Grand Island superintendent using voice to bridge gap between school, community

GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Grand Island school superintendent is using his voice to reach a wider audience.

“People are listening all over the world. It’s not just Buffalo. It’s not just the N.Y. region,” said Grand Island Central School Superintendent Dr. Brian Graham.

Dr. Graham launched two podcasts several years ago. Since then, he’s done dozens of episodes that have thousands of downloads. Anyone can listen to what’s discussed at any time.

Graham was a disc jockey for 14 years. “Back then, we had records and turn tables and mixing boards, and I did weddings,” he said. “And I think when I was growing up, I wanted to be on the radio. (I) Never got there but I always thought that would be a great job,” he said. For him, podcasting about education was a natural fit.

One podcast is called “Inspiring Viking Values.” Each episode runs around 40 minutes and covers a different topic within the district.

“It’s just a really neat way connecting our community of what’s happening back in our schools,” said Graham.

He also hosts “Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools.” It features other district leaders, educators, parents and students across Western New York, and highlights different programs unique to a specific district.

“If you’re a superintendent in Cheektowaga, and you have a great program, I’m going to come, interview you, talk about it, and then I might come back and say hey, we need to be doing what Cheektowaga is doing,” Graham said.

He tries to do an episode at least once a month. They’re available on most streaming services like Apple and Spotify. The goal is to educate and inform, the now thousands, who listen from around the world.

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Ali Touhey is an anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in 2023. View more of her work here.

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