The conversation explores the difference between keeping families informed and helping them feel they belong. Dr. Gilbert discusses survey findings showing that 83% of families felt welcomed by school staff, compared with 72% by administration, and why both numbers revealed room for improvement. He also challenges assumptions about parents who do not answer calls or attend events. Work schedules, language needs, and family circumstances can shape participation, making it essential to offer different ways to connect. A visit to a family's living room illustrates what meeting families where they are can look like.

Shammai and Dr. Gilbert also examine how teachers, principals, and district leaders share responsibility for meaningful engagement. From positive phone calls home and welcoming first impressions to school climate surveys and coordinated language support, the discussion highlights ways to identify gaps and respond to families' needs. Dr. Gilbert closes with advice for leaders rethinking their approach: build collaboratively, lean into conversations with parents who challenge you, and make sure smaller groups of families have a voice.

Key Moments
01:22 Taking over as acting superintendent during a district crisis.

03:55 Recentering students and reaching out to families.

05:20 Launching listening tours across the school community.

07:09 Hearing calls for communication, transparency, and visibility.

09:57 Rebuilding trust through consistency and accountability.

13:35 Examining gaps in families' feelings of welcome.

15:24 Making family engagement a district priority.

17:36 Defining meaningful engagement through belonging.

20:55 Understanding barriers behind unanswered calls and emails.

22:56 Listening to families in their own living room.

25:23 Making first impressions count at back-to-school night.

30:11 Using classroom outreach to identify engagement gaps.

33:05 Connecting school climate data with family engagement.

38:10 Coordinating language support for families.

45:18 Avoiding top-down mandates and including overlooked voices.

Why You'll Love This Episode
Dr. Gilbert brings a candid leadership perspective to the everyday work of connecting families and schools. His examples offer educators and district leaders practical ways to listen, reconsider assumptions about participation, and help families feel they belong in their child's educational journey.

Connect with Guest
Dr. Kevin Gilbert, Assistant Superintendent of Schools for The School District of South Orange & Maplewood
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-gilbert-16828610b 
Website: https://www.somsdk12.org/ 

Connect with Us
PTC Wizard
LinkedIn: https://www.ptcwizard.com/ 
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ptc-wizard 

Shammai Ellman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shammai/ 

About The Engagement Gap
The Engagement Gap explores how K-12 leaders are building meaningful, year-round relationships with families. Hosted by Shammai Ellman, Founder of PTC Wizard, the podcast examines how stronger school-family dialogue can support students, reduce barriers to participation, ease pressure on staff, and influence academic, behavioral, and attendance outcomes.

Subscribe & Listen
Subscribe to The Engagement Gap for more conversations with education leaders about building trust, strengthening family partnerships, and supporting student success.