In Miller’s version of the show “Supers in Sedans,” one to three local superintendents to join him in his car to chat about school issues or promote upcoming events or recent success at their respective school districts.
“This project takes us out of the conference rooms and lets us have a little fun,” said Miller, who leads southwest Ohio’s largest suburban school system.
“We are not normally paper-pushers sitting behind a desk. We are out in our schools and communities trying to amplify the good work going on in public schools every single day. “Our goal with Supers In Sedans is to engage with our parents and community while showing collaboration with other districts, not only in southwest Ohio, but beyond.”
“And by sharing the videos on social media, people are able to comment and share the posts with their friends. It also brings a little different perspective to the superintendent role and makes the position seem more approachable,” said Miller.
Filmed with a video camera on the car’s dashboard, the first of the series installment was a tad too realistic in that it had Miller actually driving the car while chatting up Middletown Schools Superintendent Marlon Styles Jr. in the front passenger seat.
Some, however, pointed out that initial video’s bad example of distracted driving so subsequent episodes have taken place within a parked car with Miller at the wheel.
The most recent show featured a packed car with Styles making his second guest appearance and Mason Schools Superintendent Jon Cooper and Monroe Superintendent Kathy Demers in the back seat.
Demers said “creating the video was a fun for the four of us to collaboratively work together and connect professionally.”
“Supers in Sedans was a creative way for us to share a unified message about our focus on growth mindset, innovation, professional growth and staff self care. As leaders we look for innovative ways and various platforms to communicate. Video and social media are great tools for us to reach multiple audiences,” she said.
Miller said “the willingness of other superintendents to jump in and be a part of Supers In Sedans has been a pleasant surprise.”
“We all have the best interest of our students at heart. While we may enjoy friendly competition on the field, this is a new way to show parents that by working together, we make our schools stronger,” said Miller.
“Parents seem to enjoy the videos,” he said. “The response has been very positive.”
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