From Teaching to Leadership: Sixty-Nine Years in Education with Melindo Persi

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host and Strategos Partner Addison Davis sits down with veteran educator Melindo Persi, President of MAP Educational Consultants, to discuss his remarkable 69-year career in education. From his early days as a teacher to his swift rise to superintendent after just seven years in the classroom, Persi shares an extraordinary journey shaped by leadership, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to student success.

Persi recounts his tenure in 15 different school districts across New Jersey, navigating significant changes in education, including the evolution of special education programs and district takeovers. His experience spans roles as an assistant superintendent, business administrator, and even fiscal monitor during state interventions in struggling school districts. Throughout the conversation, Persi reflects on the challenges of modern education, contrasting past practices with today's technological advancements and policy shifts.

A particularly compelling moment comes when Persi recalls his time leading the New Jersey School for the Deaf, despite having no prior experience with sign language, as well as his role in spearheading a special education consortium that later became a dedicated school district. His ability to pivot and lead through change is a testament to his deep-rooted passion for education.

With humor and humility, Persi credits his upbringing—balancing his father’s business mindset with his mother’s dedication to teaching—for shaping his leadership philosophy. His insights provide a masterclass in resilience and innovation for today’s education leaders.

Key Moments

00:00 "Unexpected Job Transition Story"

04:26 Reviving Troubled School Districts

07:39 "Thank You, Mel Persi"

Connect with Melindo Persi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindo-a-persi-1b3529bb/

Website: https://www.mapconsulting.com/