Facebook Linkedin




Change of Leader

What does it take to set a new leader and their school up for success?

THE CHALLENGE

Leadership changes are high-stakes moments. Without a structured transition, trust can erode, priorities can drift, and critical time can be lost.

New leaders are often expected to “figure it out,” while staff are wondering what’s next.

Our approach

Focused Schools facilitates a structured, inclusive process that lifts staff voice and equips incoming leaders to start strong with shared priorities and a clear path forward.

  • Elevates staff voice
  • Clarifies priorities
  • Launches with purpose

Let’s make leaders’ transitions moments of opportunity and strength.
Partner with us to support incoming leaders and empower school communities from day one.

Trust Building

Create a safe space for honest input, shared reflection, and strong first impressions.

Two-way communication

Establish a feedback loop between staff and leader to support alignment and follow through.

Shared Priorites

Identify what matters most to staff so leaders can focus energy on where it counts.

Intentional planning

Turn identified priorities into an actionable 30-day entry plan that sets the tone for success.

What the Process Looks Like

Who This Supports

  • Schools experiencing a leadership transition
  • Incoming leaders seeking clarity and early momentum
  • ILTs and staff who want their voices reflected in the plan
  • District leaders aiming for smooth, aligned transitions

Suport activites

  • Administration of survey and organization of data
  • Faciliated workshop to analyze data and identify priorities
  • Preparation of key messages for incoming leader
  • Planning session with principal to develop entry plan

Impact

  • Builds trust between staff and leadership from day one
  • Surfaces actionable insights and shared school priorities
  • Provides a clear, staff-informed entry plan
  • Ensures follow-through and structured next steps

Leadership matters. The right start shapes momentum, trust, and shared purpose.

Testimonials

 “The Change of Leader is a game changer! Whether you are a new or experienced administrator, the results and data from the Change of Leader are invaluable. It saved me countless hours of trying to figure out the glows and grows of my new school … It gave me starting points and benchmarks as I planned throughout the year. It is even more powerful when used with my Focused Schools coach. It helped guide our conversations, site walk focus, and crafting next steps.”
Principal

 “I thought the purposeful discussions and collaboration on what’s working, opportunities, and priorities were very meaningful to our staff and gave us time to really reflect on the positives as well as areas for growth. This also helps us appropriately and adequately relay these to our new principal in a prepared way.”
Workshop Participant

Align People. Focus Priorities. Drive Systemwide Progress.