In this episode of The Learning Equation, host Danelle sits down with Dr. Barbara Mullen, Superintendent of the Rush-Henrietta Central School District and a dynamic, future-focused education leader. With her signature blend of compassion and clarity, Dr. Mullen shares her remarkable journey from journalism to educational leadership, how she’s defying the odds as the district’s first permanent African American woman superintendent, and what it really takes to move the needle on student success in a diverse district.

From record-breaking literacy rates to data-informed curriculum shifts, Dr. Mullen unpacks what makes Rush-Henrietta a “unicorn” district. She offers a compelling look at the transformative power of inclusive leadership, the strategic use of technology (yes, including AI!), and how a long-range vision grounded in humanity can shape an entire generation.

She also digs into the "Vision 2037" strategic plan, explains why she refuses to lead from a place of trauma, and reveals what it means to create schools that heal, inspire, and prepare students for a future we can’t yet imagine.

Key Moments

03:14 Diverse Education Sites Overview

07:33 Holistic Literacy Initiatives

11:13 Optimizing School Schedule for Instruction

14:10 Improving Equitable Educational Access

18:44 "Collaborative Educator Development Partnerships"

22:09 "Supporting and Coaching New Teachers"

22:55 Engagement and Outcomes in Education

26:51 "AI in Education: Humanizing Learning"

30:10 Insights from UPK Classrooms

32:46 "Vision 2037: Healing Leadership"

37:48 Pride in Leadership and Growth

40:20 Engaging Parents in Education Initiatives

43:31 Ephemeral Information Age

48:25 Commit to Education Funding

50:37 Concerted Approach for Industry Cooperation

55:55 Students Engage in Budget Process

58:16 Challenging Misguided Fix-It Approaches

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

• Leadership Redefined: Dr. Mullen reframes educational leadership with courage, clarity, and a healing-centered lens.

• Results with Heart: Learn how her district achieved a stunning 90% high school literacy rate—without sacrificing equity or empathy.

• Vision That Stretches Time: Vision 2037 isn’t just a slogan—it’s a framework for shaping resilient, adaptable learners.

• Real Talk on Data & Equity: She unpacks how disaggregated data reveals hard truths—and how it can lead to real transformation.

• Thoughtful Innovation: Hear how Rush-Henrietta is navigating AI in the classroom while keeping students creators, not just consumers.

• Community-Driven Strategy: Strategic planning with families, teachers, and students—because real change doesn’t happen in silos.

Connect with Dr. Barbara Mullen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-a-mullen-ph-d-91bb4116

Website: https://www.rhnet.org/

Connect with Host Danelle Almaraz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danelle-almaraz

Website: joinsmartschool.com

Thanks for listening to The Learning Equation. If this episode sparked ideas or inspired you, share it and subscribe for more. Until next time—keep learning, keep growing, and keep leading with purpose.