoolhouse Burning
In this engaging discussion, Derek W. Black, an education law professor and author of 'Schoolhouse Burning,' delves into the profound connection between public education and democracy. He reflects on his own experiences and the civil rights movements that shaped education policy. The conversation tackles systemic issues like funding inequities and the impact of political agendas on trust in education. Black emphasizes the vital role schools play in nurturing citizenship values while navigating the complexities of modern educational challenges.

Jul 15, 2025 • 8min
The Threat of a Crisis
Summary: Today we discuss ways to communicate effectively in an emergency. Show Notes: Donate to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund here. This episode features excerpts from a 2020 SchoolCEO Magazine article: Comunicating in a Crisis. Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.schoolceo.com/subscribe-now/. Visit us at schoolceo.com and connect with SchoolCEO on LinkedIn or X/Twitter @school_ceo. If you have a story you’d like to share with the SchoolCEO team, email us at eileen@schoolceo.com or schedule a call.SchoolCEO is powered by Apptegy, the maker of the leading K-12 communications and brand management platform.

Jul 10, 2025 • 7min
Win School Choice
Summary: Today we discuss how you can look “school choice” square in the eye.Show Notes: Watch ICCSD’s “Game On” Video. Read Schoolhouse Burning by Derek W. Black, a keynote speaker at this year’s SchoolCEO Conference. Get your tickets now!Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.schoolceo.com/subscribe-now/. Visit us at schoolceo.com and connect with SchoolCEO on LinkedIn or X/Twitter @school_ceo. If you have a story you’d like to share with the SchoolCEO team, email us at eileen@schoolceo.com or schedule a call.SchoolCEO is powered by Apptegy, the maker of the leading K-12 communications and brand management platform.

Jul 8, 2025 • 22min
How Charter Schools Really Impact Districts
Shon Hildreth, Executive Director of Human Resources for the Randolph County School System, dives into the significant effects of charter schools on public districts. He shares insights from his research, detailing how charter competition leads to declining enrollments in public schools and its financial implications. Hildreth discusses the innovative pressure on traditional schools and the essential role of marketing in showcasing their unique offerings. He also explores the diverse charter school models and their influence on educational dynamics across the U.S.

Jul 3, 2025 • 5min
Retaining Families
Summary: To support families is to retain them. Here’s how one district does that. Show Notes: Check out our story on the retention phase of enrollment marketing. Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.schoolceo.com/subscribe-now/. Visit us at schoolceo.com and connect with SchoolCEO on LinkedIn or X/Twitter @school_ceo. If you have a story you’d like to share with the SchoolCEO team, email us at eileen@schoolceo.com or schedule a call.SchoolCEO is powered by Apptegy, the maker of the leading K-12 communications and brand management platform.

Jul 1, 2025 • 5min
Retention Hospitality
Summary: Today we discuss how hospitality can keep families happy and enrolled in your schools. Show Notes: Check out our guide to enrollment marketing. Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.schoolceo.com/subscribe-now/. Visit us at schoolceo.com and connect with SchoolCEO on LinkedIn or X/Twitter @school_ceo. If you have a story you’d like to share with the SchoolCEO team, email us at eileen@schoolceo.com or schedule a call.SchoolCEO is powered by Apptegy, the maker of the leading K-12 communications and brand management platform.

Jun 26, 2025 • 5min
Realtors Are Your Friends
Summary: Today we discuss how to build relationships with local realtors to create awareness of your schools. Show Notes: Check out our piece on the awareness phase of enrollment marketing. Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.schoolceo.com/subscribe-now/. Visit us at schoolceo.com and connect with SchoolCEO on LinkedIn or X/Twitter @school_ceo. If you have a story you’d like to share with the SchoolCEO team, email us at eileen@schoolceo.com or schedule a call.SchoolCEO is powered by Apptegy, the maker of the leading K-12 communications and brand management platform.

Jun 24, 2025 • 6min
SEO for School Choice
Explore the challenges school communications teams encounter with school choice and the critical role of SEO in boosting visibility. Discover how the Peoria Unified School District successfully enhances its outreach and communication strategies. Learn essential tips on enrollment marketing and designing effective communication surveys to engage your community.

Jun 19, 2025 • 7min
Parent Ambassadors
Summary: Today we discuss ways to cultivate parent—and community—ambassadors for your schools.Show Notes: Read Enrollment Marketing: Advocacy to learn more about this subject. Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.schoolceo.com/subscribe-now/. Visit us at schoolceo.com and connect with SchoolCEO on LinkedIn or X/Twitter @school_ceo. If you have a story you’d like to share with the SchoolCEO team, email us at eileen@schoolceo.com or schedule a call.SchoolCEO is powered by Apptegy, the maker of the leading K-12 communications and brand management platform.

Jun 17, 2025 • 4min
Student-Run Special Events
Summary: Today we discuss letting students help put on school events. Show Notes: Read The Experience of a Lifetime to learn more about the power of in-person events. Read From Scholars to Storytellers to learn more about how to get students involved in your school marketing and PR. Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.schoolceo.com/subscribe-now/. Visit us at schoolceo.com and connect with SchoolCEO on LinkedIn or X/Twitter @school_ceo. If you have a story you’d like to share with the SchoolCEO team, email us at eileen@schoolceo.com or schedule a call.SchoolCEO is powered by Apptegy, the maker of the leading K-12 communications and brand management platform.