A Conversation with Dr. Cory Strasser, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for Rapid City Area Schools, SD

Podcast Summary In this episode of Leaders Learning from Leaders, Dr. Cory Strasser, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for Rapid City Area Schools in South Dakota, shares insights on leadership, organizational excellence, and creating opportunities for students in a diverse community. Rapid City Area Schools, South Dakota’s second-largest district, serves 12,000 students across 22 schools, situated in a unique blend of urban, rural, and tribal communities. Guided by a five-pillar strategic plan that encompasses students, staff, community, communication, and facilities, the district emphasizes a holistic approach to education. Dr. Strasser outlines the scope of his role, which centers on instructional leadership, curriculum alignment, student support systems, and leadership development. Key initiatives include advancing literacy through the science of reading, expanding evidence-based grading practices, broadening career and technical education, and creating alternative and virtual learning programs. He underscores the importance of equitable behavioral supports and intentional feedback cycles to strengthen communication between district leadership, principals, and teachers. A central theme is the pivotal role of principals. With 17 years of experience as a principal, Dr. Strasser stresses that principals are the cornerstone of school success. They influence culture, instruction, trust, and community relationships more directly than central office leaders. Therefore, the district invests heavily in principal leadership development, leveraging professional learning communities (PLCs) for collaboration, continuous improvement, and peer learning. For aspiring leaders considering central office or superintendent roles, Dr. Strasser advises adopting a systems-thinking perspective, expanding beyond building-level concerns to district-wide organizational excellence. He encourages principals to recognize transferable skills and seek growth opportunities while central office leaders intentionally support leadership pipelines. Ultimately, Dr. Strasser believes that the purpose of leadership development and strategic planning is to benefit students. High-quality leaders create high-quality schools, which in turn ensure greater opportunities and outcomes for every learner. Main Topics Covered 1. Overview of Rapid City Area Schools Dr. Strasser provides a vivid description of the district’s size, community context, and diversity, highlighting its unique blend of urban, rural, and tribal influences. This diversity is a key aspect of the district's identity and is reflected in its guiding five-pillar strategic plan. 2. Educational Services Role Dr. Strasser’s responsibilities include curriculum alignment, student support, behavior systems, leadership development, enrollment management, and strategic initiatives. 3. Instructional and Program Initiatives Emphasis is placed on literacy through the science of reading, evidence-based grading, career and technical education, alternative programming, and virtual learning expansion. 4. Principalship as a Cornerstone of Success Dr. Strasser underscores the pivotal role of principals in shaping school success. Their influence on culture, instruction, trust, and community engagement is more direct than that of central office leaders. This recognition of their importance is a call to aspiring leaders to consider the impact they can make in these roles. 5. Leadership Development Through PLCs PLCs foster collaboration among principals, build collective capacity, and create a culture of continuous learning for leaders. 6. Pathways to Central Office Leadership Principals aspiring to superintendent or district-level roles receive guidance that emphasizes systems thinking, transferable skills, and organizational impact. This episode underscores the transformative power of investing in strong leadership, especially at the principal level. It shows that districts can create thriving schools where students benefit most from organizational excellence and expanded opportunities, leading to positive change and growth. About Dr. Cory Strasser Dr. Cory Strasser is a veteran educational leader with 28 years of experience in K-12 education, serving in roles from classroom teacher to principal in both South Dakota and Minnesota, and currently as Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for Rapid City Area Schools. He has led numerous strategic initiatives to improve student achievement, expand learning opportunities, and strengthen school systems. His work includes building innovative programs in Career and Technical Education (CTE), developing alternative and behavioral support programs, and creating virtual learning options that expand access and flexibility for students. A strong advocate for leadership development, Dr. Strasser has designed and implemented targeted professional development for principals, equipping school leaders with the skills and tools to drive improvement in their buildings. Central to his leadership approach is a system of feedback through rounding, which fosters open, consistent communication with staff, students, and stakeholders to inform decision-making and sustain progress. Known for his purposeful leadership, clear communication, and ability to align vision with measurable results, Dr. Strasser brings both strategic insight and real-world experience to his work, inspiring excellence at every level of the school system.