116 | Leading with Trust and Compassion in Rural Schools with Greg Wyman

The Rural Scoop

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Dr. Greg Wyman, superintendent of the J.O. Combs Unified School District and author of the Substack Celebrating Traditional K–12 Public Education. With over four decades of service, Greg shares his leadership journey across Arizona’s rural and suburban schools, the principles that have shaped his career, and his vision for the future of rural education. From building trust in communities to advocating for policy changes, Greg offers practical wisdom for current and aspiring education leaders, while challenging the false narratives that often surround public schools.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:21 Greg Wyman's Career Journey
03:34 Foundations of Leadership
06:31 Building Trust in Rural Communities
09:57 The Hashtag Forward Initiative
13:22 Human-Centered Leadership
16:13 The Importance of Storytelling in Education
20:56 Challenges and Policy Debates in Education
24:42 Staying Informed and Involved
27:48 The Importance of Community and Positivity
28:17 Balancing Accountability and Flexibility in Education
29:21 The Role of Hard Work and Lifelong Learning
32:35 The Value of Relationships in Advocacy
35:27 Building Knowledge and Solutions for Effective Leadership
39:06 Celebrating Wins and Maintaining Positivity
41:43 Mentorship and Succession Planning in Education
43:39 Advice for Aspiring Rural Leaders
46:48 Future of Rural Education: Challenges and Opportunities
50:35 The Rural Advantage: Building Strong Relationships
53:00 Conclusion and Call to Action
Resources:
Substack: wymang.substack.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-wyman-ba114b34/
BlueSky: @greg-wyman.bsky.social
Closing Summary:
Dr. Greg Wyman’s story is one of resilience, relationship-building, and unwavering advocacy for public education. Through decades of service in districts both large and small, he has modeled the power of trust, community engagement, and keeping people at the center of leadership. His insights on policy, storytelling, and the “rural advantage” offer a roadmap for leaders determined to strengthen their schools despite challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned superintendent or an aspiring rural educator, Greg’s message is clear: build relationships, tell your story, and never stop fighting for your community’s children.