Lead Thoughtfully, Pay attention Deeply: Presidential Knowledge for the First 100 Days

The faculty presidency is a demanding position — one that’s accountable to a broad vary of stakeholders, together with school, employees, college students, the board of trustees, and the encircling neighborhood. To be an efficient and impactful chief, beginning off on the precise foot is vital.

On the American Affiliation of Neighborhood Schools (AACC) Annual Conference, a panel of school presidents shared their experiences with navigating the primary 100 days of their presidencies. Their candid reflections and insights function highly effective reminders of the significance of main with humility, authenticity, and intention.

Earlier than Day One: Do Your Homework

The work of being a frontrunner begins lengthy earlier than sitting at your desk in your new workplace on campus. The transition interval earlier than you formally start generally is a worthwhile time to do your homework, assume strategically, and lay the groundwork for a profitable begin. Dr. Marcus Garstecki, president of Barton Neighborhood School, shared that he was lucky to have 5 months to organize earlier than his official begin date, which allowed him to fulfill with the cupboard forward of time. He mentioned the worth in reviewing the faculty’s strategic plan in depth, analyzing the finances completely, and understanding key initiatives of the outgoing president. He additionally suggested incoming leaders to “be taught who [their] stakeholders are — as a result of buy-in issues.”

Dr. Monica Brown, president of South Seattle School, one other panelist, provided related perception, however added that it is essential to take the time to know the establishment’s neighborhood and district, particularly in case your college is a part of a multi-campus system.

Dr. Bryan Newton, president of Glen Oaks Neighborhood School, provided a key piece of knowledge associated to the transition interval. He reminded us that “There can solely be one president at a time,” emphasizing how essential it’s to respect the sitting president’s management till the baton is formally handed. This helps keep stability for the establishment and fosters goodwill.

Week One: Study the Panorama

When you arrive on campus, give attention to establishing a rhythm and studying the institutional tradition. Brown shared that she spent her first week considering via a transition plan and the best way to begin her new position. Garstecki stated he frolicked together with his government assistant to get acquainted with his schedule, the campus tradition, and priorities, which he described as “studying the lay of the land.” Although every chief took a diverse method, they shared an analogous objective of constructing a powerful basis for communication and being an knowledgeable resolution maker.

Constructing Belief Takes Listening, Not Simply Speaking

When requested how they constructed belief with their campus communities, a standard theme emerged: the worth of listening. Garstecki held listening classes with employees and college to know campus issues, wants, and priorities, however he additionally went past the confines of the campus. “It’s a must to keep engaged and get out into the neighborhood,” he urged. “Use your improvement folks that can assist you get on the market and get on folks’s calendars.”

Brown’s method to constructing belief included displaying an appreciation for the work that had already been finished whereas additionally being true to herself as an individual and chief. She stated, “I confirmed up as genuine Monica.” Like Garstecki, she additionally held listening classes, and her real take care of her campus neighborhood was proven via a dedication by unionized school, who usually aren’t desirous to attend non-contractual occasions, voluntarily attended and took part in sharing their ideas, issues, and hopes, which she embraced.

Newton echoed Brown’s sentiments about displaying gratitude for the earlier work finished and inspired borrowing — or “stealing,” as he put it — robust concepts from predecessors. He additionally valued the devoted time to hear via “fireplace chats” that inspired sincere dialogue inside the campus neighborhood, from severe issues of strategic priorities to lighter questions on his least favourite meals, which is broccoli, by the best way. These chats allowed him to attach together with his campus neighborhood and construct the mandatory belief and connections.

Navigating Challenges with Resilience and Assist

When requested in regards to the largest challenges confronted in these first few months, the panelists’ responses largely surrounded monetary and political realities. Garstecki needed to navigate a drastic state-level finances reduce. Certainly one of his options was to lean into his community. He joined a Friday afternoon weekly name with all 19 school presidents in his state and located this extraordinarily helpful to collaborate and navigate collectively and be taught from others sitting in related chairs.

Brown additionally confronted finances points, however through the presentation (April 14, 2025), she acknowledged, “I didn’t wish to put these points on the backs of the employees.” Guided by her values of transparency and belief, she instituted furlough days as a substitute of resorting to layoffs.

Remaining Ideas: Main with Goal

If there was a standard theme amongst what the panelists shared, it was that efficient management — as a president or any senior chief — is not about management or authority, however about constructing relationships, growing belief, and main strategically with each intention and care.

For incoming or aspiring leaders, hopefully, these classes described can function a roadmap of kinds: Put together completely, hear generously, lead with authenticity, and permit your self grace to be taught alongside the journey.