What if a simple 7-question survey could uncover the hidden needs of your students?

 

In this episode of Brighter Together, Jim Kitchen—Deputy Superintendent at Swartz Creek Community Schools—shares how his district is transforming trauma-informed care into a living system of support. From the iWellness check-in tool to creating a student support hub with social workers, coaches, and counselors under one roof, Jim walks us through the blueprint for sustainable, relationship-first leadership.

 

You’ll hear:

– How trauma-informed care became a school improvement strategy

– What a visionary superintendent did to align funding with student needs

– How chronic absenteeism and vaping are being tackled with hope—not just policy

 

If you’re leading a team, managing a SPED program, or looking for practical ways to integrate care into your school’s culture—this episode offers insight, strategy, and inspiration.

 

Hope is the antidote to trauma. And in Swartz Creek, hope is becoming policy.