What does it take to transform a school district from one of the lowest graduation rates in a state to one of the highest in the nation?
In this episode, George Couros sits down with Rick Surrency, elected superintendent of Florida's Putnam County School District and author of Trust Me: The Leadership Playbook Behind the Largest Graduation Rate Turnaround in America. Rick shares the remarkable story of how his district increased its graduation rate from 54.9% to 96.6% through a relentless focus on trust, relationships, instructional improvement, teacher support, and creating meaningful opportunities for students.
The conversation explores why trust is more than a leadership buzzword, how career-focused programs can transform student engagement, the importance of supporting teachers through mentorship, and why high expectations and innovation can thrive in any community, regardless of size or socioeconomic status.
Rick's story is a powerful reminder that meaningful change is possible when leaders consistently invest in people, build credibility through action, and create systems that help every student succeed.
Questions for Reflection and Conversation:
- How does trust influence your willingness to embrace change, whether as a student, educator, leader, or community member?
- What systems exist in your organization to identify and support people before they fall behind?
- How can schools create learning experiences that are both academically rigorous and deeply relevant to students' futures?
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📚 Books by George Couros:
Forward, Together:
https://a.co/d/99RGvl3
The Innovator's Mindset: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986155497?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
What Makes a Great Principal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334739?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20
Because of a Teacher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833433X?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
Because of a Teacher 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194833450X?tag=onamzgeorge0f-20
Innovate Inside the Box: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1948334127?ref=exp_gcouros_dp_vv_d
Music from Bensound - http://bensound.com/
