Episode 394

full
Published on:

25th Apr 2025

Plumbing Before Poetry: A Superintendent’s Story of Building Systems for Culture Change

Summary: Join C.T. and guest Ed Pelfrey, Superintendent of Sonora Union High School District in California, as they discuss how intentional systems and a focus on relationships have driven real improvement in this rural district. This conversation highlights how Sonora’s staff used data-driven goals, frameworks like the Four Disciplines of Execution, and a collaborative approach to boost student attendance and engagement-making Sonora High School one of the top-performing rural schools in the state

Key Takeaways:

  • Intentional Systems Drive Success: Implementing clear, structured systems helps the district focus efforts and track progress effectively.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Regularly monitoring attendance and engagement data allows staff to identify issues early and respond proactively.
  • Use of Proven Frameworks: Adopting frameworks like the Four Disciplines of Execution (4DX) and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) provides a roadmap for consistent improvement.
  • Building Strong Relationships: Prioritizing positive staff-student connections fosters a supportive environment that encourages student success.
  • Community Pride and Engagement: Leveraging community identity and pride motivates students and staff, strengthening commitment to district goals.
  • Collaborative Leadership: Shared leadership and teamwork among staff create accountability and sustain momentum for change.
  • Focus on Attendance and Engagement: Targeting these key areas has led to measurable improvements in student outcomes and overall school performance.
  • Rural School Excellence: Sonora’s approach demonstrates that rural districts can achieve high performance through intentional strategies and community collaboration.


Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

1:30 Ed Pelfrey’s Background and Connection to Sonora Union High School District

4:00 Overview of Sonora Union High School District and Community Context

7:15 Challenges Facing the District and Initial Priorities

11:40 Implementing Intentional Systems for Improvement

15:50 Using Data to Drive Attendance and Engagement Efforts

20:30 Adoption of Frameworks: Four Disciplines of Execution (4DX) and MTSS

25:10 Building Positive Staff-Student Relationships

29:45 Leveraging Community Pride to Motivate Students and Staff

33:20 Collaborative Leadership and Shared Accountability

37:00 Measurable Outcomes and Progress in Student Success

41:15 Vision for Sustaining Growth and Excellence in a Rural District


Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Ed Pelfrey: linkedin.com/in/ed-pelfrey-3b43461a

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



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Engaging Leadership
Uncovering stories and strategies behind successful educational leadership
Each week we sit down with inspiring leaders who are transforming education and creating positive outcomes for students across the country.

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About your hosts

CheeTung Leong

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I'm committed to helping people live their best lives through work.

I'm one of the co-founders of EngageRocket, an HRTech SaaS startup and we are focused on helping organizations build empowered managers, engaged employees, and elite teams.

I'm a big nerd when it comes to economics and psychology and regularly use data and tech to help folks live their best lives.

I've been recognized by Prestige Magazine as one of the top 40 under 40 business leaders and have been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, Business Insider, and Tech in Asia.

Jim Kanichirayil

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Your friendly neighborhood talent strategy nerd is the producer and co-host for The HR Impact Show. He's spent his career in sales and has been typically in startup b2b HRTech and TA-Tech organizations.

He's built high-performance sales teams throughout his career and is passionate about all things employee life cycle and especially employee retention and turnover.