In this episode of Little Wins, host Karen Borchert sits down with Dr. Jessica Sonntag, Superintendent at Hinckley-Big Rock CUSD #429 in Illinois. Leading a small, close-knit district with deep community roots, Dr. Sonntag shares how intentional choices, calming spaces, personalized support for staff, and a bold “phones away, bell-to-bell” policy are restoring attention, dignity, and joy to learning.

From redefining building aesthetics with a shared color palette and secure, welcoming entries to partnering with first responders on crisis communication, Jessica models courageous, thoughtful leadership. She also breaks down structural tweaks, like a single common lunch and conference-style PD that create time for clubs, relationships, and real adult learning. If you’re rethinking culture without a massive budget, this conversation is a playbook.

💡 Little Wins in This Episode:

• Design for Calm → A shared, muted district color palette gives teachers autonomy within a cohesive, soothing environment.

  
  

• Welcome with Intention → Farmhouse-cozy, human office spaces + clear entry flow reduce noise and anxiety the moment you arrive.

  
  

• Phones Away, Bell-to-Bell → Lockable pouches and clear, zero-exceptions expectations reclaim attention and reduce social media fallout.

  
  

• One Lunch, One Community → A single common lunch opens time for clubs, connection, and five extra minutes of instruction per class.

  
  

• Care for the Hive → Beekeeping and marigold vs. black walnut metaphors remind everyone they share responsibility for culture.

Key Moments

03:07 Celebrating Nostalgia and Calm in School Buildings

05:25 Redesigning Spaces with Teacher & Student Voice

09:51 From Special Education Teacher to Superintendent

13:04 Meeting People Where They Are—Leadership Philosophy

17:58 Eliminating Smartphones and Smart Tech in Classrooms

24:20 Restoring Joy, Conversation, and Engagement

29:39 Partnering with Parents and First Responders on Safety

34:26 Bridging Veteran and New Teachers’ Perspectives

37:15 Personalizing Professional Learning for Staff

39:18 One Common Lunch to Build Community

44:30 Caring for the Hive: Shared Responsibility for Culture

Connect with Dr. Jessica Sonntag

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-sonntag-ed-d-83a93171 

Website: https://www.hbr429.org/ 

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🧵 About the Podcast:

Little Wins is the podcast that digs into the small, deliberate actions school leaders are taking to build strong, human-centered cultures, one meaningful win at a time.

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