Let the students know you are glad they're there! amazon.com/dp/0367622211

Great leaders are very choosy about what they pay attention to and what they ignore. They know if they want to standout from other Chefs, they must cook with different recipes. Read different books, podcast, newsletters, etc. Outperforms don’t travel the status quo path.

3 years ago, I left a traditional public school system in NC. Fast forward and I’ve had the best time of my life leading a public charter school and growing with leaders across the state of S.C. So thankful for new adventures and great support! Don’t give up on your dreams.

Introducing the 2024 Leadership Cohort! Today, the cohort enjoyed leadership lessons from SC Attorney General @agalanwilson, SC Supt. of Ed Ellen Weaver, and Dr. Newsome from Gray Collegiate Academy. We look forward to providing leaders with more educational experiences! S.C. Department of Education

Wednesday through Friday, I led a training session for educators on the SC ADEPT Evaluator Rubric. I am grateful for the engagement of educators from Charter Institute at Erskine, Spartanburg District 7, and Anderson.

“Anyone whose goal is ‘something higher’ must expect someday to suffer vertigo.Vertigo is something other than fear of falling. It is the voice of the emptiness below us which tempts and lures us, it is the desire to fall, against which, terrified, we defend ourselves.” M Kundera

This morning, Libertas Academy Boiling Springs hosted a Flag Raising Ceremony to kick off their inaugural year in their new building. Thank you to the Honorable Rita Allison and Senator Josh Kimbrell for speaking to honor this exciting occasion! #MoveTheNeedle @joshkimbrellsc

While great leaders believe in their abilities, they also understand that there’s always room for growth. They’re not afraid to admit when they don’t know something and see learning as an opportunity to improve, not as a sign of weakness. And they don’t hesitate to ask for help!

In this week's Superintendent Spotlight, Superintendent Runyan highlights Institute schools supporting one another as they recover from the effects of Hurricane Helene. Check out the Institute's "Healing from Helene" blog post to read more - tinyurl.com/helene-support.

Heading to Arizona with 20+ educators from Charter Institute at Erskine, committed to refining our leadership abilities and learning from other educational leaders. Our mission: providing high-quality education, with kids at the forefront.

Lead with a humble heart in all you do! God has a plan for each of us! Focus on helping others. #charterschools #Principal

During this season of giving, we join our Institute family in reflecting on what we've accomplished for the children of SC, & looking ahead to the exciting opportunities on the horizon. Read more in Superintendent Runyan's letter to School Leaders - tinyurl.com/cr-thanksgivin….

Great leaders spend the majority of their time focusing on the one thing that matters most. Weak leaders don’t focus on anything and try to be all things to all people. If you want to know what’s important to someone, look at their calendar and check book.

Feeling grateful this holiday season for the opportunity to work alongside such an amazing educator, Brad Teague. It's truly inspiring to partner with someone who shares the same vision and passion for supporting all children. #Teamwork #ChristmasCheer

SC students are outperforming national trends in NAEP results! 🚀 📊 4th graders excel in math (avg. 238) & reading! 📈 Economically disadvantaged students are making big gains! Let’s keep pushing forward, South Carolina 💪🏼

Warren Buffet once said, “In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don’t have the first one, the other two will kill you.” And he is spot-on!

If somebody is not meeting their performance standards, good leader gives them feedback. They let them know what they need to change. If they will not or cannot change, after an ample period of support and documentation, then they let them go.

It doesn’t work that way.

Turning around low performing schools is hard work and not for the faint of heart. The first step is a courageous principal that will not tolerate or give into the status quo. The second step is a courageous superintendent that will take care of step one. Step three—let’s talk!

Never forget: some people will criticize you for doing the right thing—even when it produces extraordinary results. The “yes, but” crowd often defends a status quo that serves their interests. Stay focused. Stay the course—for all children, not just a few.