Brooke Olsen-Farrell, in her eighth year as Superintendent of the Slate Valley Unified School District in Fair Haven, VT, brings over two decades of diverse educational experience. She has served as a Middle and High School Science Teacher, Director of Curriculum for the Addison Rutland Supervisory Union, and Assistant Superintendent in the Mill River District. In 2018, she led her district through the aftermath of an averted school shooting, earning national recognition for her leadership and advocacy for school safety. In addition to her district leadership, Brooke actively contributes to the broader educational community. She serves on the Vermont School Crisis Planning Team, is President-Elect of the Vermont Superintendents Association, and sits on the Governing Board of AASA (The School Superintendents Association) and the Horace Mann League Board of Directors.
In today’s educational landscape, retaining and attracting talented, diverse professionals is one of the most significant challenges school districts face. Schools across the nation grapple with staffing shortages, which can strain resources and impact student outcomes. However, districts that prioritize building a thriving staff culture are not only overcoming these challenges—they are laying the foundation for long-term success.
A thriving staff culture is the cornerstone of student achievement. Schools are not just places of instruction but communities of belonging where diverse perspectives and practices are celebrated. Retention extends beyond hiring qualified professionals; it is about creating an environment where every staff member feels valued, supported, and inspired to grow.
Districts that embrace this approach have often weathered significant challenges, from safety crises and organizational restructuring to the seismic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These experiences underscore the importance of connection, care, and a strong culture. By focusing on these values, schools have seen remarkable results.
In many districts, retention rates have climbed due to intentional practices such as open communication, wellness-focused initiatives, and mentorship programs. Instructional coaching has emerged as a powerful tool to support educators. This approach fosters resilience by creating spaces where teachers can collaborate, share vulnerabilities, and grow together.
Leadership also plays a critical role in cultivating a shared sense of purpose and responsibility. Setting measurable goals for recruitment and retention, while fostering an environment of care, ensures that staff feel heard, appreciated, and empowered. Personalized support—ranging from mental health resources to opportunities for professional growth—has become a hallmark of successful school districts.
As districts look to the future, leadership development has become a key priority. With seasoned leaders nearing retirement, mentorship programs, training initiatives, and wellness support are vital for nurturing the next generation of educational leaders. Supporting leadership teams creates a ripple effect that strengthens the entire school community. Other than teachers, principals have the second greatest impact on student achievement. Leadership matters.
Building connections with the broader community is another crucial component. Programs such as listening tours, community conversations, and outreach campaigns foster strong relationships with families and stakeholders. Celebrating collective successes through local media or community activities promotes pride and engagement within the school district. Schools are microcosms of the communities that they serve and as such a close partnership between the community and the school district is vital for success.
These people-first practices directly impact students. Districts that prioritize staff wellness, inclusion, and leadership development often see significant academic growth, even in challenging circumstances. When educators are supported and thriving, their dedication and excellence translate into improved outcomes for students.
Ultimately, schools are more than workplaces—they are communities where educators, students, and families grow and succeed together. By embracing a culture that prioritizes care, connection, and shared purpose, school districts are not only addressing today’s challenges but also building a foundation for a brighter future. This commitment to people-first practices is not just a policy; it is a philosophy that lifts everyone within the educational community. Together, schools can create an environment where all members flourish, ensuring a hopeful future for generations to come.