Working Inside the System to Change the System
Navigating Power, Harnessing Possibility: Sneak Peek #5
Photo Description: In white lettering with a teal background, a quote from Jennifer Cheatham that says, "This book – practical, timely, and wise- is exactly what education leaders need to be reading right now. The concept of contextual intelligence is crucial at every level– state, district, and school. Knowing who you are in relationship to the community you serve will unlock nuanced approaches to leading change. I can’t wait to use this book in my own teaching about education leadership.”
Sneak Peek #5-Chapter Four:
It’s budget season for school districts across the country, and the majority of districts I’ve spoken with over the past year are facing similar fiscal challenges. That means the next few months will require some difficult decisions for district leaders and school boards. Some districts are eliminating positions, while others are consolidating schools, all in an effort to keep their systems functioning in a tight economy.
Depending on your role within a school system, you may have more or less direct influence over which programs and initiatives receive funding. But regardless of your position, it’s important to understand where the money is going. I say in chapter 4 of Navigating Power, Harnessing Possibility: A Guide for Leading Schools Through Uncertain Times, “Regardless of whether the budget is tight or flush, how a district chooses to spend its money tells you a lot about its priorities.”
In the book, I introduce a strategy I call “watch the wallet.” It’s a reminder that budgets are more than spreadsheets—they are expressions of what a system values. Paying attention to funding patterns can help you better understand the priorities shaping your work and your school community.
Here is a reflection prompt and activity to help you begin practicing this strategy:
Reflection Question: How are district spending decisions likely to impact my school’s staffing, programming, or partnerships?
Activity: Pull the last three district budgets. Highlight which areas consistently grow, shrink, or remain stable. Ask yourself: What priorities do these patterns reveal?
When you learn to “watch the wallet,” you gain clearer insight into how power and priorities are actually operating within your systems, and that clarity can help you navigate decisions with greater intention.
Thank you for your engagement. I welcome your comments, questions, and partnership as you lead through uncertain times.
Next on Friday, March 20th is Sneak Peek #6 focused on Chapter 5…
Pre-Orders Now Open!
You can now preorder your copy of Navigating Power, Harnessing Possibility: A Guide for Leading Schools Through Uncertain Times!!! These early sales are important, so I appreciate all of the support! Be on the lookout for offers for early buyers in the upcoming weeks.
Other Writings within Leading-Within!
Every month, I write about what’s happening in the world for me, share an interview with a leader of the global majority, and provide a rundown of what I’m reading, listening to, and watching. Issue #69 -Gray is the latest one.
I’ve developed system-level actions to support the individual competencies introduced in Leading-Within Systems of Inequity in Education, and I’m previewing them as a lead-up to the 3rd anniversary of the book’s publication. The first seven actions are available with the latest one here.
Ways to Partner with Leading-Within, LLC:
Strategic Partnership: Individual coaching and group training for system and school-level leaders who need support in navigating the informal and formal political structures within their organization and community
Resource Development: Develop tools and strategies for leaders of the global majority and those developing their contextual intelligence
Research & Writing: Partner with districts, universities, and organizations to help them assess and document best leadership practices across the diaspora
Reach out to mary@mriceboothe.com to discuss more.
If this is your first time reading, please go back and read my Introductions post.
Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think. If you like it, please share it with your network and don’t forget to hit the “heart” button and leave a comment.