Small Town, Big Decisions: Casey Hallgarth Leads with Heart in Rural Oregon

This week, Casey Hallgarth, Superintendent of the Baker School District in Baker City, Oregon, joins the podcast. 

Here are a few key takeaways:

  • Building relationships is paramount to successful leadership. Casey emphasizes the significance of authentic and genuine connections with staff, community members, and board members. 
  • Shared image of success. To promote a shared image of success, Casey believes in open communication and active listening. He suggests convening groups and “really listening to what they’re saying.” 
  • Walking the talk is crucial. Casey firmly believes in leading by example and aligning actions with words. This approach fosters trust and credibility within the school community.
  • “Will it help the kids?” Casey uses this simple yet powerful question as a guiding principle for decision-making. He explains, “…kids are why we’re here to make them better. period.” 
  • Networking and support are essential. Casey encourages aspiring leaders to build a strong network of support and seek guidance from experienced administrators. 

Casey Hallgarth’s insights provide valuable lessons for educational leaders at all levels. His emphasis on relationships, action-oriented leadership, and a child-centered approach offers a roadmap for creating a positive and thriving school environment.

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An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr

Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health.

Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal.

Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day.

MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL.

Go to overyondr.com to learn more.

 

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An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at www.imperfectleader.com.

Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley.

Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr.

Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health.

Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal.

Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to overyondr.com to learn more.

Imperfect Leaders! Are you facing challenges filling open Speech-Language Pathologist positions within your district? It’s a silly question, I know, because I know you are!

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An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at www.human-centeredleaders.com.

Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley.

Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.