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Kim Armstrong and Sandy Husk and the Power of Clear Communication During Challenges

An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast

Release Date: 03/18/2025

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In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Sandy Husk, former interim superintendent of Portland Public Schools, and Dr. Kim Armstrong, the district’s current superintendent. These two remarkable leaders discuss the challenges and opportunities of transitioning leadership, navigating budget constraints, and the importance of fostering strong relationships within a school district.

Dr. Kim Armstrong and Sandy Husk share their experiences managing large-scale budget reductions, engaging communities in advocacy, and leading with clarity and resilience. They offer key insights into being an imperfect leader and how embracing imperfection can drive meaningful educational progress.

If you're a school leader, educator, or someone interested in shaping the future of education, don't miss this insightful conversation with Dr. Kim Armstrong and Sandy Husk.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

  • Leadership Transition & Trust – How superintendents can balance their personal leadership philosophy while adapting to district needs.

  • Navigating Budget Cuts – Strategies for making tough financial decisions while prioritizing student success.

  • Engaging Communities & Advocacy – The importance of transparency and mobilizing communities to support public education funding.

  • Leading with Humanity – Why valuing people before the work, trusting expertise, and staying student-centered is critical for effective leadership.

  • Lessons in Resilience – Dr. Kim Armstrong’s personal journey overcoming adversity and how it shapes her leadership approach.

Listen to the full episode to hear my conversation with Dr. Kim Armstrong and Sandy Husk about their leadership journey and the transformative policies shaping education today.

Listening Links:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26Y4nEEwL9mLzrxUh17NWf
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-imperfect-leader-the-superintendents/id1644897856
Podcast Site: https://imperfectleader.com/podcasts/ 

Follow Our Guests:

Dr. Kim Armstrong

Sandy Husk

Follow the Host Peter Stiepleman on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/
Website: https://imperfectleader.com/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader 

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An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr.
Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health.
Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal.
Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day.
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Go to https://www.overyondr.com/ to learn more.

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An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at https://imperfectleader.com/