As we welcome the month of August, educators across the country are transitioning between squeezing in a few more vacation days and preparing for the next school year. What happened to those long, slow summer days of childhood?! 

I certainly miss my childhood days when the lack of cable TV meant we spent our time running around the playgrounds of New York City. Those were the days of impromptu music festivals with the likes of the late, great Tito Puente who would show up in my South Bronx neighborhood to play the timbales with his friends. As word spread, people would bring their guitars, trumpets, tambourines and guiros down the elevators of the John Adams housing projects, to play along. Those are great memories!

We experience so much throughout our lives, and a reminder of years past can cause us to pause and think about what we spend our time and days on now. This has been a difficult year on so many levels, as we have been thrown into chaos by a federal administration that thrives in unrest as evidenced by the huge increases in immigration raids at worksites, federal troop presence in our cities, funding cuts to education, medicaid, and safety net programs for the most vulnerable. It feels unreal, and yet, as a nation, we have been here many times, even if each iteration looked slightly different. 

As the nation is thrown into chaos by intentional policy manipulation and power grabs, we are all wondering where to focus our engagement. While as an individual we cannot attend to all civic conflicts that are disrupting equity and fairness, each of us can lead intentionally and lovingly from our seats of influence to create a collective momentum focused on a more just and loving society. We can choose to act in love and kindness to those around us. This is the time to focus on what truly matters. Check on your neighbor, be a supportive friend, do things in community. Unless we ground ourselves in our shared humanity locally and as part of a global society, we can so easily be blinded to injustices in our pursuit of things that serve only the self. How are the people in your community really doing?

As you consider your work ahead, ask yourself, what is the most salient object in your view that is determining your pursuits? 

As you peruse this edition of Stories We Must Tell, I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities to meet up under the flamboyan and continue to be and act in community.

In Love,

Christina

By Dr. Anna Battle, Deputy Superintendent

Roosevelt School District, AZ

When Women Lead 2025 Session Presenter

Across the country, public education stands at a pivotal moment. In an era when entire departments of education are shuttering, vital funding is under threat, and thousands of support roles have disappeared, communities are questioning whether they can still trust their local schools. At the same time, the professional expertise, ethics, and dedication of educators are increasingly challenged in the public square. 

What has driven this crisis of trust? The reasons are complex, but a significant factor is the breakdown of alignment between school governing boards and district leadership. When boards and superintendents fail to share common goals, collaboration gives way to conflict. Too often, critical conversations about how to improve student outcomes are replaced by blame and division leaving students and families caught in the crossfire. 

Board members pursue these roles for many reasons. Some genuinely wish to strengthen schools but enter with misconceptions about what needs fixing. Others see a seat on the board as a pathway to higher office, where the political spotlight can overshadow the educational mission. For some superintendents, the position is a call to lead meaningful, measurable growth for every learner. Yet for others, the role can drift toward political maneuvering or maintaining the status quo for self-preservation. 

The real challenge and opportunity lies in how both sides choose to lead. Restoring trust requires courage, humility, and a steadfast commitment to listen, learn, and stay focused on students above all else. Governing boards must resist actions that breed further division or erode confidence in public schools. Superintendents must refuse to settle for underperformance or shrink from the hard work of transformative change. 

Where trust falters, student outcomes suffer. Where trust is rebuilt, student achievement can thrive. Effective governance means setting clear, shared priorities, establishing goals and guardrails, and holding each other accountable—together. It means seeking out honest conversations, engaging the community as partners, and letting research and data guide decisions rather than personal interests. 

If board members and superintendents stand united in their purpose—championing high-quality teaching and learning for every student—schools can deliver the excellence families expect and communities deserve. The path forward is not easy, but the stakes are too high for anything less than collective, courageous leadership. 

When boards and superintendents lead as one, students win. And when students win, trust is restored. 

Meet your 2026 When Women Lead Conference Planning Committee — a powerhouse group of women leaders who bring a wealth of experience, insight, and heart to the table. These remarkable women have not only attended past conferences but have also led impactful sessions and deeply listened to your feedback. Their mission? To continue to craft a 2026 experience that’s inspiring and transformative. They’re here to make sure
When Women Lead continues to grow in all the right ways — because when women lead, we all rise!

Executive coaching offers a powerful opportunity to strengthen your leadership capacity and expand your impact on the students, families, and communities you serve. At Voice4Equity, we provide confidential, personalized coaching to support your growth—whether you’re navigating a new role, managing complex change, or refining your leadership approach. We partner with Superintendents, Cabinet-level leaders, and school-based administrators transitioning to district leadership. Our goal is to meet you where you are and help you lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Reach out to learn how we can support your journey.