When I was asked to step into the role of interim superintendent for the Burbank Unified School District on June 5, 2025, I did so with a clear intention: to lead with integrity, to communicate with transparency, and above all, to serve with authenticity. I knew the road ahead would be complex. The challenges were not just operational, they were immensely human. Trust had been fractured. Confidence in leadership had waned. And perhaps most critically, a sense of connection between the district and its community had frayed.

But I also knew this: Leadership is not about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about showing up with humility, listening with care, and acting with courage. In moments of uncertainty, ethical leadership becomes not just a compass, it becomes the bridge between what is and what could be.

This article is a reflection on what I’ve learned in this role so far: the non-negotiable value of ethical leadership, the transformative power of communication, and the urgent need to rebuild trust in our school system. It is also a call to action, a call for all of us who care deeply about public education to lean into transparency, accountability, and community. And above all, to ensure that every member of our district, students, faculty, support staff, administrators, families, and community partners is seen, heard, valued, and respected.

The weight and responsibility of ethical leadership Ethical leadership is not a slogan. It’s a daily practice. It’s the willingness to make decisions that are right, even when they are not easy. It’s the discipline to own mistakes, the courage to correct course, and the humility to invite others into the process.

In Burbank Unified, we’ve faced difficult decisions, some inherited, some emergent. From navigating a scandal to addressing oversight delays, I’ve had to make calls that affect real people, our staff, our students, and our families. In each of these moments, I’ve returned to a simple but powerful question: “What serves the best interest of our students, and how do we honor that transparently?”

Because at the heart of every decision I make is a guiding principle: students first, always. Every policy, every budget line, every staffing decision must ultimately support the success, safety, and well-being of our students. That is our North Star.

But ethical leadership also means being genuine and authentic, not just in what we say, but in how we show up. I don’t pretend to have all the answers. I don’t hide behind polished statements. I lead with honesty, even when the truth is hard. Because I believe our community deserves nothing less.

And ethical leadership must be intentional and strategic. We cannot afford to lead reactively. We must plan with purpose, anticipate challenges, and align our actions with long-term goals. That means sharing our expectations clearly, setting measurable objectives, and holding ourselves to the highest standards of accountability. Our community deserves leaders who not only speak with conviction but follow through with integrity.

And above all, ethical leadership demands that we see and honor humanity in one another. Every student, every teacher, every classified employee, every administrator, every parent and guardian, each person in our district deserves to be respected, valued, and included in the decisions that shape our shared future.

Communication as a cornerstone of trust If ethical leadership is the foundation, communication is the scaffolding. Without it, even the most principled intentions can be misunderstood or misrepresented. In a district as diverse and dynamic as Burbank Unified, communication must be more than informative, it must be engaging and connective.

That’s why we launched The BUSD Bridge, a newsletter designed to bring our community closer to the heart of district operations. It’s not just about updates; it’s about storytelling. It’s about celebrating student achievements, spotlighting staff excellence, and demystifying the decisions that shape our schools.

But communication is not a one-way street. It’s also about listening, especially when the feedback is hard to hear. I’ve made it a priority to respond personally to concerns from staff and families. I don’t always have immediate solutions, but I always offer transparency, empathy, and a commitment to follow through.

When we communicate with care, we affirm that every voice matters. When we listen with intention, we demonstrate that every person belongs.

Bridging the gap: From disconnection to shared purpose Let’s be honest: Burbank Unified has experienced a period of disconnection. Whether due to leadership transitions, external scrutiny, or internal missteps, many in our community have felt unheard, unseen, or uncertain about the district’s direction.

Rebuilding trust is not a campaign, it’s a commitment. It requires consistency, vulnerability, and time. It means showing up in board meetings not just with reports, but with resolve. It means acknowledging past harms without being defined by them. And it means inviting our community to not just observe, but to participate.

One of the most powerful concepts I have embraced is “overserving the underserved.” It’s not just an equity initiative, it’s a mindset. It challenges us to ask: Who has been left out of the conversation? Whose needs have been overlooked? And how can we design systems that don’t just include them, but center them?

This philosophy has guided our approach to everything from budget planning to student support services. It reminds us that equity is not about equal inputs, it’s about just outcomes.

And in that spirit, I see my role as one of service, not just to students, but to the entire BUSD family. That includes our teachers, support staff, site administrators, parents and guardians, and the broader Burbank community.

The path forward: A culture of openness and accountability As we look ahead, my hope is that Burbank Unified becomes a model, not of perfection, but of progress. A district where ethical leadership is the norm, not the exception. Where communication is proactive, not reactive. And where trust is not assumed, but earned daily.

To get there, we must:

Institutionalize transparency: From budget decisions to board governance, we must make our processes visible and accessible.

Invest in leadership development: Ethical leadership must be cultivated at every level, from principals to classified staff to student leaders.

Celebrate our people: Recognition is not fluff, it’s fuel. When we honor the contributions of our educators, students, and families, we reinforce a culture of pride and purpose.

Create feedback loops: We need systems that don’t just collect input, but act on it. That means regular surveys, town halls, and open-door policies that are more than symbolic.

Tell our story: In the absence of narrative, misinformation fills the void. We must own our story, its challenges, its triumphs, and its aspirations.

Lead with strategy and clarity: We must articulate our goals, align our resources, and hold ourselves accountable, not just to outcomes, but to the process of getting there.

Uplift every member of our community: We must ensure that every person in BUSD feels seen, respected, and empowered to thrive.

A personal leadership note Leadership can be lonely. But in Burbank Unified, I’ve never felt alone. I’ve been buoyed by a team of dedicated educators, courageous students, and community members who care deeply about our schools. I’ve seen resilience in the face of adversity, and grace in the face of change.

I don’t take this role lightly. Every decision I make is guided by a deep sense of responsibility, not just to the present, but to the future we are building together. I believe in this district. I believe in its people. And I believe that with ethical leadership, authentic communication, strategic planning, and a shared commitment to service, we can bridge any gap.

Oscar Macias, Ed.D., has dedicated over 25 years to public education, serving in various roles including campus supervisor, classroom teacher, high school assistant principal, middle school principal, Director of Education for Equity, Access, and Family Engagement, Director of Secondary Education for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services. Currently, he is the interim superintendent for the Burbank Unified School District and is a proud member, supporter, and advocate of ACSA.