In this episode of Little Wins, host Karen Borchert sits down with Maria Libby, Superintendent of Five Town CSD and MSAD 28 in Camden, Maine. With a background that spans teaching, environmental advocacy, outdoor education, and now district leadership, Maria brings a rare blend of curiosity, compassion, and courage to her work.

She shares how culture, for her, “isn’t optional”—it’s built intentionally through joyful traditions, shared rituals, and small, human moments. From Friday-morning bagel breakfasts to phone-free leadership retreats, Maria’s story is a masterclass in weaving purpose into every decision. Her team’s motto this year, “I Choose Joy,” is more than a sticker; it’s a daily reminder that school culture begins with how we show up—for our students, our colleagues, and ourselves.

Whether she’s launching assemblies that make middle-schoolers feel like rock stars, greeting every staff member by name, or hosting her district’s own podcast to elevate student voice, Maria models what it means to lead with both heart and high standards.

💡 Little Wins in This Episode:

• Culture Is Not Optional: Maria reminds us that joy, connection, and belonging aren’t extras—they’re the work.

• Stickers with a Story: Each year’s sticker (“Nimble,” “Gratitude,” “I Choose Joy”) anchors a district-wide theme that guides how people show up.

• Bagels and Belonging: Weekly central-office breakfasts protect time for laughter, connection, and being human together.

• Assemblies That Unite: Monthly gatherings where students cheer each other on—and even teachers join the band—build shared joy and pride.

• Name Every Face: Maria learns every student’s and staff member’s name to ensure everyone feels seen.

• Student Voice at the Center: From chocolate-chip-cookie focus groups to a district podcast, Maria keeps students in the conversation.

• Joy, Love & Quality: Her three guiding words define what it means to lead a district that’s both warm and world-class.

Key Moments

05:50 Finding Joy Amid Challenges

09:07 Finding Joy Amid Challenges

12:58 Teaching for Purpose and Balance

15:54 "Sailing Leadership Lessons"

18:59 Intentional Leadership and School Culture

21:14 Building Trust Through Leadership

25:36 "Creating the Best Years Together"

29:44 Phone-Free School Boosts Engagement

32:21 Weekly Team Bonding Boosts Culture

35:18 "Prioritizing Team Connection Time"

37:09 "Learning as an Ecosystem"

43:56 Super Story: Voices in Education

45:34 Elevating Student Voices

49:56 "Community, Phones, & School Leadership"

Connect with Maria Libby

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marialibby

Website: https://csd.fivetowns.net/

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🧵 About the Podcast:

Little Wins is the podcast that digs into the small, deliberate actions school leaders are taking to build strong, human-centered cultures, one meaningful win at a time.

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