EPISODE · Apr 1, 2026 · 47 MIN
S.5 | Ep. 5: Focusing on What Matters: Jim DuBois Explains Strategic Planning in Education
from Unlock 360 · host Wendy York Davoud
In this episode, Wendy York Davoud sits down with Jim DuBois, Superintendent of Goshen Community Schools in Indiana, to explore how disciplined execution, strategic clarity, and whole-child support systems can transform district outcomes.Jim shares his journey from educator to superintendent, including his return from retirement to lead a district navigating community tension, financial constraints, and the need for a clear path forward. Through a focus on strategic planning, simplified priorities, and consistent execution, he has helped bring stability, trust, and momentum back to the district.The conversation dives deep into Jim’s leadership philosophy, centered on doing fewer things better, and his commitment to building systems that support every student. From the “ABCs” framework (Attendance, Behavior, Course Performance) to innovative interventions like cognitive training labs, Jim highlights how districts can move beyond surface-level solutions and address the root causes of student challenges.Key Moments05:14 Strategic Planning Success09:05 ABC: Attendance, Behavior, Courses11:50 Embedding PBIS into Culture15:07 Strategic Planning Drives School Success18:18 Supporting Academic and Emotional Struggles22:22 Supporting Learning Through SOIIPP23:40 Cognitive Training for Learning Success28:08 Addressing Cognitive and Sensory Delays32:36 Stamina, Focus, and Sensory Integration34:16 Opposite Direction Training Explained37:44 Educational Innovation Boosts IQ41:16 Calming Kids Through Sensory Tools43:52 Personalized Cognitive Skill WorkbooksWhy You Will Love This EpisodeIf you are working to bring clarity and focus to your district or school, this episode offers a powerful blueprint. Jim DuBois breaks down how to move from scattered initiatives to a cohesive system that actually delivers results. You will gain insight into building sustainable improvement through execution, not overload, and learn how addressing the whole child—academically, socially, and cognitively—can unlock growth for students who are often left behind. This is a must-listen for leaders who want practical strategies grounded in real district experience.Connect with Jim DuBoisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-dubois-a65b3127 Website: https://www.goshenschools.org/ Email: [email protected] Follow UsWendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryorkLead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.comLead.Teach.Learn.360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/About Unlock 360°Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.
What this episode covers
In this episode, Wendy York Davoud sits down with Jim DuBois, Superintendent of Goshen Community Schools in Indiana, to explore how disciplined execution, strategic clarity, and whole-child support systems can transform district outcomes.Jim shares his journey from educator to superintendent, including his return from retirement to lead a district navigating community tension, financial constraints, and the need for a clear path forward. Through a focus on strategic planning, simplified priorities, and consistent execution, he has helped bring stability, trust, and momentum back to the district.The conversation dives deep into Jim’s leadership philosophy, centered on doing fewer things better, and his commitment to building systems that support every student. From the “ABCs” framework (Attendance, Behavior, Course Performance) to innovative interventions like cognitive training labs, Jim highlights how districts can move beyond surface-level solutions and address the root causes of student challenges.Key Moments05:14 Strategic Planning Success09:05 ABC: Attendance, Behavior, Courses11:50 Embedding PBIS into Culture15:07 Strategic Planning Drives School Success18:18 Supporting Academic and Emotional Struggles22:22 Supporting Learning Through SOIIPP23:40 Cognitive Training for Learning Success28:08 Addressing Cognitive and Sensory Delays32:36 Stamina, Focus, and Sensory Integration34:16 Opposite Direction Training Explained37:44 Educational Innovation Boosts IQ41:16 Calming Kids Through Sensory Tools43:52 Personalized Cognitive Skill WorkbooksWhy You Will Love This EpisodeIf you are working to bring clarity and focus to your district or school, this episode offers a powerful blueprint. Jim DuBois breaks down how to move from scattered initiatives to a cohesive system that actually delivers results. You will gain insight into building sustainable improvement through execution, not overload, and learn how addressing the whole child—academically, socially, and cognitively—can unlock growth for students who are often left behind. This is a must-listen for leaders who want practical strategies grounded in real district experience.Connect with Jim DuBoisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-dubois-a65b3127 Website: https://www.goshenschools.org/ Email: [email protected] Follow UsWendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryorkLead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.comLead.Teach.Learn.360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/About Unlock 360°Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.
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S.5 | Ep. 5: Focusing on What Matters: Jim DuBois Explains Strategic Planning in Education
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