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Demystifying the Merit System for California School and District Leaders
The merit system in California school districts can feel unfamiliar to leaders new to it—but understanding how it works is essential. This article explains the key rules, legal foundations, and leadership practices that guide classified hiring, promotion, and discipline in merit system districts.
Ryan Smith
Aug 26 min read
So You Want to Lead HR in a School District? Five Things I’ve Learned
HR is more than compliance and paperwork—it’s culture, strategy, and the people who make schools work
Ryan Smith
Jul 208 min read
AI in HR: Every Applicant, Every Role, Evaluated with Intention
AI won't replace human judgment in hiring, but it can help us make better decisions with greater equity, consistency, and clarity. When used thoughtfully, it ensures every candidate is reviewed fairly and aligned with what matters most: our students, our mission, and the future we're building together.
Ryan Smith
May 287 min read
From the Hardcourt to the Board Room: A District Leader’s Perspective on Coaching, Character, and Integrity
A district leader’s perspective on how high school coaches shape student-athletes, build character, and uphold integrity in athletics.
Ryan Smith
Apr 16 min read
Does Your District Need a Portrait of a Graduate?
Creating a "Portrait of a Graduate" ensures students are prepared for life beyond school by aligning district efforts with key competencies.
Ryan Smith
May 20, 20245 min read
Teacher Absenteeism is on the Rise: Five Ways Education Leaders Can Help
Teacher absenteeism appears to be increasing post-pandemic. Education leaders must identify the root causes and proactively address it.
Ryan Smith
Apr 8, 202410 min read
AI in HR: Evaluating for Synergy with Your Mission, Vision, and Core Values
AI can help HR teams develop tools that help determine a job candidate's synergy with a school district's mission, vision, and core values.
Ryan Smith
Mar 21, 20245 min read
AI in HR: Operationalizing Your Mission, Vision, and Core Values
Educational leaders can use AI to operationalize a district's mission, vision, and core values, enhancing key HR functions like recruitment.
Ryan Smith
Mar 7, 20247 min read
Opening the Door to Four-Year Colleges and Universities for More of California's High School Graduates
Half of California's high school graduates can't attend a four-year college or university. What can be done about it?
Ryan Smith
Feb 21, 20247 min read
The Power of Core Values in Educational Leadership
This is one of a series of articles for school and district leaders about strategic planning, organizational change, and how AI can be...
Ryan Smith
Jan 30, 20247 min read
High Dosage Tutoring Can Help Academic Recovery: Four Considerations to Keep in Mind as You Plan
The impact of school closures during the pandemic on student outcomes – including test scores , chronic absenteeism , and behavior –...
Ryan Smith
Jan 25, 20246 min read
Swatting incidents are on the rise. This is how school and district leaders can enhance school safety to be ready.
I will never forget October 13, 2022. The start of my second year as Superintendent of Schools in the Monrovia Unified School District in...
Ryan Smith
Jan 16, 20245 min read
Is it time to revisit your mission and vision? These five questions can help you decide.
This is one of a series of articles for school and district leaders about strategic planning, organizational change, and how AI can be...
Ryan Smith
Jan 13, 20246 min read
Does a popular reform for addressing equity in grading distort accuracy?
Equity-focused reforms to grading practices are needed. Does eliminating the "zero" from grades distort their accuracy?
Ryan Smith
Dec 28, 20236 min read
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