In Lancaster, we believe leadership is not something that happens by chance. It is nurtured, supported, and sustained. That belief is at the center of a new case study by the National Center on Education and the Economy (NCEE), which features the School District of Lancaster’s journey in Seeding Sustainable Leadership: The School District of Lancaster, PA.
This case study tells the story of how we built a sustainable, homegrown leadership pipeline, one where no leader grows alone. What began nearly a decade ago through a federal grant has evolved into a district-owned model that prepares, supports, and retains leaders who reflect our diverse community.
From the Principal Residency Pathway, developed in partnership with Millersville University, to our system of non-evaluative coaching and supervisory support, SDoL is investing in people at every stage of their leadership journey. The result is stronger retention, more representative leadership, improved school culture, and positive trends in student learning.
At the heart of this work is a simple belief that leadership is not born, it is grown. We are honored that our story is being shared nationally as a model for what’s possible when districts invest in cultivating their own leaders.