In this episode of On the Clock, Todd Dallas Lamb sat down with Dr. Martin “Marty” Pollio, Superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools in Kentucky. They discuss Dr. Pollio's "will over skill" approach to leadership and professional development, a district-wide initiative called "Future State," and much more.

Dr. Pollio has served as superintendent of the Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) District since February 11, 2018. 

For more than 20 years, Dr. Pollio has dedicated his career to serving the students of JCPS. He is a longtime administrator and educator whose focus is improving culture and climate across the district, increasing student achievement, and implementing deeper learning strategies to make lessons come alive for students and teachers.

As superintendent, Dr. Pollio overhauled the way JCPS determines where students attend school. 

Dr. Pollio began his career with JCPS in 1997 as a social studies teacher at Shawnee High School. He went on to serve as a teacher and assistant principal at Waggener High School before taking the helm as principal of Jeffersontown High School from 2007 to 2015. Dr. Pollio was the principal of Doss High School until July 2017, when he was selected to be the acting superintendent. 

Dr. Pollio received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University and his master’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University. He earned his doctorate from the University of Louisville in 2012.

Dr. Pollio and his wife, Jessica, are the parents of one daughter, who is a JCPS student.

Listen in to learn what it takes to improve the foundation of a school district and build an equitable education system. You will also learn how Martin is attracting more teachers to his district at the height of a national teacher shortage.

What You Will Discover:

• 00:00 Episode Begins

• 01:27 Martin on the diversity of the Louisville community and what they’re well-known for.

• 03:24 How Martin grew in his career over the years to become a district superintendent.

• 07:20 The benefits and challenges of a superintendent coming from within the district.

• 09:25 How he employed the art of positive coaching from basketball in his leadership.

• 10:52 The challenge of teacher shortage was exacerbated by the pandemic.

• 11:49 The Future State Initiative – six areas they had to change to improve the JCPS system.

• 18:36 How they funded the Future State Initiative plus the challenges they encountered.

• 19:25 How they improved the per pupil allocation in the district to establish equity.

• 21:52 Where they drew inspiration to resource and support JCPS high poverty schools.

Connect with Martin:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marty-pollio-16672023/

Produced by Old Soul