Belonging Isn’t a Buzzword: Building Culture When Resources Are Tight – Dan Keyser

 

What happens when a superintendent has to lead through staffing cuts, declining enrollment, and policy tension—but still believes in a culture of empathy?

In this episode, Dan Keyser, Superintendent of Stoughton Area School District, gets candid about what it means to lead with integrity when the budget says no but the students say yes. From community-backed referendums to rethinking communication strategy, Dan offers practical leadership insights that meet emotional intelligence.

If you’re navigating tough decisions and want to protect the soul of your school in the process, this episode is your roadmap. It’s about culture, clarity, and making space for belonging—even when there isn’t room in the budget.