Empowering communities to advance educational equity.
Why We Exist
Imagine an education ecosystem that lifts every child of every race, socioeconomic status, language, and ability to reach their boldest and brightest dreams.
Our current education system is failing students of color and other marginalized communities. So, together, we must create lasting conditions for an equitable education system that rises to meet the needs of all students.
Our movement is cultivating bold education advocates and school leaders who are laser-focused on improving student outcomes.
Our kids are counting on us.
Who We Are
Leadership ISD empowers communities and school leaders to create a more equitable education system that effectively serves all children. Through leadership training, coalition building, and trustee engagement, we build and support ecosystems of trust and accountability that lead to higher-functioning school boards and ultimately improved outcomes for all students. Together with our network, we are transforming public education to ensure every student is prepared to reach their boldest and brightest dreams.
Our Impact
2590
community leaders trained
517
coalition members mobilized
264
trustees and candidates supported
28
policies and practices changed
What We Do
We support engagement, communication, and accountability between communities and school boards.
Leadership Training
We equip community leaders with the skills, mindset, relationships, and experiences needed to become changemakers in their school communities.
HOW WE DO IT: Civic Voices Fellowships
Coalition Building
We engage stakeholders and partners with effective tools and information to advance equitable education policies and practices that improve student outcomes.
HOW WE DO IT: Community Forums, Partner Collaboratives, and School Board Accountability
Trustee Development & Support
We prepare aspiring, newly-elected, and tenured school board trustees to govern effectively and take actions that are racially equitable, student-centered, and outcomes-focused.
HOW WE DO IT: Ready to Lead Academy and One-on-One Coaching
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“If you want to have a deeper understanding of our local public education successes and challenges, and meet a cohort of phenomenal people making a difference in this space, this is the program for you.”
— Joe Carreon (Civic Voices '17), Lawyer and Dallas ISD Trustee District 8
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"If you want to take this seriously, you have to be willing to do the work. Ready to Lead is an effective way to get prepared for the challenges you will face as a trustee. Ready to Lead taught me about board governance before I sat in the seat and it opened up a good network of resources that I would need as a trustee.”
— Rachel McGowan (Ready to Lead '22), Richardson ISD Trustee District 5
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"Leadership ISD contributed to my success in too many ways to count. My experience brought me substance, knowledge, and encouragement. But it’s the lifelong relationships with incredible people that really prepared me for what the role would entail. Without Leadership ISD, there would not have been any running for school board."
— Quinton “Q” Phillips (Civic Voices ‘18), Fort Worth ISD Trustee District 3
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“I knew there were inequities and discrepancies, but by doing a deep dive into the outcome data, it made me more driven to address those inequities and it helped me realize the importance of my work. Additionally, Leadership ISD gave me the tools to better advocate for students at a governance level.”
— Robyn Brown (Civic Voices ‘22), Co-Founder and CEO of Bold Idea
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“Leadership ISD has taught me new ways to improve the public education system and create social change in my community….I have grown in my confidence personally and professionally, and have been given the knowledge and understanding I need to be a catalyst for change. I am forever grateful for Leadership ISD."
— Maria Mason (Civic Voices ‘20), Realtor and Community Advocate
Stay Connected with Us!
Join our network of education advocates today! If you would like to stay connected to Leadership ISD and its work, please subscribe to our newsletter.
