In this powerful episode of Hallway Conversations with Ed Leaders, Chris Galloway and Jeff Price sit down with Superintendent Rose Mary, a Texas rural education leader, to explore the real work behind strategic planning in small districts.

From enrollment declines to staff morale and instructional gaps, Rose Mary shares how vision-building, leadership coaching, and deep community engagement helped her district find direction amidst uncertainty.

Listeners will hear candid reflections on:

• The pressures facing rural schools today

• Why “going slow to go fast” is more than just a cliché

• How strategic planning and landscape analysis shaped district-wide improvement

• The impact of authentic staff conversations and shared accountability

• The importance of seeing visible progress—what she calls the "Michael Phelps Rule"

Whether you're a superintendent, aspiring leader, or coach supporting districts, this episode offers actionable insight into how intentional planning and leadership can transform even the most challenged school communities.

Check out Jeff's blog with the framework: https://learningtoleadingbridge.com

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