Throughout my 24-year career in education, I have been privileged to facilitate and participate in leadership development experiences across the country, but the Leadership Circle Summit stands apart. This wasn’t just another professional learning event. It was a space where district leaders, board chairs, and system executives engaged in transformative dialogue about the most pressing challenges facing education today. It was a rare opportunity for leaders to step away from the daily grind and engage in deep, solution-oriented conversations.
The focus of the event was navigating turbulence and overcoming issues of conflict. We invited system leaders, not just in the public education space but also from charter organizations, independent schools, and state agencies. We invited these leaders to come with a partner from their governance team, for example, a school board chair and a superintendent. We had just over 20 teams with us, teams of two from around the country, to focus on strategies and the mechanics from a leadership perspective of navigating through turbulent waters and overcoming obstacles.
As a facilitator, my role was to create an environment where vulnerability and strategic thinking could coexist. From Solution Circles to Think Tanks and Triads, we created highly structured yet flexible protocols that encouraged critical reflection, collaborative problem-solving, and actionable insights. These formats aren’t just theoretical exercises; they are designed to mirror the real-world complexities of leading school districts in today’s polarized and resource-thin environment.
From Uncertainty to Clarity
Superintendents and board chairs arrived with a wide range of expectations, some eager to dive in, others uncertain about what the experience would hold. What became clear early on was that this was a highly engaged group of leaders, ready to address real challenges in real time with real solutions.
I walked away with effective strategies to address the issues I am dealing with in my district.
One participant, Dr. Walter Gonsoulin, reflected, “This was a great conference. It allowed me to meet and listen to other leaders from across the nation. The speakers were very relevant and experts in their area.” Another leader, Dr. Robbie Hooker, noted, “This Leadership Circle Summit was more practical, and I was able to speak with other leaders who are having similar issues. I walked away with effective strategies to address the issues I am dealing with in my district.”
A few participants admitted to being initially unsure of what to expect, but by the end, the overwhelming feedback was that they left feeling empowered, connected, and equipped with new strategies. One superintendent shared, “Honestly, I wasn’t sure what I signed up for. Now that the conference is complete, I am beyond satisfied.“ That kind of transformation—from uncertainty to clarity—is the hallmark of a successful leadership development experience.
Why Now?
The need for strong, strategic, and emotionally intelligent leadership in education has never been greater. Across the country, superintendents are navigating political divisions, staffing shortages, declining enrollment, and increasing community expectations. Many feel isolated in their roles, struggling to find trusted spaces to explore challenges without judgment.
This summit was designed to break that isolation. Through structured discussions, leaders found community among peers who truly understand the weight of their responsibilities. As Cynthia Wright put it, “I will be a better leader because of the leadership skills taught here.”
One of the most impactful components was the Solution Circles—a structured discussion format where leaders presented real, pressing challenges and received insightful, strategic feedback from peers. One participant noted, “I was hesitant at first, not knowing what to expect, but I found it to be an incredibly valuable exercise.” Another commented, “Really challenged my thinking and got me out of my head.”
Think Tanks, another core component of the summit, provided space for deep dives into broader systemic issues. These sessions pushed participants beyond surface-level discussions, leading to actionable takeaways they could implement immediately upon returning to their districts.
Direct Access to Experts
One of the most unique and invaluable aspects of the Leadership Circle Summit is the opportunity for participants to not only hear from nationally recognized experts but to actually work with them on solving their most urgent leadership challenges. This isn’t a traditional conference where experts speak and then disappear—they are embedded in the work, sitting in a circle, guiding discussions and helping leaders arrive at real solutions.
This year, we had the privilege of hosting AJ Crabill, Amanda Ripley, and our President and CEO, Dr. Mark Elgart, who are all known for their expertise in governance, conflict resolution, and system-wide transformation.
- AJ Crabill, an expert in effective governance, engaged leaders in practical discussions on improving board-superintendent relationships and navigating high-stakes decision-making. One participant said, “AJ was brilliant—his insights on governance and leadership challenged me to rethink how I engage with my board and community.”
- Amanda Ripley, a journalist and researcher specializing in conflict resolution, provided a deep dive into navigating leadership in polarized environments. One superintendent reflected, “Amanda changed my life! She was practical, honest, and inspiring. I walked away with real strategies to de-escalate conflict in my district.”
- Dr. Mark Elgart, CEO of Cognia, brought a national perspective on school improvement and accreditation, framing how districts can move from compliance-driven leadership to strategic, student-centered governance.
Having these experts actively engage in work was a game-changer. Leaders weren’t just listening to theories—they were applying them in real-time with the very people who are shaping the national conversation on effective school leadership.
Building Trust and Driving Action
Facilitating this summit required more than just leading discussions, it demanded a balance of structure and openness, ensuring that participants felt heard and challenged. My goal was to create a space where leaders could be honest about their struggles and walk away with tangible solutions.
Talking (and problem-solving) collectively truly engages and empowers the professional mindset.
The real magic happened in small-group settings, where leaders openly discussed conflict resolution, governance struggles, and stakeholder engagement. One superintendent shared, “Talking (and problem-solving) collectively truly engages and empowers the professional mindset.” Another noted, “Managing conflicts is our work.”
As a facilitator, I witnessed moments of deep reflection and collaboration. I saw leaders reframe their approach to governance, identify new pathways for solving community challenges, and forge long-term professional connections that will continue beyond this one event.
Looking ahead, we will refine and enhance the experience even further. Based on participant feedback, we are considering adjustments to session pacing, adding more role-alike groups, and integrating deeper reflections on high-conflict leadership situations. These refinements will ensure that future summits continue to meet the evolving needs of today’s education leaders.
Final Reflections
As I reflect on the Leadership Circle Summit, I am reminded why this work matters. Leadership, especially in today’s educational landscape, is about navigating complexity with wisdom and courage. This summit is not just an event, it is a lifeline for leaders seeking clarity, community, and action-oriented solutions.
The words of Dr. Calvin Watts capture it best, “This was a wonderful opportunity to connect and engage with like-minded leaders! I appreciated the concept and the content associated with the Leadership Circle Summit. Thank you for providing this opportunity.”
If you are a K-12 system leader looking for a transformational leadership development experience, I invite you to join us next year. The work of leading through turbulence is not easy, but together, we can rise to the challenge and help all students dream with their eyes open.
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