Creating a Culture of Excellence: A focus on student achievement and growth

Breakout Session
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This session will focus on three areas of instructional leadership that have transformed two districts—from performing below the top half of their respective CESAs to achieving “Significantly Exceeds Expectations” ratings and ranking in the top five within their CESAs. The three focus areas are: setting high expectations, using data through a “name and face” approach, and providing professional growth opportunities for staff. The session will include stories of both success and failure from the journey toward academic and student growth.

PRESENTER: Brett Stousland, Superintendent - Gibraltar Area School District

Brett Stousland is the Superintendent at Gibraltar Area Schools in beautiful northern Door County. With over 25 years of administrative experience in the U.S. and internationally (Cyprus & Croatia), he has served at all levels and in districts ranging in size from 300 to 4,000 students. His leadership journey spans rural, suburban, and international contexts, giving him a broad and nuanced understanding of what drives excellence in education. Known for his focus on instructional coherence, data-informed decision-making, and student-centered innovation, he has led schools through strategic improvement efforts that have elevated achievement and culture alike. A passionate advocate for staff development and community partnership, he brings practical wisdom, global perspective, and a relentless belief in what schools can accomplish when leadership is focused and inspired.

PRESENTER: Lauren Ward - Elementary Principal, 4K Director at Gibraltar Area Schools

Lauren Ward is the Elementary Principal and 4K Director at Gibraltar Area Schools in Fish Creek. With 20 years of experience in public education, she has served her community as a high school teacher, coach, advisor, school board member, and most recently, as an administrator. Ward was a Woodrow Wilson Fellow in MSOE's MBA program for Educational Leadership in 2017 and has served as an administrator at Gibraltar since 2022, after which time Gibraltar Elementary was named as a Wisconsin School of Recognition for High Achievement in 2024. Ward's change management philosophy is mostly aligned with her heroes Brené Brown, Don Miguel Ruiz, Ted Lasso, and Yoda. Data use, system structures, and high expectations are valuable, but only if there is consensus and good vibes for progress amongst the people doing the most important work - teachers.