Growing Leaders, Growing Results: Reflections from a New School Year

The summer truly flew by — and as the new school year begins, I’ve been reflecting on the incredible growth I’ve witnessed in emerging school leaders and the positive ripple effects on student success.

This year, I had the privilege of seeing nine new assistant principals step into their roles — seven of whom came through our Dean pipeline program. Part of their preparation included SchoolSims leadership simulations, which provided a safe space to practice decision-making before they faced those challenges in real life.

It has been inspiring to watch the Aspiring Leaders program flourish. Out of the 16 participants in the most recent cohort, seven have already been selected for Dean positions this school year. Like the assistant principals, they worked through complex, real-world scenarios with SchoolSims, building confidence and judgment skills they’ll carry into their leadership journeys.

In addition to leadership growth, our community has celebrated a historic milestone — an “A” rating from the Florida Department of Education for the first time in over 15 years. This didn’t happen by chance. It reflects the collective effort of dedicated educators who prioritize academic excellence, engaged families who actively support learning at home, strong community partnerships that enrich opportunities for students, and visionary leaders who are ready to meet challenges head-on while fostering the next generation of leaders.

Some standout moments that inspire me:

• More schools than ever earning an “A” rating.
• No “D” or “F” schools for the first time in over a decade.
• Extraordinary turnarounds, like schools jumping multiple letter grades in just one year.

For me, the takeaway is clear: when we invest in growing leaders by equipping them with the tools, experiences, and support they need, the benefits extend far beyond administrative roles and duties. They reach into every classroom, every student, and every family.

As we step into this new year, I am reminded that leadership development is not a one-time program, but an ongoing commitment that, through continuous professional learning, empowers leaders to create the conditions for excellence in teaching and learning, leading to meaningful gains in student achievement.

Brandy Hogue

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