The first half of this episode is an open discussion with Dr. Sharon Carlton, Staff Development and Coordinator of Special Programs in Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, on her perceptions and understandings of local school planning and implementation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. We talk about what she sees are key for schools and teachers and families in order to survive the COVID crisis, and for all stakeholders, to continue to allow students to learn in the safest and most effective way. In the second half of the episode, Dr. Carlton breaks down what Michael Matsuda, Superintendent, and Dr. Jaron Freid, Associate Superintendent, Anaheim Union High School District, say is valuable to creating models for schools that tap the talent of teachers, and make the most of technology, good decisions as leaders, and reliance on connections with community resources.  Anaheim Union High School District is recognized for the Cambridge Virtual Academy, a full virtual online school for grades 7 to 12.