In conversation #45, Dr. Erick Pruitt, Superintendent of Ankeny Community School District in Iowa shares how principal empowerment and accountability drives all professional learning decisions in his district. When superintendents hold a clear vision, commitment to operationalizing that vision, and a track record of implementation experience, great things can happen!

"I believe every school needs an effective principal; one capable of leveraging data to enhance both student experiences and outcomes. Over the past four years, the district has taken an intentional approach not only in supporting teacher development, but also in elevating principals as key drivers of instructional improvement. This includes helping them deeply analyze their school's data and encouraging them to request tailored support from the district.

Our principal support model draws from my experiences in Chicago and Houston, informed by the The Wallace Foundation's report on the importance of the principal supervisor role and the George W. Bush Institute and New Leaders report on creating district conditions that allow principals to be great. The reports emphasize the critical role of principal supervisors in building school leadership capacity to drive school improvement. By strengthening the skills and agency of both principals and their supervisors, we are building a foundation for sustained excellence that will endure well beyond my time in this role.

For example, early in my tenure, when a principal proposed looping teachers with students at his school, I emphasized that the cabinet’s role was not about giving permission, but rather to provide feedback, challenging him to consider potential consequences of this move and holding him accountable for his decisions. Similarly, we have shifted the district culture on addressing school and classroom concerns, activating principals as the primary problem-solvers. Principals and their leadership teams have the autonomy to establish systems that foster a positive culture among staff, students, and parents. This autonomy enables them to identify and address challenges throughout the school year with minimal district interference.

As I conclude my fourth year, I have developed a deeper appreciation for the value of beginning my career teaching and leading in large urban school systems. The lessons I learned there have been instrumental in guiding my leadership in Ankeny, a high performing district experiencing significant growth. As we implement our ambitious strategic plan, we are committed to both coaching and holding all staff accountable to ensure the right systems and people are in place. At the secondary level, we are evolving our approach to project-based learning and actively developing challenge-based learning experiences that further enrich educational opportunities for Ankeny students."