Blog

Take a ‘deep dive’ into your district through a climate and culture study

Rick NoblesAug 25, 20222 min read

Looking to do a “deep dive” into what is really happening in the various buildings around your school district? Now, is the time to do a climate and culture study. These surveys provide you with contextual data, so both students and staff may perform at optimum levels. Topics include leadership…

What’s the big deal?

Rick NoblesAug 2, 20222 min read

By Rick Nobles I recently celebrated my birthday, and it was not a big deal. Although it was a milestone birthday – 65 – which means I get $2 off my next haircut at Great Clips and some other swell discounts, it still was not a big deal. To me.…

Listening Sessions provide great data

Rick NoblesApr 20, 20222 min read

We recently were hired by a long-time client to conduct internal research about employee perceptions on a variety of topics. We used virtual Listening Sessions via Zoom combined with a real-time online survey to hear from 19 different leadership and staff groups. And the findings have been remarkable. First, we…

The importance of gathering patron input on school district decisions

Rick NoblesMar 2, 20223 min read

By: Matt Deichmann, APR One of the things I do know – is you don’t know what you don’t know! District administrators and Board members often make assumptions about the thoughts and feelings of all stakeholders based on the feedback from a small group of individuals they know well. To…

Steps for success at the ballot box

Rick NoblesFeb 9, 20221 min read

According to the latest figures from Bloomberg, municipal bond elections (which include school district elections) passed at a rate of only 55%. What does that mean for you? It means your odds of passing a bond issue in November are basically a coin flip. To increase your chances for success:…

Successful strategic planning equals better outcomes, greater sense of ownership

Rick NoblesFeb 1, 20222 min read

Strategic planning comes in many forms and shapes.  At best, strategic planning is the map your school district will use to get you where you want to go. At worst, strategic planning is a tome that sits on a shelf gathering dust – and forgotten, until a new, five-year cycle…