Raising The Bar

Summer 2021Vol. 3 No. 4

In our three years of sharing your work here at SchoolCEO we've seen the superintendency become ever more challenging. As if (still) navigating a pandemic isn't enough, many school leaders are watching their decisions become ammunition in broader battles of the culture war. Formerly humdrum school board meetings are being televised on national news, and central offices are drowning in FOlA requests from people who have never even set foot in their districts. The truth is that schools, and especially their leaders, have become flashpoints as our country navigates the unpredictable growing pains of democracy.

Still, we are entering this school year in a spirit of high hope.

The path forward, as tricky as it may be, lies in the power of relationships. For schools to thrive this year, leaders like you must use the trust you've built — with students, families, business partners, and even your school board - to bolster your community against the siren song of outside agitation.

Our goal in this issue is to help you do just that —to reenergize the connections you share with your community by practicing hospitality and inclusivity. We're bringing you stories of school leaders leveraging community relationships to accomplish the unthinkable-leaders like Dr. Trevor Greene, who has led the charge to provide all his students with internet access, and Dr. Baron Davis, who has rallied his community around a shared belief in every student and staff member's excellence. We've also pulled together advice from the thinkers behind Disney World and Shake Shack to help you bring their transformational best practices into your school buildings.

In many ways, our world is forever changed, and the future of education depends on the strength of our communities.

Whether you're conducting a survey or planning hybrid family engagement events, we're excited to share ideas that will help you build school communities where families feel valued and heard.

Our mission at SchoolCEO has always been to celebrate the good things happening in public education, to illuminate and share the innovative ideas that school leaders are bringing to fruition all over the country. In this celebration, we are reminded of the thousands of actions that school leaders like you take every day to help us work toward "a more perfect union" — for everyone.

The Urgency of Now

Planning for family engagement in a time of transition

Dr: Baron Davis: King's Gambit

In South Carolina, Dr. Baron R. Davis is innovating through the unpredictable and bringing teachers of color to the classroom.

Above & Beyond

Transforming your district with a culture of hospitality

Raising The Bar

Summer 2021Vol. 3 No. 4

In our three years of sharing your work here at SchoolCEO we've seen the superintendency become ever more challenging. As if (still) navigating a pandemic isn't enough, many school leaders are watching their decisions become ammunition in broader battles of the culture war. Formerly humdrum school board meetings are being televised on national news, and central offices are drowning in FOlA requests from people who have never even set foot in their districts. The truth is that schools, and especially their leaders, have become flashpoints as our country navigates the unpredictable growing pains of democracy.

Still, we are entering this school year in a spirit of high hope.

The path forward, as tricky as it may be, lies in the power of relationships. For schools to thrive this year, leaders like you must use the trust you've built — with students, families, business partners, and even your school board - to bolster your community against the siren song of outside agitation.

Our goal in this issue is to help you do just that —to reenergize the connections you share with your community by practicing hospitality and inclusivity. We're bringing you stories of school leaders leveraging community relationships to accomplish the unthinkable-leaders like Dr. Trevor Greene, who has led the charge to provide all his students with internet access, and Dr. Baron Davis, who has rallied his community around a shared belief in every student and staff member's excellence. We've also pulled together advice from the thinkers behind Disney World and Shake Shack to help you bring their transformational best practices into your school buildings.

In many ways, our world is forever changed, and the future of education depends on the strength of our communities.

Whether you're conducting a survey or planning hybrid family engagement events, we're excited to share ideas that will help you build school communities where families feel valued and heard.

Our mission at SchoolCEO has always been to celebrate the good things happening in public education, to illuminate and share the innovative ideas that school leaders are bringing to fruition all over the country. In this celebration, we are reminded of the thousands of actions that school leaders like you take every day to help us work toward "a more perfect union" — for everyone.

Education Under Fire

A conversation with Derek W. Black, author of Schoolhouse Burning

Dr. Brian Creasman: Fit to Lead

Through #FitSupts, Dr. Brian Creasman shares the transformative power of wellness for life and leadership.

Asking The Right Question

Are your surveys serving you?

The Urgency of Now

Planning for family engagement in a time of transition

Dr. Jason Andrews: Now Boarding

Tips from Dr. Jason Andrews on getting your board relations off the ground.

Dr: Baron Davis: King's Gambit

In South Carolina, Dr. Baron R. Davis is innovating through the unpredictable and bringing teachers of color to the classroom.

Dr. Trevor Greene: Pursuing Digital Equity as a Community

With the help of community partners, Dr. Trevor Greene is amplifying campus WiFi to cover his entire district.

Above & Beyond

Transforming your district with a culture of hospitality

Making a Magical Experience

Customer service tips from a 20-year career at Walt Disney World.