Public education systems face big challenges. Some want to blow up existing systems while others see no need for change at all. The portfolio district strategy is built on the idea that public education is a goal and not a particular governance model or set of operating arrangements.

I have a new opinion piece at the @the74.bsky.social about what struggling school systems can learn from the transformation of public education in Denver, Colorado. Transformative change does not come easily, but dramatic improvement is possible.

www.the74million.org/article/how-...

Education systems are experiencing massive change. The Systems Leadership & Policy Institute is a 5-day seminar at the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs designed for leaders engaged in systems transformation and redesign. July 14 - 18, 2025 Learn more www.edsystemsleadership.org

We need courageous leaders at every level & in every system—leaders willing to speak the truth & face the future bravely. The #education systems we have are not the systems we need. Building systems for the future will take bold public leadership. Join us July 2025 edsystemsleadership.org #edpolicy

Change happens: "a picture of the eleven abandoned old country school buildings and the new central building in a Colorado common school district...Where the same district controls number of different schools the problem of consolidation is very much simplified." 1920 www.google.com/books/editio...

My mantra:

“Be tough, yet gentle, humble, but bold, swayed always by beauty and truth.”

-Bob Pieh, Founder Minnesota Outward Bound School