Proud Principals Podcast with Tony Cattani

#48 - Dr. Todd Dain (Kansas) - Culture Keepers

Dr. Todd DainOverland Park, KSShawnee Mission South High School
2023 Kansas State Principal of the Year
NASSP Board of Directors
Todd shares is proudest effort of cultivating a culture for all students to be successful. Listen and learn about his "Culture Keepers" student led team which embodies their core values. 
Also to listen for:
- Hard Hat Hero recognition
- Champion of Culture recognition
- Hiring Process - ask this one question!
- One relationship at a time
- Importance of Trust
With over 30 years in education, Dr. Todd Dain brings a wealth of experience as the Principal of Shawnee Mission South High School since 2015. An Emporia State University alumnus, where he excelled in track and field, and a Doctorate holder from Baker University, Dr. Dain has worn many hats—teacher, coach, and administrator. His journey spans from Blue Valley Southwest HS as Associate Principal to impactful roles at Olathe Northwest HS, Shawnee Mission East, Shawnee Mission West, and Washburn Rural HS. Beyond his academic achievements, he’s a celebrated athlete from Silver Lake, Kansas, boasting multiple state championships in football and track. Life off-campus sees him alongside his wife, Dr. Jessica Dain, cherishing moments with their three children: Andie, Ashton, and Brock.
X- @SMSouthTDain
Email - ToddDain@smsd.org
 
 

#47 - State POY Series -Jason Hayes, Oklahoma - Double Wolf Dare Week - Philanthropy

Jason Hayes - 2025 NASSP Oklahoma Principal of the Year
Jason Hayes is the principal of Edmond Santa Fe High School in Edmond, Ok. Previously, he was an assistant high school principal, a middle school principal, and English teacher, and a coach. Under his leadership, Edmond Santa Fe is one of only three Class 6A High Schools (Oklahoma’s large enrollment category) to receive an A on its state report card for the previous two school years. The school has also been named a National Blue Ribbon School during his tenure as principal. He attributes his school’s success to a positive combination of high-achieving students, helpful teachers, engaged parents, and a supportive community that continues to promote and invest in public education.
In this episode, Jason shares about Edmond Santa Fe High School's ultra impactful philanthropy culture. Double Wolf Dare Week has been a tradition for over 30 years raising more than money, as it is the "Heartbeat of the School". While last year they raised $233,000 to provide to a local non-profit organization, his students are learning more about the power of community, lifelong lessons, and all while having some fun too. 
Listen and learn about an amazing tradition of giving in Oklahoma. 
Feel free to contact Principal Jason Hayes for more information.
Instagram -@esf.wolfpack
jason.hayes@edmondschools.net

#45 - State POY Series - Lewis Bradford (Mississippi) - Adversity: Challenges or Opportunities? You Decide.

Lewis Bradford is the 2025 Mississippi Secondary Principal of the Year. Assistant Principal of the Year 2024. 
 
Lewis Bradford – Northwest Rankin High School, MIssissippi. 
Mr. Bradford’s leadership, vision, and commitment to student success have made a lasting impact at Northwest Rankin and across our district. 
Lewis shares shares how he grows Family Bond and Pride in their school, focusing on Family atmosphere, Teacher Retention, and Trust. 
Being Stronger on the Backside of Adversity. Lewis describes his proudest moments were inside the most difficult times. Our most difficult moments taught us who we really are. These moments put a spotlight on our strengths and shines even brighter on our weaknesses. The moments are challenging times that can teach us if we are truly being effective with our efforts to accomplish our intended goal. Opportunities are provided everyday - are you taking advantage of all opportunities to invoke the change you want to your organization.
 
X/Twitter 
@MrB_notBelding
Instagram 
@lewisbradford81

#47 - State POY Series - Dr. Amanda Austin (Louisiana) Transforming Schools Through Vision and Action

Dr. Austin is the 2025 Louisiana Secondary Principal of the Year.  
Amanda Austin, EdD, is the director of the Math, Science, and Arts (MSA) Academy East in St. Gabriel, LA. MSA Academy East is the magnet program of East Iberville High School. Previously, she was the principal of North Iberville High School, which had been shuttered for more than a decade. With community support, input from district leadership, and full hiring autonomy, North Iberville is a thriving traditional school with a STEM magnet program. With her recent participation in the Louisiana Superintendent’s Academy and acceptance into ASCD’s Champion in Education cohort, she continuously strives to grow as an instructional leader and expects to lead her school to meet or exceed each student’s individual growth target. Through teamwork with all stakeholders, she believes that all students can and will succeed.
 
 
X - @dr_amandaaustin/ @MSAEastKnights
Instagram - @dr_amandaaustin/ @msaeastknights

46# - State POY Series - Lindsey Allen (Georgia) - Building the Bridge of Opportunities

Lindsey Allen is the NASSP 2025 Georgia Principal of the Year
 
Lindsey Allen has served as principal of Walnut Grove High School in Walnut Grove, GA, since 2020. Previously, he was the principal of multiple schools and executive officer of secondary schools in Bibb County. Since taking the helm at Walnut Grove, he has led the school to a five-star rating from the Georgia Department of Education on the School Climate Star Rating and secured AP Honor School recognition in five categories: AP Expansion, Humanities, Humanities Achievement, STEM, and STEM Achievement. The school has also been awarded the PBIS Distinguished designation and most recently earned the Math Leader recognition from the state for outstanding student growth and achievement on the Georgia Milestones. His leadership is marked by innovation, high expectations, and a relentless focus on student success.
Twitter: @WGHS_Principal 
 
Email - lindsey.allen@walton.k12.ga.us

Episode 44 New Jersey's - Dr. James Flynn - Student Voice through Youth-Adult Partnerships

Dr. Flynn has dedicated over 21 years to the City of Burlington Public School District, beginning his career as a special education teacher.
 
His move into administration began as a Vice-Principal at Burlington City High School (2006–2010), followed by a tenure as Principal at Wilbur Watts Intermediate School (2010–2013). Dr. Flynn then returned to Burlington City High School, serving as Principal from 2013 to 2022. He transitioned to the Central Office in 2022, serving as Director of Research/Planning, Evaluation, Operations, and State and Federal Programs before being named Assistant Superintendent in February 2025. He also serves as the District School Safety Specialist and previously coached the Boy’s Basketball team from 2004–2010.
Dr. Flynn earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership from Rowan University. His dissertation, "High School Principal's Perception and Experience with Student Voice and Youth-Adult Partnerships," reflects his passion for the topic, which he has presented on at the national level (National Association of Secondary School Principals and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) and the state level (New Jersey Association of School Administrators). Additionally, Dr. Flynn is a strong advocate for School Zone Safety and student pedestrian safety.

#43 - New Jersey's Dr. Mindy Milavsky - How to Reimagine your School Culture

Dr. Mindy Milavsky, principal of Lawrence Middle School in Mercer County, NJ, has dedicated her career to fostering a school environment that promotes compassion, empathy, and kindness. As an educator for over 31 years, Dr. Milavsky has made great strides in providing students with an educational experience that complements high standards in all academic disciplines with a focus on developing students’ social and emotional competencies. This initiative has led to innovative curricula, community service programs, and peer leadership experiences. Under her leadership, Lawrence Middle School has received 9 Promising Practice Awards from the Character Education Partnership and has been identified as a NJ State School of Character. Beyond the school day, Dr. Milavsky serves as an instructor for the nationally recognized NJEXCEL program, inspiring future administrators to lead with heart. In 2023, Milavsky was honored with the titles of NJPSA Visionary Principal of the Year and NASSP New Jersey Principal of the Year, affirming her commitment to empowering students both academically and emotionally.
Email
mmilavsky@ltps.org
Personal and School X/Twitter Tag
@mmilavsky, @LMSNation
 
Personal and School Instagram Tag
@milmindy, @lmsnation

42# - Terence Johnson (New Jersey) -Student Leadership - Seniors Mentoring Freshmen

Terence Johnson is an assistant principal at Cumberland Regional High School District, New Jersey.
Terence Johnson -  New Jersey State Assistant Principal of the Year for 2019 by the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association (NJPSA)/National Association of Secondary School Principals.
 
Terence shares how his work with the CRHS Freshman Seminar/Senior Mentoring program, along with the positive relationships he has built over the years with his students. The Freshman Seminar/Senior Mentoring program, established at Cumberland Regional under Johnson’s leadership, partners at-risk ninth-graders with role model senior mentors to work together during and outside of class time on character and leadership development, the promotion of positive school culture, and setting and progressing toward the achievement of goals for academic success.
 
Terence JohnsonAssistant Principal856-451-9400, ext. 256johnson@crhsd.org

41# - State Middle POY Series - Rebecca Belkota (New York) - Leading with Relationships

Rebecca Belkota is the 2025  New York Middle School Principal of the Year
 
Rebecca Belkota is the secondary principal of Perry Junior Senior High School in Perry, NY. She has cultivated a school culture rooted in strong relationships, with a focus on mental health and social-emotional learning. She introduced a structured process for data review and established an MTSS team that collaborates weekly to analyze both quantitative data and qualitative feedback from instructional staff to ensure comprehensive support for students and their families. Under her guidance, instructional teams work collaboratively to develop standards-based curriculum, aligning instruction and assessment. She consistently champions innovative teaching and curriculum to create engaging, student-centered learning. Her leadership has resulted in notable improvements in student achievement and a significant increase in graduation rates, reflecting her deep commitment to academic excellence and the holistic success of every student.

Todd Bloomer - When Your Grocery Store is Their Grocery Story

After 29 years in public education, including 18 years as a school leader, Todd left his dream job.  As a high school principal, in the neighborhood where he lived, and the high school for all five of his children, Todd stepped away in 2025.
Todd Bloomer is currently the Director of School Leadership with the Archdiocese of San Antonio. In this new role, Todd coaches and empowers principals. 
Todd shares his experiences of how he managed "You are always the principal" in the community, social media, family, and friends. 
Website:
https://www.toddmbloomer.com/about-1
Book
https://www.toddmbloomer.com/theblueprint
 
You can follow Todd on every social platform:
@toddbloomer - Linkedin 
@todd_bloomer_author (Instagram and Tik Tok)
@bloomer_sa (X) 
email: bloomertodd09@gmail.com