st. helena

This is the last of a three-part series on the Emperor of the French inspired by historian Andrew Robert’s biography, Napoleon: A Life.  The book is quite good at revealing the human being behind the controversial historical figure.  Focusing primarily on the military sphere, this episode examines the significance of military genius, that is, why is it that sometimes brilliance seems to have a decisive impact on history and why sometimes it is bounded by larger historical forces.  Parts 1 and 2 saw how increasing responsibilities and difficulties hindered Napoleon’s ability to turn his military victories into lasting achievements.  This episode picks up with his invasion of Russia and argues that with the handwriting already on the wall, genius could not overcome the various obstacles arrayed against him.  It was quite an achievement to terrify a continent in 1815 with just 700 of his personal guard.  But even if had had won at Waterloo, eventual defeat was unavoidable. 

When Dr. Kelli Joseph began her superintendency at St. Helena Parish School District, she had her work cut out for her. The Louisiana district was facing a multitude of challenges, from a $1.5 million budget deficit to a desegregation order to a fight for local control. The problems looked almost insurmountable—but Joseph and her team were determined not only to solve them but to grow in the process. And that’s just what they did.

Since Joseph’s start in 2011, St. Helena has passed two tax increases—the first in 20 years. They’ve boosted teacher pay by more than 25%, balanced their budget, and taken back their middle school from the Recovery School District. Now, Joseph is Louisiana’s current Superintendent of the Year.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Joseph about her dedication to progress in the midst of a crisis and how she and her team balanced cuts with growth.

Dr. Kelli Joseph (@sthelenasupe)

St. Helena Parish School District (sthpk-12.net)

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Subscribe to SchoolCEO at SchoolCEO.com for research, stories, and strategies for leading your schools. And if you have a story you’d like to share, email us at editor@schoolceo.com.

Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know -- but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Pioneers, Dreamers, Villainesses, STEMinists, Warriors & Social Justice Warriors, and many more. Encyclopedia Womannica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.

Encyclopedia Womannica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Liz Smith, Cinthia Pimentel, and Grace Lynch. Special thanks to Shira Atkins and Edie Allard. Theme music by Andi Kristins.

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This week, Liam brings the Foodie Chap chat to The Prisoner Wine Company in St. Helena with Winemaker Chrissy Whittman | Each week, the KCBS Radio Foodie Chap, Liam Mayclem introduces us to the culinary stars behind the food & wine loved by so many in the Bay Area..