Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools central office leaders, managers, coordinators and specialists in the offices of Academic Performance and Student Services came together for a day of learning, collaboration, leadership development and professional growth at Palisades High School on Aug. 3 for a retreat themed “Reimagining Education: Excellence Without Exception.”

“The retreat focused on practices that strengthen schools, teams and student outcomes,” said Brian Elliott, executive director of Academic Performance. “Through sessions centered on school improvement, purposeful leadership, effective communication, trust-building, feedback, productive conflict, attendance, belonging, trauma-responsive practices, student reengagement and family partnerships, participants gained valuable insights and strategies to support success across our district.”

The approximately 300 participants at Monday’s event engaged in roundtables, breakout sessions led by educational leaders from across the nation and a fireside chat. Keynote speaker Dr. Bill Daggett, creator of the Rigor/Relevance Framework and the Rigor-Relevance-Resilience Learning Model, spoke about preparing students for their future, not our past.

The fireside chat panelists provided takeaways and strategies from the retreat participants should implement or remember as they enter into a new school year.

“Our students deserve leaders who will reimagine not just what’s possible, but what’s practical,” said Associate Superintendent of Student Services Dr. Patrice Faison in her closing remarks. “Thank you for your leadership, your partnership and your willingness to rethink what’s possible for every student we serve.”