This transcript has been edited for clarity and length.
The Stories We Must Tell | September 2025 Edition
Dr. Kishimoto (Host)
Hello everyone, I’m Dr. Christina Kishimoto, and you are with us Under the Flamboyan. Today I’m joined by Dr. Susana Reyes, superintendent of Shoreline Public Schools in the state of Washington. Welcome, Susana!
Dr. Reyes:
Thank you. I’m so happy to be here.
Dr. Kishimoto:
Before we dive into the new school year—how was your summer? Anything exciting?
Dr. Reyes:
It was wonderful. I had some good family time and enjoyed the weather. Of course, we were also busy with district work. Like many districts, we faced financial challenges, so we ran a supplemental levy. The first half of July was calm, but the second half was full of community engagement and preparation for Election Day on August 5. Thankfully, it passed—that was definitely exciting.
Dr. Kishimoto:
That sounds about right—summers are never quite long enough for superintendents! I always remind myself we have to take time for family and rest. I spent a few days hiking Mount Hood with my daughter, who just turned 25. But once school begins, there’s no slowdown.
You’ve been in this role five years now, and I know from experience how exhausting and rewarding it can be. What led you to the superintendency? Were there moments in your career when you thought, I can do this—I want to lead a district?
Dr. Reyes:
Absolutely. My journey started when I met a Latina school principal early in my career. At the time, I was working as a clerk typist, unsure of my future. She walked in, confident and in charge, and I thought, If she can do it, I can too.Representation mattered—I saw myself in her.
That inspired me to return to school, earn my teaching degree, then a master’s, and later an assistant principal role in my hometown of Wapato, Washington. I set a goal to complete my doctorate before 35, and while working on that, I learned I could also earn my superintendent credential. The more I studied, the more I realized this role is really about bringing the community together to support every student. That’s what drew me in.
Now, five years into my first superintendency, I can honestly say it’s the best job in the world.
Dr. Kishimoto:
I love that you began with representation. For women of color, role models in leadership are still too few, and yet they make such an impact. Young people need to see leaders who look like them—it helps them believe I can do that too.Thank you for sharing that.
Let’s shift to the challenges. Public policy and federal politics often shape your work in unexpected ways. Looking back at last year, were there issues you found yourself dealing with that you hadn’t anticipated?
Dr. Reyes:
Yes. One issue was supporting families from different countries. We revised district policy to make sure the language clearly communicated that our schools are safe, welcoming places. We also trained staff on how to respond in situations where outside parties might seek access to students. It was about reassuring families that their children could learn and thrive with us.
Dr. Kishimoto:
That’s powerful. Superintendents carry the weight of federal policy, community needs, and classroom learning all at once. How do you stay grounded and focused when the demands are so wide-ranging, and resources are tight?
Dr. Reyes:
For us, it’s been about clarity. We’ve faced ongoing budget crises, so we worked with staff, students, and the community to create a focused strategic plan—our Envision Shoreline plan. It centers on two goals: every student reads at grade level, and every student feels safe and welcomed. Both rest on a strong multi-tiered system of support.
That focus keeps us from being stretched too thin. I also personally stay grounded by visiting classrooms and talking with students, families, and staff. Seeing the joy in learning—even amidst challenges—refuels me.
Dr. Kishimoto:
That intentionality is key. Staying simple and focused, while also staying human and visible in schools, is harder than it sounds, but so important.
As you head into this school year, what’s your top priority?
Dr. Reyes:
Continuing to implement our strategic plan. We’ve started pilots of the multi-tiered support framework in some schools, and I want to see that gain momentum. The plan is simple—literacy, thriving students, safe schools—but powerful. My hope is we’ll see 95% or more of students reading on grade level, graduating on time, and feeling safe at school.
Dr. Kishimoto:
Beautifully said: keep it simple, stay intentional, bring joy. Before we wrap up, what advice would you give aspiring superintendents, especially women looking at you and wondering if they should pursue this role?
Dr. Reyes:
I’d say absolutely go for it. Representation matters, and this truly is the best job in the world. Yes, it’s challenging, but the opportunity to impact students and communities is unlike anything else. If you feel the spark, don’t second-guess it.
Dr. Kishimoto:
I couldn’t agree more. The superintendency allows us to touch so many lives in meaningful ways. Dr. Susana Reyes, thank you for sharing your story and wisdom with us today. I wish you a wonderful 2025–26 school year, and I look forward to our upcoming session at Washington ALAS on culturally responsive leadership.
Dr. Reyes:
Muchas gracias. Thank you for the opportunity, and I look forward to continuing this work together.
Dr. Kishimoto:
Thank you for joining us Under the Flamboyan.
