Send us a textIn this episode, the Superintendent’s Podcast begins a new series where Dr. Sciarretta becomes the interviewee and turns the microphone over to his daughter, Maya Sciarretta who will serve as the first guest host. Dr. Sciarretta discusses various aspects of his life that have informed his work in educational leadership. Connect with Dr. Sciarretta on Twitter.

Send us a textDane White is the Mayor of the City of Escondido, the fourth largest city in the county of San Diego. At age 33, Mayor White is the youngest mayor in the city’s history and one of the youngest in the state of California. Mayor White discusses a wide range of issues including regional collaboration within the county on matters such as transportation, homelessness, and drug addiction. He shares his own personal history of homelessness and addiction, his upbringing as a native of Escondido, and his role models.Learn more about Mayor White here.Connect with Mayor White on Twitter.Connect with Dr. Sciarretta on Twitter.

Send us a textJustus Benjamin describes himself as recovering attorney, now turned certified somalia. His love of wine has turned into three exciting concepts in downtown San Diego: Boutique Vino, Le Charcuterie Bar, and the soon to come Sabre Champagne Bar. In this wide ranging interview Justus describes his journey from attempting medical school, transitioning to law school and working as a lawyer for 10 years, then pursuing his passion for wine.Visit the Boutique Vino website here.Connect with Dr. Sciarretta on Twitter.

Send us a textEstephanie recently wrote an article in the San Diego Union-Tribune that gave a snapshot of her life having been born in the Los Angeles area, moving to Tijuana as an infant, and navigating her education journey from elementary in Tijuana, then middle and high school in the United States, culminating in graduating from San Diego State University with a double major in English and Spanish. Hear her inspiring story and insight into the experience thousands of students go through every day living on the US-Mexico border.Read Estephanie’s article here.Connect with Dr. Sciarretta on Twitter.

Send us a textBrian is the managing director and manager of Baird’s National Charter School Finance Group and has more than 30 years of experience in public finance. Prior to joining Baird, he managed the national Charter School Group at a leading investment banking firm. He has structured and completed over 140 charter school financings, providing over $4 billion in funding for charter school capital projects nationwide. Brian touches on charter school law, parental choice, and options charters schools have in acquiring facilities to run their programs. Read more about Brian here.Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, E&E Financial Services. Founded by industry veteran Eric Sams, E&E prioritizes educating and empowering clients to make informed financial decisions they can truly understand and feel confident in. E&E believes in guiding you through your financial goals while providing unbiased independent advice.Visit them online at eandefinancial.com/ or call (619) 487-9638 for more information.This announcement is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice. All sponsorship proceeds benefit the Eric C. Mitchell scholarship fund at Albert Einstein Academies, which benefits graduates who exemplify the outstanding human qualities that define Mr. Mitchell's legacy.

Send us a textMaria Ortega is currently the President of the Albert Einstein Academies (AEA) Board of Trustees and has served in various capacities as a volunteer at AEA over the past 20 years. She also serves on the Board of another San Diego charter organization, is a Chief Compliance Officer for a scientific research organization, and is a full-time mom. Maria discusses her origin story, role models, and much more in this wide-ranging interview.Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, McGriff Insurance Services, and Senior Vice President Mike Lutosky. For over a century, McGriff has focused on building long-term relationships to deliver innovative insurance solutions. From personal to businesses of all sizes, reach out to Mike for all of your insurance needs. Mike can be contacted on his cell at: (619) 925-1731All sponsorship proceeds benefit the Eric C. Mitchell scholarship fund at Albert Einstein Academies, which benefits graduates who exemplify the outstanding human qualities that define Mr. Mitchell's legacy.

Send us a textGrace Ridgeway is currently the Director of Special Education at Albert Einstein Academies in San Diego, CA, and has worked in many capacities within the education sector. In this episode, Grace demystifies the alphabet soup of acronyms that permeates throughout the special education field and does a compelling job of making special education human, real, important, relevant, and urgent. Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, McGriff Insurance Services, and Senior Vice President Mike Lutosky. For over a century, McGriff has focused on building long-term relationships to deliver innovative insurance solutions. From personal to businesses of all sizes, reach out to Mike for all of your insurance needs. Mike can be contacted on his cell at: (619) 925-1731All sponsorship proceeds benefit the Eric C. Mitchell scholarship fund at Albert Einstein Academies, which benefits graduates who exemplify the outstanding human qualities that define Mr. Mitchell's legacy.

Send us a textEryn Holt, aka Frau Holt, (that title will become clear during the episode) sat down with Dr. Sciarretta for a conversation that covers her accidental and rewarding journey into education, and what elements have changed or stayed the same throughout her 20+ year career. Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, E&E Financial Services. Founded by industry veteran Eric Sams, E&E prioritizes educating and empowering clients to make informed financial decisions they can truly understand and feel confident in. E&E believes in guiding you through your financial goals while providing unbiased independent advice.Visit them online at eandefinancial.com/ or call (619) 487-9638 for more information.This announcement is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice. All sponsorship proceeds benefit the Eric C. Mitchell scholarship fund at Albert Einstein Academies, which benefits graduates who exemplify the outstanding human qualities that define Mr. Mitchell's legacy.

Send us a textEric Sams started E&E Financial Services in his early 20s with one goal: to create a firm whose sole focus is its clients and serving their financial and investment needs. Eric is a fiduciary rather than a broker and he details the difference between those two designations. The episode covers cryptocurrency, hedge funds, golf, the importance of setting up a family budget, and enjoying life while still planning for the future.Visit E&E online at eandefinancial.com/ or call (619) 487-9638 for more information.The information shared during this episode is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice. Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, McGriff Insurance Services, and Senior Vice President Mike Lutosky. For over a century, McGriff has focused on building long-term relationships to deliver innovative insurance solutions. From personal to businesses of all sizes, reach out to Mike for all of your insurance needs. Mike can be contacted on his cell at: (619) 925-1731All sponsorship proceeds benefit the Eric C. Mitchell scholarship fund at Albert Einstein Academies, which benefits graduates who exemplify the outstanding human qualities that define Mr. Mitchell's legacy.

Send us a textIn case you missed this inspiring episode we are re-releasing it as a summer special! Tasreen Khamisa is the Executive Director of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF) and Tony Hicks is a Board Member at TKF. The mission of TKF is to create safer schools and communities through educating and inspiring children in the restorative principles of accountability, compassion, forgiveness, and peacemaking. TKF was founded in 1995 after Tariq Khamisa, a 20-year-old college student was killed by Tony, who was a 14-year-old gang member at the time. In this emotional and inspiring conversation, Tariq and Tony discuss the origins of TKF and the life-changing work they are doing now.Learn more and donate to TKF on their website: https://tkf.org/Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, McGriff Insurance Services, and Senior Vice President Mike Lutosky. For over a century, McGriff has focused on building long-term relationships to deliver innovative insurance solutions. From personal to businesses of all sizes, reach out to Mike for all of your insurance needs. Mike can be contacted on his cell at: (619) 925-1731All sponsorship proceeds benefit the Eric C. Mitchell scholarship fund at Albert Einstein Academies, which benefits graduates who exemplify the outstanding human qualities that define Mr. Mitchell's legacy.

Send us a textProfessor Justin Brooks founded the California Innocence Project in 1999 and under his direction, the project has exonerated dozen of innocent people, trained hundreds of law students, and changed multiple laws in California related to wrongful convictions. He has also worked extensively in Latin America and is the Founder and Director of Cal Western’s Latin American Institute of Law and Justice which is dedicated to training lawyers in Latin America and improving justice systems. Professor Brooks has published extensively on criminal justice issues and is the author of the only legal case book dedicated to the topic of wrongful convictions. Academy Award nominated actor Greg Kinnear portrays Professor Brooks in the movie Brian Banks. Professor Brooks is also the author of a recently released book You Might Go to Prison and talks about the genesis of the book in this episode.Connect with Justin Brooks on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedInLearn more about the California Innocence Project here. Purchase Justin Brooks’ book You Might Go to Prison, Even Though You’re Innocent here. Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, E&E Financial Services. Founded by industry veteran Eric Sams, E&E prioritizes educating and empowering clients to make informed financial decisions they can truly understand and feel confident in. E&E believes in guiding you through your financial goals while providing unbiased independent advice.Visit them online at eandefinancial.com/ or call (619) 487-9638 for more information.This announcement is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice. All sponsorship proceeds benefit the Eric C. Mitchell scholarship fund at Albert Einstein Academies, which benefits graduates who exemplify the outstanding human qualities that define Mr. Mitchell's legacy.

Send us a textElla Fox has gained five world records and multiple world championships for indoor rowing after only two years in the sport. She is also a small business owner and mother of three young children. This episode covers the world of indoor rowing, what it means to be a small business owner and parent, and how to react to setbacks that force you to reset goals that are more rewarding.Connect with Ella on Instagram Read a local news story on Ella’s rowing here. Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, E&E Financial Services. Founded by industry veteran Eric Sams, E&E prioritizes educating and empowering clients to make informed financial decisions they can truly understand and feel confident in. E&E believes in guiding you through your financial goals while providing unbiased independent advice.Visit them online at eandefinancial.com/ or call (619) 487-9638 for more information.This announcement is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice. All sponsorship proceeds benefit the Eric C. Mitchell scholarship fund at Albert Einstein Academies, which benefits graduates who exemplify the outstanding human qualities that define Mr. Mitchell's legacy.

Send us a textJeff Zlotnik is the Director of the Dharma Bum Temple, a non-profit in San Diego, CA. According to their website, “The Dharma Bum Temple is a home for the study and practice of Buddhism, yet we do not advocate one particular school of Buddhism. Our community is simply a bridge for people to learn how to make change within their own life and be of benefit to others.” The organization offers a wide range of courses and activities to the local community. Jeff was instrumental in starting the only Buddhist fraternity in the nation at San Diego State University. The episode covers Jeff’s journey that led him to found the Dharma Bum Temple, his unique approach to fundraising, what it means to be kind, and much more.Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TwitterLearn more about the Dharma Bum Temple: https://www.thedharmabums.org/Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, McGriff Insurance Services, and Senior Vice President Mike Lutosky. For over a century, McGriff has focused on building long-term relationships to deliver innovative insurance solutions. From personal to businesses of all sizes, reach out to Mike for all of your insurance needs. Mike can be contacted on his cell at: (619) 925-1731All sponsorship proceeds benefit the Eric C. Mitchell scholarship fund at Albert Einstein Academies, which benefits graduates who exemplify the outstanding human qualities that define Mr. Mitchell's legacy.

Send us a textDr. Marilyn George is Executive Vice President of the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association for Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC), a position she has held since 1987. Dr. George has been involved in all aspects of school accreditation and recently partnered with ACS WASC President Dr. Barry Groves on a new book titled “Connecting the Dots of Accreditation: Leadership, Coherence, and Continuous Improvement.” This episode includes a wide range of topics relating to schools, school improvement, the history of school accreditation in the US and globally, the importance of focusing on the needs of students, and Dr. George tells the story of why WASC could just as soon stand for “We Are Student Centered.”Visit the WASC website:https://www.acswasc.org/ Connect with WASC on Facebook , Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, McGriff Insurance Services, and Senior Vice President Mike Lutosky. For over a century, McGriff has focused on building long-term relationships to deliver innovative insurance solutions. From personal to businesses of all sizes, reach out to Mike for all of your insurance needs. Mike can be contacted on his cell at: (619) 925-1731All sponsorship proceeds benefit the Eric C. Mitchell scholarship fund at Albert Einstein Academies, which benefits graduates who exemplify the outstanding human qualities that define Mr. Mitchell's legacy.

Send us a textClaudia Lorenz and Travis Klein are music educators at Albert Einstein Academies (AEA). Their influence and impact on students go far beyond just teaching music. They have both built their respective music programs from the ground up. Claudia is a native of Austria and began as a parent volunteer with a guitar who would teach the German language through music and movement. This eventually led to a full-time teaching position where she now creates her own curriculum. Travis is a professional musician outside of his teaching duties and began his teaching career at AEA with a set of instruments, an interest list of students with no band experience, and no dedicated space to house all of this. Through his hard work, the school now has a flourishing band program.Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, McGriff Insurance Services, and Senior Vice President Mike Lutosky. For over a century, McGriff has focused on building long-term relationships to deliver innovative insurance solutions. From personal to businesses of all sizes, reach out to Mike for all of your insurance needs. Mike can be contacted on his cell at: (619) 925-1731All sponsorship proceeds benefit the Eric C. Mitchell scholarship fund at Albert Einstein Academies, which benefits graduates who exemplify the outstanding human qualities that define Mr. Mitchell's legacy.

Send us a textRay Rodriquez is a retired educator with decades of experience both as a teacher and administrator at the school site and district level throughout California. Although retired, Ray continues to follow his passions including Baja off-road racing, woodworking, and much more. In this episode, Ray shares his views on the process a school district goes through to build a school that is worthy of students, education in general, financial planning, pursuing your passion in life, and his motto of “just do it.”Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, McGriff Insurance Services, and Senior Vice President Mike Lutosky. For over a century, McGriff has focused on building long-term relationships to deliver innovative insurance solutions. From personal to businesses of all sizes, reach out to Mike for all of your insurance needs. Mike can be contacted on his cell at: (619) 925-1731All sponsorship proceeds benefit the Eric C. Mitchell scholarship fund at Albert Einstein Academies, which benefits graduates who exemplify the outstanding human qualities that define Mr. Mitchell's legacy.

Send us a textMike Lutosky is the Executive Vice President of McGriff Insurance Services in San Diego, CA. Mike’s areas of expertise include transitioning employers from fully insured to partially self-funded medical, dental, and vision programs. The episode unpacks what that means and describes Mike's innovative approach when presenting insurance options. Dr. Sciarretta and Mike touch on many other topics from healthy living to traveling in this wide-ranging episode.Mike can be contacted on his cell at: (619) 925-1731Learn more about McGriff Insurance Services

Send us a textCraig Harris is the editor and associate publisher of The Coronado News. Craig has over 30 years in journalism and worked at many publications including USA Today and the Arizona Republic. He was one of the lead writers on an Arizona Republic story that was nominated for two Pulitzer prizes. At The Coronado News, Craig is spearheading an organization that is a 24-hour news website and free direct mail newspaper for residents and businesses in Coronado, CA. Dr. Sciarretta and Craig touch on the evolution of journalism, how young people can get involved in journalism, charter schools, financial oversight of charter schools, and much more.Connect with Craig on Twitter: @craigharrisnewsCheck out The Coronado News: thecoronadonews.com Special thanks to this episode's sponsor, McGriff Insurance Services, and Senior Vice President Mike Lutosky. For over a century, McGriff has focused on building long-term relationships to deliver innovative insurance solutions. From personal to businesses of all sizes, reach out to Mike for all of your insurance needs. Mike can be contacted on his cell at: (619) 925-1731All sponsorship proceeds benefit the Eric C. Mitchell scholarship fund at Albert Einstein Academies, which benefits graduates who exemplify the outstanding human qualities that define Mr. Mitchell's legacy.

Send us a textMiles Durfee is the Vice President for Member Relations and Support on the Local Advocacy team of the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA). Miles began his career in public education over 20 years ago as the Administrative and Legislative Manager at San Diego Unified School District before transitioning to the charter school sector. In this conversation, Miles and Dr. Sciarretta discuss a wide range of topics including innovative school bond practices in San Diego that benefit both districts and charter schools.

Send us a textDr. Doug Fisher is a Professor of Educational Leadership at San Diego State University and a Teacher Leader at Health Sciences High School, a charter school located in San Diego. A highly accomplished educator, he is the recipient of the International Literacy Association William S. Gray Citation of Merit and was honored as an exemplary leader by the Conference on English Leadership. He has published numerous articles and books, all focused on improving our teaching on behalf of all students.

Send us a textDelano Jones has a long career supporting public education and charter schools. He now owns and operates a business that provides back office support to charter schools throughout California. This episode was recorded during the CCSA conference on an outdoor patio, please excuse the ambient noise.

Send us a textCameron Curry has an extensive background in business development prior to helping found The Classical Academy K-8 public charter school in Escondido, California in 1999. In 2003 he co-founded the K-8 charter school Coastal Academy in Oceanside, California, and in 2006, the Classical Academy High School in Escondido, California. The organization now has 5 sites serving 3,000+ kindergarten through 12th grade students and have received a number of awards. In 2011, Cameron received the Hart Vision Award from the California Charter School's Association (CCSA) as their Charter School Leader of the Year and now serves as a CCSA Board Member. Read more about Cameron here: https://www.ccsa.org/team/cameron-curry

Send us a textRichard Barrera was first elected to represent District D on the San Diego Unified School Board in 2008 and then re-elected by overwhelming margins in 2012, 2016 and 2020. Richard's focus continues to be achieving equity and excellence for all students in San Diego, including both traditional district schools and charter schools. Read Richard’s full bio here: https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/board_of_education/overview/richard_barrera

Send us a textEric Premack is the founding Director of the Charter School Development Center (CSDC). For over 25 years, Eric has played a leading role in the development and spread of chartered schools, including helping to draft and implement chartered schools policy in over two dozen states, at the federal level, and overseas. He has developed groundbreaking charter school policy, planning, implementation, oversight, and leadership development practices that have been emulated throughout the US and internationally. Eric and Dr. Sciarretta have a passionate discussion on the past, present, and future of the charter school movement across the nation.For more information on Eric and CSDC, visit their website at https://www.chartercenter.org/ or contact them at [email protected] / (916) 538-6612.

Send us a textLisa Ponce has built a small business caring for indoor and outdoor plants in a variety of settings, including corporate offices and private homes. She and Dr. Sciarretta discuss her love of plants and how the education system can better prepare students for a life of entrepreneurship.Lisa’s Instagram: lisaplantladyponce (https://instagram.com/lisaplantladyponce?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=)

Send us a textDr. Sciarretta and Attorney Todd Plate discuss charter schools, non-profit boards, sunshine laws such as the Brown Act in California, and look into the future of education in the US and globally.

Send us a textDr. Sciarretta interviews his daughter, Maya Sciarretta. They discuss her educational journey including her experiences in private schools, charter schools, and what it means to be an educated person in the 21st century.

Send us a textIn this episode of the podcast, Dr. Sciarretta interviews veteran Albert Einstein Academies Physical Education teacher Brian Nassif and discuss the innovative strategies he's implemented in his teaching.