After STAAR, Then What?

Right now campuses are focused on one thing. STAAR. You can see it in the hallways and feel it in leadership meetings. Everyone is pushing toward those testing days. And they should be.

But here’s what I’ve learned after 17 years as a principal.

The real work doesn’t start after the scores come in. It starts before summer even gets here.

Spring break is coming up in a week. Most principals will use that time to breathe. They need to. This job is heavy, especially in the spring.

But once STAAR is over, what’s the plan? Staffing decisions. Struggling teachers. Assistant principals who need more confidence. New leaders stepping into roles they’re not fully ready for. Veteran leaders who are capable but stretched thin.

If districts are serious about improving outcomes, we can’t just manage the pressure of the moment. We have to build the bench.

That’s why I created The Campus Comeback Bootcamps. It’s two days of focused work on systems, leadership clarity, and decision-making. Just practical structure that leaders can immediately use.

We walk through master calendars, leadership team organization, using data without drowning in it, and how to move from reacting to leading. Every participant works through The Campus Comeback workbook during the training so they leave with a written, actionable plan instead of just notes.

If you’re thinking about next year’s budget, this is the window. Spring is when you invest in stability. Summer is when you implement.

Strong benches don’t happen by accident. They’re built intentionally.

Let your leaders rest during spring break. Then give them something solid to stand on before August gets here.

Confidence next fall starts with clarity this spring.

John