Leading with Culture: Transforming New and Struggling Schools

About the Webinar:

This inspiring session shared the remarkable turnaround story of Cornerstone Classical Academy and the successful launch of Jacksonville Classical Academy’s Riverside Campus, demonstrating how intentional culture-building can transform struggling schools and establish strong foundations for new ones. Lindsay Randall, Nick Barker, Dawn Oehmann, and Edi Wohlgemuth presented a comprehensive framework for creating thriving school communities built on clearly articulated core values, consistent expectations, and genuine relationships. The presenters emphasized that culture isn’t created by accident—it requires deliberate planning, unified leadership, and relentless focus on what matters most. They shared how they established non-negotiables around academics, behavior, and community engagement, then aligned every aspect of their schools’ operations to support these priorities, from hiring decisions and professional development to daily routines and family communication.

The team provided practical, actionable strategies that attendees could implement immediately, including specific techniques for building staff cohesion, establishing predictable systems and structures, celebrating wins, and maintaining cultural consistency during periods of growth or challenge. They candidly discussed obstacles they encountered, such as resistance to change, staff turnover, and the complexities of serving diverse student populations, while demonstrating how staying committed to core values and investing in people helped them overcome these hurdles. The presenters highlighted the critical importance of selecting and developing leaders who embody the school’s mission, creating transparent accountability systems, and engaging families as true partners in the educational process. Participants left with concrete tools, real examples, and renewed conviction that transformational change is possible when leaders prioritize culture as the foundation for all other improvement efforts.