New Story Schools

In a pivotal conversation centered on the future of specialized education in Northwest Ohio, Anthony Bronaugh, M.Ed., BCBA, founder of AB Education & Behavior Consulting, sat down with Dr. Jill Blanchard, State Superintendent and Senior Vice President of Operations for New Story Schools, to discuss the launch of a new school dedicated to serving students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Set to open its doors in August 2025, this groundbreaking initiative aims to address the growing need for inclusive, evidence-based educational services tailored to neurodivergent learners. In this interview, Dr. Blanchard shares the vision, strategic planning, and collaborative efforts behind New Story Schools’ expansion into Northwest Ohio, offering insight into what families, educators, and the broader community can expect from this transformative endeavor.

Anthony Bronaugh Sr.: 

Dr. Blanchard, you’ve had a fascinating career trajectory. I’d love to start by learning a bit about your background. You grew up in Toledo before moving to Circleville. Can you share how those early experiences shaped your perspective on education and leadership?

Dr. Jill Blanchard:

Absolutely. Moving from Toledo to Circleville was a huge transition for me. It wasn’t just a geographic change—it was a cultural shock as well. I was accustomed to a diverse, urban environment and, suddenly, I was in a rural community. That shift taught me a lot about adaptability and the importance of building relationships. One pivotal experience in high school stood out—when the school initially misjudged me, thinking I was a foster child, and placed me in remedial classes. That moment shaped my passion for equity in education. It made me aware of how easily students can be misjudged based on assumptions. I’ve carried that lesson with me throughout my career.

Anthony Bronaugh Sr.:

Your experience underscores the importance of understanding the whole child. How did this realization influence your approach to education later on, especially as you transitioned into leadership roles?

Dr. Jill Blanchard:

It led me to value empathy and inclusion in all educational settings. I realized early on that students, especially those from different backgrounds, needed more than just academic support—they needed emotional and social validation. This guided my leadership style, which has always been about advocating for equitable opportunities, especially for students who may not fit the traditional mold.

Anthony Bronaugh Sr.:

You’ve worked with a variety of students, including those with autism and other developmental disabilities. What are some of the challenges you face in ensuring that these students receive the support they need? How do you tackle these challenges at New Story Schools?

Dr. Jill Blanchard:

The biggest challenge is ensuring that students with diverse needs, particularly those with autism or emotional disturbances, receive personalized, high-quality support. At New Story Schools, we don’t have a one-size-fits-all approach. We implement individualized programs that integrate both academic and behavioral strategies, and we work closely with families to ensure we meet each student’s unique needs. We also focus on wraparound services, offering access to therapy, emotional wellness learning programs, and job readiness training. I firmly believe that addressing our students’ emotional well-being is just as important as academics.

Anthony Bronaugh Sr.:

You’ve also introduced significant innovation in your schools. Can you tell us more about how New Story Schools are using technology to enhance student learning and outcomes?

Dr. Jill Blanchard:

Technology has been a game changer for us. We’ve implemented one-to-one Chromebooks and smartboards in every classroom, ensuring that all students, regardless of their abilities, have access to digital tools. This is critical for our nonverbal students or those who struggle with traditional learning methods. Additionally, we’ve integrated behavior analysis technology to track student progress and tailor interventions in real-time. The goal is to ensure that every student has the tools they need to succeed, whether that’s through academic technology or therapeutic support.

Anthony Bronaugh Sr.:

Looking ahead, what are some of your goals for the future of New Story Schools? What initiatives are you most excited about?

Dr. Jill Blanchard:

We’re on the brink of expanding into more areas of Ohio, and I’m excited about the opportunity to reach more students who need our support. We’re also exploring new programs, such as our Emotional Wellness Classroom initiative, which will be integrated into schools that don’t necessarily have autism programs but still need specialized support. This will give students who may struggle with emotional disturbances the opportunity to thrive in a safe, structured environment. We’re also working on building stronger partnerships with public schools, offering consultation and training to help them meet the needs of their students with disabilities.

Anthony Bronaugh Sr.:

That’s a huge step forward. As someone with such a broad range of experience in education, what advice would you give to new educators or those in leadership positions?

Dr. Jill Blanchard:

I would say, never stop learning and never stop being flexible. Students’ needs  are constantly evolving, and as educators, we need to be just as adaptable. It's also critical to approach every challenge with empathy. Whether you’re leading a team or working directly with students, always remember that each person is carrying their own story. Your ability to connect and understand those stories can make all the difference in their success.

Anthony Bronaugh Sr.:

Based on that advice, how are you still learning and growing?

Dr. Jill Blanchard:

I recently completed the Advanced Management Program at Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.  It was an interesting experience for me that was outside of my comfort zone of traditional education. It gave me the chance to immerse myself in the business side of my role. I made great connections and was able to sharpen my leadership skills, which will only have a positive impact on the state of schools I’m fortunate enough to be leading.

Anthony Bronaugh Sr:

Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Dr. Blanchard. It’s been a pleasure learning about your work and the impact you’re making at New Story Schools.

Dr. Jill Blanchard:

Thank you, Anthony. It’s been a privilege to share my journey with you. I’m excited about the future and the continued work we’re doing to create a more inclusive and supportive education system for all students.