#65 - Scott Jung -Superintendent of New England, North Dakota - Restoring Pride Through Purpose

Scott Jung is the Superintendent of New England Public School District in North Dakota.  What does it take to restore the pride of a school district with a rich tradition while building a culture where teachers want to stay and students thrive? In this episode of the Proud Principals Podcast, Tony Cattani sits down with Scott Jung, Superintendent of New England Public Schools in North Dakota. Now in his third year as superintendent after serving 11 years as a principal, Scott shares how he has intentionally worked to bring back the pride and prestige that made his hometown schools special when he was a student there. Rather than chasing quick fixes, Scott focused on something more sustainable: people and culture. By engaging staff in a meaningful school improvement process, the district developed a shared mission, vision, beliefs, and pillars of character that now serve as the foundation for every decision. His leadership philosophy is simple yet powerful, invest in teachers through meaningful professional development, remove unnecessary distractions, and trust great educators to do what they do best: teach. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why culture is the foundation of lasting school improvement. How creating a shared mission, vision, and beliefs builds ownership among staff. The importance of developing clear pillars of character for students and adults. Practical strategies for retaining outstanding teachers. How intentional professional development empowers teachers instead of overwhelming them. Why great leaders create the conditions for teachers to thrive rather than micromanaging instruction. Scott's story is a reminder that transformational leadership isn't about doing more—it's about doing what matters most, consistently. Email : [email protected]