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The Superintendents to Watch award recognizes up to 25 school district leaders each year who have fewer than five years of experience as a superintendent and who demonstrate dynamic, fast-paced leadership with strong communication at its core.
Each of the 2024-25 Superintendents to Watch honorees were asked to provide answers to the following questions. Read on for responses from Dr. Breunig.
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership is about service—dedicating oneself to the well-being and success of others. I see it as an opportunity to serve students, staff, families, and community members with purpose. By focusing on service, I strive to create an environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and empowered. At its core, leadership reveals character—our values, integrity, and commitment to doing what is right, even in challenging times. Strong character sets the tone for an organization, demonstrating humility, authenticity, and resilience. I try to model these traits, hoping to inspire others to approach their roles in the same way. Leadership is also about impact—removing barriers so staff can make a difference in students’ lives. It’s advocating for students, listening to families, and fostering collaboration within the community. By leading with purpose and integrity, I aim to create positive, lasting change for all. Ultimately, leadership is about service with purpose and integrity.
How have you integrated communication into your district’s strategic plan?
During the strategic planning process, stakeholders, including parents, community members and staff, engaged in open and transparent discussions about the district’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities. These discussions revealed that communication was an area needing improvement, leading to its inclusion as one of the five pillars of the strategic plan. Pillar 3, "Innovative Communication Connection," focuses on clear, transparent communication and stakeholder engagement. A communication team, including parents, community members, and district staff, conducted a thorough audit of current practices and developed a two-year communication plan with specific, measurable goals based on this priority set for us by our community. This plan, aligned with broader district objectives, is regularly communicated to stakeholders through various channels. This strategic approach to communication has fostered trust, engagement and collaboration within the district and the wider community.
What communication initiative are you most proud of that have you implemented in your district?
I am most proud of the multifaceted communication initiatives we've implemented. One standout is our dedicated effort to amplify the district's story through social media. We've created a consistent posting schedule and encouraged staff submissions, ensuring a regular flow of engaging content that showcases the incredible work happening within our schools. Furthermore, I am incredibly proud of our "Lodi Pride" initiative. The annual "Lodi Pride" videos, which kick off each school year, serve as a powerful reminder of our shared values and the positive impact our schools have on students and the community. These videos foster a strong sense of school spirit and community pride.
I am incredibly humbled to have been recognized by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) as one of 25 Superintendents to Watch across the country. This recognition is not solely about my individual contributions, but rather a testament to the exceptional work being done by our staff across the entire School District of Lodi. The dedicated and talented staff, along with the unwavering support of our stakeholders, create a truly inspiring learning environment. This allows us the opportunity to tell our story across multiple communications channels, fostering a stronger relationship with our students, families, and the broader community. I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside such a remarkable group of individuals who are passionate about providing the best possible education for our students.
The following was submitted as part of the nomination package for Superintendent Breunig.
Vince Breunig has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to excellence as Superintendent of the School District of Lodi, transforming the district with his vision, encapsulated in the phrase, "The best is yet to come in Lodi, the best is yet to come." This guiding principle has inspired and motivated the entire educational community.
Mr. Breunig is a knowledgeable leader who goes beyond traditional administrative responsibilities. He has created robust systems of support that set up the school board, administration, staff and students for success. Whether stepping in as a substitute teacher, capturing moments as a photographer at district events or creating social media content, Mr. Breunig exemplifies service-driven leadership.
One of his most impactful initiatives has been the development of an onboarding process for board members. By working closely with them, he provides the necessary guidance and resources to help them succeed in their roles. His commitment to leadership development extends to the administrative team, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
Communication is a cornerstone of Mr. Breunig’s leadership. His "inside-out" communication philosophy emphasizes the importance of informing staff first, enhancing transparency and trust within the district. His student-focused mantra, "champions for students," underscores the importance of flexibility and inclusivity to meet the diverse needs of all learners.
Leading by example, Mr. Breunig consistently demonstrates dedication through his hands-on involvement, willingness to take on various roles and active presence in schools. His leadership sets a high standard for all district employees and promotes a cohesive, student-centered culture.
Vince Breunig’s vision, commitment to communication and focus on student success make him an exemplary educational leader. His leadership has positioned the School District of Lodi for continued growth and excellence.
Superintendent Breunig utilizes both traditional and innovative methods to communicate effectively with staff, parents and the community. One traditional method is The Community Link, a quarterly printed newsletter sent to all households in the district, including those without students in the schools. This publication includes essential district information such as building phone numbers, updates from various departments and highlights from each school written by building principals.
Another traditional communication tool is the Friday Note, a weekly email sent to all district employees. This note includes expressions of appreciation, district-level announcements and links to building-level newsletters. The Friday Note has improved communication across the district by aligning information and providing a "one-stop shop" for updates, fostering transparency among all employee groups from food service staff to administrators.
Additionally, Mr. Breunig established a schedule and calendar for district excerpts published in the local newspaper. This calendar highlights various aspects of the school district, such as Suicide Prevention efforts, Fall Field Day, Board Appreciation Week and Friendship Day. These articles ensure that community members without students in the district remain informed about its activities and accomplishments.
Innovative methods have also enhanced the district’s communication reach. One example is the district’s Facebook page. Mr. Breunig has prioritized "telling the district’s story" on Facebook, providing guidance for creating engaging posts and narratives. As a result, the district’s Facebook presence has significantly expanded. Between the spring of 2023 and the spring of 2024, followers increased from 3,854 to 4,600, and the average monthly reach grew from 29,633 to 86,867.
Mr. Breunig has also used Facebook to build excitement for the new school year by implementing countdown campaigns like reposting videos and top posts from previous years. These initiatives celebrate the district’s achievements, highlight its positive impact and fosters community engagement.
Mr. Breunig has successfully integrated communication goals and strategies into the School District of Lodi’s strategic plan. During the strategic planning process, stakeholders, including parents, community members and district staff, engaged in open and transparent discussions about the district’s strengths, challenges and opportunities. These discussions revealed that communication was an area needing improvement, leading to its inclusion as one of the five pillars of the strategic plan.
Pillar 3, "Innovative Communication Connection," emphasizes the district’s commitment to providing clear, transparent communication and fostering engagement with all stakeholders. To achieve this, Mr. Breunig formed a communication team that included parents, community members, city officials and district employees. The team conducted a thorough audit of current communication practices and collaborated with a consultant to identify best practices.
The team’s findings were consolidated into a two-year communication plan with specific, measurable goals aligned with the district’s broader objectives. The strategies and goals were regularly communicated to stakeholders through emails, newsletters and social media platforms, ensuring accessibility and transparency.
Mr. Breunig’s integration of communication goals into the strategic plan has fostered trust, engagement and collaboration within the district and the broader community.
Superintendent Breunig is a dynamic leader whose communication skills and strategic vision have greatly benefited the district. He has effectively guided the district’s strategic planning process with a focus on transparency and community engagement. Initiatives like "Coffee with the Superintendent" foster open dialogue with parents, students and community members, ensuring their voices are central to decision-making. He is also deeply engaged in the daily operations of the district’s four schools, regularly visiting classrooms to observe lessons and interact with students and staff.
Mr. Breunig’s participation in local civic organizations, such as the Lodi Optimist Club, further demonstrates his dedication to building relationships and keeping the community informed.
Collaboration with the local newspaper, the Lodi Enterprise, has been instrumental in promoting the district’s achievements and maintaining a consistent brand. Additionally, the district’s use of platforms such as PeachJar has expanded its communication reach, ensuring community members stay informed.
Ongoing initiatives, including a communications plan and a brand refresh project, highlight Mr. Breunig’s forward-thinking approach to enhancing district communications. His efforts have strengthened community connections and positioned the School District of Lodi for continued growth and success.