In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Aaron Black. He is currently the Superintendent at Randolph Eastern School Corporation in Union City, Indiana, and is spearheading the Rural Alliance Zone 32. Aaron was named a semifinalist for the Yass Innovation Prize 2023 from the Yass Center for Education (formerly the Center for Education Reform). The prize recognizes leaders in sustainable, transformational, outstanding, and permissionless education.

This is the third episode in a four-part series focusing on rural collaboratives that are developing opportunities for students in specialized career pathways.

Some Questions I Ask:

• Tell us something about yourself and Randolph Eastern. (02:22)
• What do you do in Randolph Eastern and what trends do you see on a national scale? (05:47)
• What made you decide to start the Rural Alliance Zone 32? (07:32)
• What is your funding model and how would you advise other superintendents about joining a collaborative? (09:16)
• What credentials students are looking for and what are you offering? (11:31)
• What are students’ experiences within your program? (15:15)
• What are your goals in the next five years? (18:33)
• How do you share your story? (20:10)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• All about Aaron Black (02:35)
• His role at Randolph Eastern and trends he sees (06:02)
• The start of rural collaboratives in Randolph County (07:59)
• His advice to other superintendents about joining rural collaboratives and about funding models (09:39)
• Credentials students look for and what Randolph Eastern offers (11:57)
• Student experiences with the program (15:46)
• Goals in the next five years (18:48)
• How to emulate the way Aaron shares his story (20:22)

Quotes:

“We start with kindergarteners, taking career exploration trips and being very intentional about getting them out in front of employers and learning how the world works. We do that with every grade level, and it culminates at the high school.”

“We know [students] have their skills and interests, right? We know what their passions are. But we're not telling them, ‘Hey, you're going to be a nurse your entire life.’ We're saying, ‘Hey, check out this health care pathway. It may be a perfect fit for you.’”

“Success looks like student participation and access. … The win is in five years if the numbers multiply five times by student participation and if we continue to attract schools to help us figure out this access issue.“


Stay in touch with Aaron:
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The UC Experience Podcast
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Stay in touch with Sarah Williamson:
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Stay in touch with Chad Bolser:
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About "The Secret to Transformational Leadership," which Sarah co-authored with Dr. Quintin Shepherd:
Transformational Leadership Secret website
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