Getting Smart Podcast How Can We Create Dynamic, High-Performing, Well-Regarded School Systems? | Don Haddad
Jul 9, 2025
Don Haddad, retiring superintendent of St. Vrain Valley Schools, revolutionized his district by prioritizing equity and opportunity. He discusses transforming education through community trust and a shift from a deficit mindset. Haddad emphasizes innovative pathways, like STEM and career technical education, that boosted graduation rates, particularly for first-generation learners. He also touches on the importance of transparency in leadership and collaborative policy advocacy to create relevant school accreditation systems, all aimed at fostering a high-performing educational environment.
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Vision Aligns Education with Global Change
- Don Haddad redefined public education by aligning it with rapid global changes like technology breakthroughs.
- His vision focused on innovation layered onto a strong academic foundation to prepare students for a complex world.
Use Contribution, Not Deficit Mindset
- Approach school funding with a contribution mindset, emphasizing what schools offer the community, not just what they need.
- Build trust by delivering on promises instead of continually asking for help and resources.
Harness Competitiveness Positively
- Leadership and mindset are crucial; competitiveness shifted from individual to a system-wide team effort.
- Friendly competition within schools raises overall system performance and prepares students for a global economy.