Leading by Example: Building a Culture of Collaboration and Integrity

Leadership Journey: Tom shares his path to the superintendency, emphasizing the pivotal figures—“giants”—whose shoulders he stood on.

• Athletics and Leadership: Lessons from sports shaped his understanding of teamwork, resilience, and effective systems.

• Innovative Communication:

1. Tom focuses on meeting the community where they are with creative outreach methods.
2. The role of vertical video, focus groups, and quick response tools in engaging families and receiving feedback.

• Tom weaves together 30+ funding sources to support district initiatives and sustain improvements.

• Hands-On Leadership: Tom exemplifies a “lead from the front” mentality, taking on tasks from classroom cleaning to administrative problem-solving.

• Building leadership teams at all levels, empowering teachers to co-create school improvement plans and allocate resources.

• Balancing Work and Life: Tom discusses fitness, family adventures, and discovering joy through his daughter’s love of fine arts.
 

Key Takeaways for Leaders:

1. Transparent Communication: Build trust by clearly explaining decisions and inviting feedback.

2. Hands-On Leadership: Be willing to step into any role, setting an example for others to follow.

3. Resourceful Thinking: Navigate funding challenges creatively by blending multiple sources.

4. Empowering Teams: Develop leadership at every level and encourage shared decision-making.

5. Integrity as a Legacy: Focus on doing the right thing consistently, even when it’s challenging.

Learn more about Oakridge Public Schools.

Connect with Tom Livezey on LinkedIn 

Connect with Randy Lindquist on LinkedIn