PeopleBench Podcast

In this episode of the PeopleBench Podcast, host Steve Merly sits down with Jarrod Vance, Principal of Crestview Elementary School in Ashland, Ohio. After 17 years as a middle school teacher, Jarrod made the unexpected leap into leading a PreK–4 building — and discovered a whole new understanding of culture, leadership, and what it means to support great educators.Jarrod shares how he rebuilt his passion for education, why fun and relationships are non-negotiables in his building, and how trust, communication, and perspective shape every decision he makes. From navigating rural-district realities to helping teachers see themselves as leaders, this episode offers a grounded, candid look at building a school where people truly want to stay and grow.If you care about culture, retention, teacher well-being, and leadership that actually feels human, Jarrod’s story will resonate deeply.Key Moments01:27 Why Jarrod left the classroom after 17 years03:31 Moving from middle school to PreK–4 — and what shocked him most05:45 Building a school where adults and kids have fun again07:44 Why relationships come before content10:10 Over-communicating on purpose and building trust12:20 Amazing Race, Clue Week, and joyful staff culture16:27 Supporting teachers before burnout hits19:53 How Jarrod develops leaders across his building24:41 Leading across a wide developmental span: PreK vs Grade 428:55 Urban vs rural: different needs, different strengths36:21 The leadership lesson Jarrod learned the hard way39:14 Advice for teachers considering a jump into leadership43:21 What gives Jarrod optimism about the future of educationWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode highlights what school leadership looks like when culture, trust, and people come first. Jarrod shares how he:Builds a positive, joyful environment where staff want to stayUses relationships and trust to guide every leadership moveHelps teachers see their own leadership potentialSupports staff through tough moments with honesty and careBalances fun with high expectations for students and adultsBrings perspective from both urban and rural districts to improve practiceJarrod’s blend of humility, humor, and clarity offers a refreshing look at what it takes to lead a modern elementary school with heart.Connect with Jarrod VanceWebsite: https://www.crestviewschools.net/ Connect with PeopleBenchLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peoplebenchWebsite: https://peoplebench.comIf this conversation gave you new insight into culture, leadership, or retention, share it with a colleague and subscribe for more people-first leadership conversations from the PeopleBench Podcast.

In this episode of the PeopleBench Podcast, host Steve sits down with Dr. Luke Bell, Principal of Fairview High School in Northwest Pennsylvania and a proud alum who once walked these same hallways as a student. Dr. Bell shares how returning to his hometown shaped his leadership, how he navigated a $45M renovation, and how he built a culture centered on trust, autonomy, and continuous growth.From expanding access to advanced coursework to creating psychological safety for teachers to take risks and learn from failure, Dr. Bell offers a grounded, practical look at what it means to lead a modern high school through meaningful change.If you care about strengthening culture, building strong teams, empowering teachers, and ensuring every student has access to opportunity, this episode will resonate deeply.Key Moments01:00 Returning to lead the high school he once attended03:27 What Fairview’s culture preserved — and what needed to evolve04:45 Expanding pathways beyond the traditional college route05:40 Addressing socioeconomic gaps and widening access06:56 Managing a $45M renovation and rapid enrollment growth08:44 Keeping morale steady through transparency and flexibility11:13 How teacher input shaped new spaces and classroom design13:33 What Dr. Bell looks for when hiring teachers18:22 Why autonomy and space to fail strengthen instruction20:43 Knowing when to step back and let teachers problem-solve29:48 Dr. Bell’s “little win” for leaders: empower teachers to leadWhy You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode spotlights what modern school leadership looks like when culture, trust, and people come first. Dr. Bell shares how he:Builds autonomy while keeping instructional alignmentCreates psychological safety so teachers can innovateUses data and relationships to expand course accessSupports staff through disruption and rapid changeDesigns environments where students and teachers thriveHis experience as a student, teacher, parent, and principal gives him a rare, multilayered perspective on what strong school culture truly requires.Connect with Dr. Luke BellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-luke-beall-1727b52b3/ Website: https://www.fairviewschools.org/ Connect with PeopleBenchCompany LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peoplebenchCompany Website: https://peoplebench.comIf this conversation helped you rethink how you support your teams and shape your culture, share it with a colleague and subscribe for more practical, people-first leadership insights from the PeopleBench Podcast.