District Leadership Undercover: Our Take on "Undercover Boss" to Humanize the Superintendent
Date: 7/22/2026
Time: 11:05 AM - 12:15 PM
Room: Grand Ballroom A & B (Floor 1)
Gold Mine Roundtable - A live mini-session on a program/best practice topic, with time for Q&A, presented at a table for 8-10 people during three 20-minute rounds. A one- to two-page tip sheet on the presentation topic is required.
ENGAGEMENT–Internal/external stakeholder engagement
Session Description
Public school districts often suffer from a "faceless bureaucracy" stigma. This disconnect creates a barrier between the Superintendent and the classroom. In this session, we deconstruct "Burke at Work," a multimedia strategy that offers a strategic take on "Undercover Boss." Instead of a disguise, the Superintendent steps out of the District office to perform the essential duties of staff members, from cafeterias to principal secretaries. This approach is effective for introducing a new Superintendent or highlighting and connecting an existing leader with district staff and the community. We will provide a scalable framework for any organization to validate the workforce and humanize district leadership. Attendees will receive a "Production Protocol" tip sheet including release forms, shoot schedules, and coaching scripts.
Presenter(s)
Sean Cooley
Chief Officer Strategic Communications and Engagement
School District of Palm Beach County (FL)
Mr. Sean Cooley is the Chief Strategic Communications & Engagement Officer for The School District of Palm Beach County, one of the nation’s largest school systems. His career in public education began as a paraprofessional, and he now serves as the chief spokesperson and a senior adviser to the Superintendent. In this role, Mr. Cooley leads a team of 36 professionals, directing integrated strategy for media, marketing, and public engagement. He manages communications for high-sensitivity issues and works daily with local and national media outlets. As a parent of children in District schools, he has a deep personal commitment to the organization's mission.
A seasoned government and non-profit executive, Mr. Cooley previously served as the Chief Communications & Public Policy Officer for the South Florida Water Management District. He excelled at uniting diverse stakeholders with competing interests, garnering significant bipartisan support for Everglades restoration at the local, state, and federal levels. He is most proud of his role in breaking ground on the historic Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir-the crown jewel of Everglades restoration. His career also includes communications leadership roles with the National Audubon Society, the Florida Department of Financial Services, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Cooley earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Communications from Florida State University in addition to graduate certificates in project management and public administration. LinkedIn Profile
Amy Johnston
Communications Director
School District of Palm Beach County (FL)
Anthony Angrisani
Communications Specialist
School District of Palm Beach County (FL)
District Leadership Undercover: Our Take on "Undercover Boss" to Humanize the Superintendent
Category
Gold Mine Roundtable - Mini table session on a program/best practice topic, with time for Q&A. 20 minutes (three rounds).