Heath Morrison Superintendent

As legislatures across the country get set to resume their business, the issue of school choice, especially in Republican controlled bodies, continues to be a topic of interest. The “choice movement” in public education is not new, and many states have already adopted laws allowing parents more options to access private and charter schools, online […]

Each January, school districts across the country acknowledge the work of their local school boards, comprised of the public servants who have committed themselves to governing school districts and advancing student achievement in the communities they serve. While it is always commendable for a school district and superintendent to model an “attitude of gratitude” for […]

Last year there was a surge of leaders leaving the superintendency. This year, the number is expected to dramatically increase. While the tenure of superintendents, especially in urban districts, has always been an issue, the surge of individuals leaving the profession is deeply concerning. While there has been much attention, rightfully so, about the very […]

“Great schools have great principals.” That slogan has been around for a long time, but it is a truism that continues to be relevant today. There are numerous research studies that speak to the impact of effective principals on school quality, teacher retention, and improved student learning. Having led three school districts in different parts […]

A superintendent wears many “hats” in their role as the leader of a school district. From academic instruction, to the operations and finances of the organization, the superintendent must have a broad set of skills and expertise that makes them a successful leader in these areas. One skill that is also critical for a superintendent […]

Many people who know me are often surprised when I reference cooking shows when discussing leadership, which is, without a doubt, due to my self-described “palate of a three-year old.” While I may not eat a lot of what I observe on these cooking shows, I am always struck by the leadership lessons that can […]

Schools across the nation are gearing up for the new school year. For leaders in education, the start of a new school year presents new opportunities to re-think how to best support teachers as they deliver a quality academic program that meets the needs of all students in our communities. Ideally, district and campus leaders […]

State lawmakers across the country are gearing up for their next legislative sessions, which in most states begin in January or February. In upcoming state legislative sessions, there will almost certainly be a significant number of proposals that would have an impact on public education. Everything from finance and budgeting issues, curriculum, safety, testing, vouchers, […]

I have had the honor of helping a number of aspiring superintendents secure their first position leading a district. As I work with these leaders, I always start with what type of district they are looking for – large, small, urban, rural, etc. Geography is always important, and other factors such as compensation, prestige, and […]

In the May 2022 Texas uniform election, 124 school districts across the state asked voters to approve bond elections for various capital projects. Of the 124 districts that called for bond elections, there were a total of 205 ballot propositions. Despite the varying needs presented by school districts, a record low number of ballot propositions […]