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How this Calm Principal Went from New Campus Leader to Administrator of the Year

Author

Danny Bauer
April 20, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Hey — It’s Danny.

In today’s episode:

  • The secret to high performance.

  • Demetrius (in the mastermind) earned Principal of the Year. Congrats 🎉

  • What the former of CEO of Google is predicting in the next 5 years (you want to know since you are preparing kids for the future)

  • 3 awesome journal questions to use tonight

  • And more

First time reading? Sign up here and join 5,412 Ruckus Makers Doing Do School Different 🎉

OFF CAMPUS

Here we want to share the best content, news, and resources found this week. Add commentary, summaries or takeaways in 1-2 sentences. In this section we’ll feature our podcast, any content we produce on social, and other people too … Always promote the podcast first

A MESSAGE FROM THE TRANSFORMATIVE PRINCIPAL

THE PROBLEM SCHOOL LEADERS FACE EVERYDAY.

Administrative tasks eat up time that should go to instructional leadership. You want to focus on improving student outcomes, but paperwork keeps piling up.

For a principal, efficiency isn't optional.

Here’s what happens when you approach this strategically:

  1. You get back hours each week when routine tasks are automated

  2. You make better decisions using real-time data instead of month-old reports

  3. Communication becomes seamless across your school community

  4. Teachers feel supported to try new teaching approaches

  5. Your school stays adaptable to whatever changes come next

Ready to become more strategic and efficient? Check out the Transformative Principal Newsletter below.

DO SCHOOL DIFFERENT

After Inheriting a High School Campus a Few Years Ago, This Leader Is Principal of the Year

When Demetrius Ball inherited his high school a few year ago, he recognized a critical need for change. Today, he's Principal of the Year for 2025 in his region.

His secret to transformation? Being present.

"They call me Batman because you never know where I'm going to pop up," Demetrius laughs.

"I hate being in my office. Why would I be there when great teaching and learning is happening elsewhere?"

The results speak volumes.

Student engagement metrics have improved year after year. More students report they feel connected to school and find their learning meaningful.

But leadership transformation doesn't happen in isolation.

"It's lonely as a school administrator," Demetrius admits. "You can't brainstorm with everybody. Because folks will take what you say thinking out loud and start telling everyone 'we're doing this.'"

That's where The Ruckus Maker Mastermind became his secret weapon.

Every Wednesday, Demetrius connects with fellow visionary principals from across the country. It's a space where he can test ideas, get honest feedback, and discover new strategies without judgment.

"This is the best investment I've made in my leadership," he says. "I don't know if I'd be Principal of the Year if it weren't for the folks I'm connected with in the mastermind."

The weekly cadence provides consistency in an otherwise chaotic profession.

"When there's nothing else to be excited about, I know each Wednesday we're getting together. I also know I'll leave the mastermind a better leader."

His advice for principals struggling with isolation and endless demands?

"Community fuels confidence. Reach out to the mastermind because it's been a game changer for me."

Ready to take your leadership to the next level?

See why Demetrius calls the mastermind “The best investment I’ve made in my leadership.” We have multiple cohorts throughout the week. Connect with other innovative leaders who want to see you win.

TIP OF THE WEEK

The Ruckus Maker's Guide to Post-Spring Break Revival

Spring break is over, but you can still feel great as a school leader.

How? Practice the "fundamentals."

Most principals sprint toward summer like they're being chased by a pack of caffeinated kindergartners. But you're not a Play-It-Safe-Principal. You're a Ruckus Maker.

Clients of ours resonate with the idea that “you can’t pour from an empty cup. Don’t operate on empty when you could be full.

Leadership should be fun and energizing. Not draining and soul crushing.

The secret to maintaining your energy is found in mastermind “the fundamentals.”

  • Eating: Power up with high-quality food (not Hot Cheetos and Red Bull).

  • Sleeping: 7-8 hours every night (research shows this is the case)

  • Moving: 8-10K steps or whatever your fitness jam is (boost your mood / lower stress).

  • Meditation: Pause. Breathe. Look within. (Experience a moment of peace. Prayer works here too.).

  • Unplug: The email can wait and social scrolling has little benefit (The district and your campus will survive).

  • Connection: Call a friend. Even better: Hang out in person (Social connections matter).

  • Sunlight: Get some Vitamin D each day (Yes, even in the courtyard during lunch duty. One of my counselors admired how I would eat and read in the courtyard).

It's impossible to Do School Different when your personal energy tank reads EMPTY.

When a leader comes to me questioning if they can go on...

When they're drowning in spring testing prep, budget meetings, and end-of-year madness...

I give them this list. It's a game changer.

(If you’d like a coaching video and actual template you can fill out, download for free below)

ALBA

Long naps in the car after long hikes outside.

CLASS DISMISSED

How to Prep for Next Year. Get Ready to Do School Different.

Bad news: I decided to cancel our Ruckus Maker summer event.

Good news: You can get year-long support in the mastermind.

Our current members are putting their mastermind membership into next year’s budget. You should too.

Who this group is for:

  • You’re committed to continuous growth.

  • You can’t stop thinking of how education can evolve.

  • You’re sick of leading in ISOLATION and want to learn from other highly effective leaders.

  • You are open-minded, curious, and want feedback on how to become even more effective.

  • You love to implement ideas and take action.

  • You want access to practical tools that will create positive results on your campus.

Who this group is NOT for:

  • You struggle asking for help or admitting when you make a mistake.

  • You are a lone wolf.

  • You lack time (we meet an hour a week).

  • You lack financial resources to fund your membership.

  • You talk more than you take action.

  • You don’t see how education can evolve (and are comfortable with the status quo).

  • You already have a coach, mentor, or strong network of colleagues who can help you when you need it most.

Keep Making a Ruckus,

PS … set up an exploration call if you’d like to discuss how we can help you Do School Different next year.

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