January 29, 2025

Announcing the 2025 Transcend Rural Schools Design Community!

By Transcend

Earlier this month, we officially launched the 2025 Transcend Rural Schools Design Community. This year’s cohort spans the country—from an island community in Maine to central Mississippi to the far North Coast of California.

At our in-person launch event, the superintendents leading these communities talked about creating a national movement of rural schools leading the way for what school could look like, dug into their own leadership core, and practiced how to be clear and convincing around what they are supporting their communities to launch.

The Rural Schools Design Community is an opportunity for rural superintendents and one of their school communities to partner with Transcend in a six-month cohort program to reimagine their school models with other innovative rural communities across the nation.

We are so excited to see the transformative work these rural communities engage in over the next six months!

The 2025 Transcend Rural Schools Design Community includes:

Dr. Susan Birdsey, Superintendent, Creede School District

“Innovation is the key to finding ways to ensure our students are ready for their unknown future. Our rural community has a rich and deep history, we need to open ourselves up to finding ways, together, to embrace that history and use our diverse strengths and talents to create a learner-centered community that will lead our students to their best possible future.”

Dr. Susan Birdsey is the Superintendent at Creede School District in rural Creede, Colorado. She began her career in public education in El Paso, TX, where she was born and raised, in 1988. Dr. Birdsey worked as a teacher at Creede Schools from 1995-2005 before going on to serve as an administrator in both Rifle, CO and Grand Junction, CO. She has taught all grade levels, elementary through University, and served as an assistant principal, principal, assistant
superintendent, and superintendent during her time in education. Dr. Birdsey believes that there is no greater joy than helping others discover their passion for lifelong learning.

Dr. Jacqueline Coe, Superintendent, SAU 24

“We need agile systems in order to meet the needs of our students. This is critical because of the pace of change in society. To support our students in curiosity and adaptability, our educators and our educational system need to be curious and adaptive.”

Dr. Jacqueline Coe’s passion for public education and dedication to student engagement is evident from her early career as a social studies teacher. Jackie earned a Master’s degree from Dartmouth College and was part of the first doctoral cohort at New England College. Her dissertation focused on the impact of blended learning on student engagement. Jackie has been an active part of New Hampshire’s implementation of competencies since 2008, working at both the district and state level. Her vision for education extends to rethinking the structures of school, seeking agile, responsive, and empowering strategic planning that places humans at the core of the education system.

Mike Felton, Superintendent, St. George Municipal School Unit

“Education innovation needs to be rooted in students, families, and community – the people we serve as educators. Innovation rooted in people and place will have the strength to grow, adapt, and evolve. We often say at St. George that our future is rooted in the past – in the generations of fishermen and farmers, boatbuilders and mechanics, carpenters and cooks, artists and engineers – who used their hands and minds to not only make a living, but build a good life.”

Mike began his career as an Island Institute Fellow on Vinalhaven in 2000 working with middle school students. He went on to become the School Leader at Vinalhaven School in 2005 where he worked with staff to develop a shared leadership governance structure and place-based education learning opportunities. In 2009, he received the Gates Public Service Law Scholarship and attended the University of Washington School of Law to study education law and policy. After law school, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable Leigh I. Saufley, Chief Justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. In July of 2015, Mike returned to the Midcoast as the Superintendent for St. George Municipal School Unit (MSU). In his superintendent role, Mike is focused on developing community and business partnerships to enhance teaching and learning, expanding access to Career & Technical Education to all students, and finding new, more collaborative and integrated ways to meet the needs of students and families. For their efforts to expand CTE to all students PreK-12, St. George MSU was selected as a 2023 Yass Prize Finalist and featured in the Wall Street Journal. Mike lives in St. George with his wife Keely and their two children, Anya and Isaiah.

Gary Storts, Superintendent, Eureka City Schools

“I innovate for Eureka — the community that helped raise me and helped shape my values and aspirations. To me, innovation is not just about progress; it’s about ensuring that the systems we develop empower future generations, enhance opportunities for all of Eureka’s learners, and sustain the spirit of Eureka.”

Gary Storts, a lifelong Eureka resident, is deeply connected to his hometown and its schools. A Cal Poly Humboldt graduate, he holds multiple degrees and credentials in education. Gary’s career began in the South Bay Union Elementary School District, where he served in diverse roles, including teacher, coach, and administrator. As Superintendent of South Bay, he led a 30% improvement in student literacy. In 2021, he became Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services at Eureka City Schools and was appointed Superintendent in 2023. Gary prioritizes early literacy, belonging, and workforce readiness. He and his wife, Shawna, are raising two sons in Eureka.

Dr. Tyler Hansford, Superintendent, Union Public School District

“Innovation is not simply trying something new for the sake of trying something new. Innovation happens when a problem or barrier is identified and we collaborate to use the collective efficacy of talented people to overcome the problem or barrier.”

Dr. Hansford is in his 7th year as a superintendent in rural Mississippi and his 6th in his home district of Union. He holds 15 years of educational service and served as a principal and classroom teacher before becoming Superintendent. Dr. Hansford’s research interests and professional experience have focused on building and maintaining success in rural schools. The next step in his professional journey is about to unfold as he turns to focus on innovation in rural schools specifically focused on workforce preparedness to yield workforce development. Hansford holds a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University, a master’s degree from Arkansas State University, and specialist and doctoral degrees from William Carey University. He is married to Brandi, a nurse educator, who is also a Union native. They have two girls: Camryn (11) and Demi (1).

Dr. Charles Perkins, Assistant Superintendent, Rockingham County Schools

“Young people crave and embrace innovation. Our youth are always ready for the next new thing. As educators, we must embrace the excitement that innovation creates and learn to feel comfortable with change and curiosity that comes with new innovation.”

Dr. Charles Perkins is the current Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction with Rockingham County Schools in North Carolina. He has served in several leadership roles during his 25+ years in education, including the following positions in Rockingham County: Central Office director, principal at high school, middle school, and elementary school levels, assistant principal, and middle / high school English/Language Arts and History teacher. Charles has also been recognized as Principal of the Year and a RCS Teacher of the Year. Charles also received National Board Certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Charles holds degrees from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, North Carolina State University, and Appalachian State University. Charles is greatly interested in supporting school administrators. Charles believes providing effective coaching support and leadership development to school administrators is critical to the success of our schools. Charles enjoys spending time with his family, exercising, and watching the latest Netflix or Max series.

Dr. Sherrod D. Willaford, Superintendent, Dooly County School System

“I am innovating for our students and their future. Every idea, solution, and improvement aims to enhance their learning experiences and equip them with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. I also innovate for our educators, providing them with the tools and resources to inspire and empower students.”

Dr. Sherrod Willaford is a transformational leader with over 27 years of experience in public education and has served at every level of K-12 schooling. Dr. Willaford is a change agent—a data driven, visionary, and collaborative educational leader committed to sustainable results. He has led strategically designed turnaround efforts in Georgia and Virginia resulting in double-digit gains in student achievement. Under his leadership, these efforts have ultimately led to schools being removed from federal and state designated sanctions. Dr. Willaford is a continuous learner, active in numerous professional organizations, and enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

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