It’s the start of a new calendar year, and for many of us in school leadership, it’s also a fresh term. It’s the perfect time to take stock of where we’re investing our time and energy. Here’s the big question I want to challenge you with:
Are you prioritizing student learning, achievement, and the overall experience of your students and parents? Or are you letting distractions pull you away from what matters most?
Don’t get me wrong—staffing issues, internal conflicts, and operational hurdles need our attention. But if we’re spending more time on those than we are on student success and parent satisfaction, we might need to realign our focus.
Where’s Your Time Going?
If you’re anything like me, some days feel like a never-ending whirlwind of meetings, emails, and “urgent” crises. But here’s a truth I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way): what we prioritize as leaders sets the tone for our entire school.
Ask yourself:
• How much of my time is spent directly improving student outcomes?
• Am I regularly engaging with parents to understand their experiences?
• Have I been visible and present in classrooms, hallways, and school events?
If these areas aren’t getting enough attention, don’t beat yourself up—you’re not alone. But now is the time to make a change.
Why Student and Parent Focus Matters Most
At the end of the day, schools exist for one purpose: to provide a safe, engaging, and successful learning environment for students. And guess what? Parents are watching. They notice when leadership is invested in their children’s growth—and when we’re not.
Here’s why focusing on student achievement and parent satisfaction is non-negotiable:
1. Students thrive when leaders are invested in their success. When we prioritize academic achievement and overall well-being, it shows in their results and engagement.
2. Parents are our partners. Their trust and satisfaction fuel the school’s reputation and culture.
3. A strong focus on students and parents inspires staff. When teachers see that leadership values learning above all, it motivates them to bring their best to the classroom.
How to Realign Your Focus
If you’re feeling pulled in a hundred directions, here are some practical steps to shift your priorities:
1. Audit Your Calendar.
Look at last term. How much of your time was spent on student achievement or engaging with parents versus dealing with internal issues? Block out regular time each week to focus on these priorities.
2. Be Visible Where It Counts.
Make a habit of walking through classrooms, talking with students, and connecting with parents during drop-offs or school events. Visibility equals accountability.
3. Set Goals That Center Students and Parents.
What measurable steps can you take this term to improve student outcomes and parent satisfaction? Whether it’s boosting assessment scores or holding more parent forums, put it on your priority list.
4. Empower Others to Handle Operational Issues.
Delegate where you can. Trust your team to manage the logistics and day-to-day issues so you can focus on the big picture.
Your Challenge for the New Year
I get it—school leadership is demanding, and there’s always something competing for your attention. But as you plan for this term, I challenge you to intentionally prioritize what matters most: student learning and achievement, and student and parent satisfaction.
This isn’t just about doing your job well—it’s about leading with purpose. Let’s commit to being the kind of leaders who always keep students and parents at the heart of every decision we make.
So, how will you realign your focus this year? Share your thoughts or strategies in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re tackling this challenge!
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Dr. Howard Stribbell
COSA Founder