Leading with a "Kids First" Focus, Even When It's Hard

In this episode, Randy Lindquist sits down with Jim Alston, Superintendent of Kelloggsville Public Schools, to discuss his powerful leadership journey as a first-generation college graduate inspired by his own middle school teacher.Jim shares how his leadership philosophy evolved from "my way or the highway" to a relationship-centered approach focused on one simple question: "Is it what's best for students?"This conversation is a masterclass in staying grounded, building a "kids first" culture, and finding creative ways to provide equitable opportunities for every single student. Key Themes & Discussion Points: The Inspiring Teacher: Jim's entire career path was set in motion by a single middle school math teacher, Mr. Offerman, who strategically seated him next to a competitor to raise the bar for both of them.Evolution of a Leader: Jim is candid about his early, "hard-nosed" teaching style and the realization that an admin-first, top-down approach doesn't work with staff. His philosophy is now centered on removing roadblocks so teachers and students can succeed.The Guiding Question: In a world of constant change, Jim keeps his team focused by asking one question about every decision: "Is it what's best for students?"Leading Through Adversity: Jim shares the difficult story of being laid off in 2011 due to state budget cuts. His focus remained entirely on the students, a lesson in maintaining a "kids first" perspective even during personal challenges.Equity in Action (It's Not Just College):Jim defines equity as figuring out what will make each student successful, not pushing a one-size-fits-all path.Example 1: Kelloggsville partnered with the SME PRIME program to build a STEM facility where students can graduate with up to 18 industry certifications.Example 2: When three female students said they wanted to go into nursing, the district "brought the nursing right to them" and started an on-campus Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program.He notes that success is also a student trying a program in high school (for free) and discovering, "You know what? That's not for me".How to Stay Grounded: When feeling stressed, Jim's solution is simple: "Go talk to students." He makes it a point to be in school buildings every single day, especially during passing times, to stay connected.Advice for New Leaders:Don't think you're the smartest person in the room.It's okay to say, "I don't know," but you must follow up and find the answer.Work your butt off.Keep every decision "kid-focused".The Power of Relationships: Jim ends with a powerful story about a challenging student, "DB," whom he taught at three different schools. That student recently returned, is now graduating from college, and wants to become a teacher or school psychologist because of the relationship they built. Resources & Schools Mentioned: Guest: Jim Alston, SuperintendentHost: Randy LindquistDistrict: Kelloggsville Public Schools (serving parts of Wyoming and Kentwood, MI)Program: SME PRIME (Partnership Response in Manufacturing Education)Program: CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)Colleges:Central Michigan UniversityAquinas CollegeFerris State University