Top 15 School District Superintendents - 2026

Michael Kline is an educator and the superintendent of the North Polk Community School District in Alleman, Iowa. He leads the district’s K‑12 schools, fostering academic excellence, community partnerships, workforce‑ready programs,and continuous improvement in student outcomes.

Dr. Michael P. Lucas is the superintendent of Trinity Area School District, leading educational vision and programs, enhancing student support services, modernizing facilities and expanding career pathways to boost academic success and equity for all learners.

My journey has taken many turns. I began as a high school teacher in Sarasota, moved to teaching middle school in Chicago, before entering administration. I served as assistant principal at both the middle and high school levels, then principal and finally superintendent in both small and large districts.​

Nothing was ever handed to me. I applied for many jobs and did not get any of them. I spent eight years as an assistant principal; always the bridesmaid, never the bride. Those were humbling years, but they were also the years that shaped me most. Every time something did not go my way, I had a choice: reflect and grow, or move on unchanged. I chose to reflect.

Those years forced me to hone in on my core values: culture, communication, and making employee-friendly decisions. They have guided everything I have done since. I am still learning every day, but the broad perspective I have built across different states, school levels, and district sizes is what allows me to lead at the level I do now.

G. Elgin Card, Superintendent of Princeton City Schools, traces his drive to lead back to fifth grade, when a social studies teacher affirmed his potential. Though Card never had a teacher of color in his own schooling, his mentor’s message, “You can do it, you would be the first then,” became a turning point that shaped nearly three decades in education. After roles as a teacher, coach and principal, he now serves as superintendent. He credits colleagues who pushed him to keep growing.

That foundation shows up in how he leads, preparing staff for change, protecting student well-being and building a culture where every learner feels they belong.

“We must keep staff ahead of technology, ensure students feel safe and foster belonging, so every child thrives in a rapidly changing educational landscape,” says Card.

Dr. Laurie Dent serves as Superintendent of the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District, overseeing governance, instructional direction, financial stewardship and long-term sustainability. Her leadership reflects a deep understanding of how instructional, operational and financial systems intersect and how misalignment among policy, resources and practice can undermine student outcomes.

Most mornings for Mike Broadwater, the superintendent at Loveland City School District, still start in the hallways. That habit, built over 39 long years in education with 14 years of teaching high school math, has now anchored a steady climb from classroom to district leadership.

As superintendent of Elkhart Community Schools, I lead with a perspective shaped by the people and experiences that guided me. My leadership foundation began at home, influenced by my mother and supported by three siblings who helped shape my character and values. Teachers and role models throughout my schooling continued to cultivate my sense of purpose. My professional path took shape in Pike Township, where Dr. Nathan Jones recognized my potential on the first day of student teaching and encouraged me to pursue leadership, an insight that changed my trajectory. Working alongside leaders like Dr. Larry Young, Dr. Sean Smith, and Dr. Curtis Wright, I grew within a network grounded in shared learning, mentorship, and trust.

Dr. Mario Andrade is superintendent of Nashua Public Schools with more than 20 years of experience in public and private education. He is committed to advancing equitable learning opportunities, strengthening collaboration with community leaders and driving continuous school improvement to support student achievement.

Dr. Joe Gothard is superintendent of the Madison Metropolitan School District with over 30 years in public education. A former teacher and district leader, he is recognized for advancing student achievement, community partnerships and strategic school improvement, including being named the 2024 National Superintendent of the Year.

Dr. Michael Lubelfeld is superintendent of North Shore School District 112 and a nationally recognized education leader, author and speaker. With extensive experience in school leadership, he is known for advancing innovative practices, leadership development, and student-centered learning in public education.

Bill Runey, Superintendent of the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District, leads with the belief that leadership is rooted in trust, connection, and purpose. 

Runey’s leadership story began in a home defined by service. His father was a teacher, coach, and athletic director who created environments built on respect and belonging. His mother, a school nurse, kept their family steady with calm strength and compassion.

When his father passed away at 38, the outpouring of support from former students and players in the wake of his death left a lasting impression on Runey. He witnessed the impact educators can have on people.

Dr. Aníbal Soler Jr. is superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools with more than 25 years of experience in education. He is recognized for leading transformative initiatives, advancing equity and innovation in urban schools and strengthening systems that support academic excellence for diverse student communities.

Michael Maine is superintendent of the Martin County School District, leading one of Florida’s top-rated school systems. He focuses on strengthening core instruction, using data-driven accountability, expanding career pathways, and integrating responsible AI to prepare students for college, careers and the workforce.

Dr. Kelly May-Vollmar is superintendent of Desert Sands Unified School District and an EdTech leader focused on innovation in K-12 education. She is recognized for advancing technology integration, leadership development and systemwide change while supporting modern, student-centered learning environments.

Dr. Magda A. Hernández is Superintendent of Irving ISD, where she oversees district operations, academic programs and strategic initiatives that support student success. She provides leadership across school administration, staff development and community engagement, focusing on academic excellence, innovation and positive outcomes for students, families and educators.