What Has to Be True by August?

In Part 2 of this 3-part series on planning for the upcoming school year, Darrin shifts the focus from planning to preparation.

You already know what you want to accomplish next year—but what are you doing right now to make that success possible?

This episode challenges leaders to stop waiting for August and instead take intentional steps today that set the foundation for a strong start.

Key Takeaways

Preparation > Planning

Planning identifies the goal. Preparation makes success possible.

Ask yourself: What has to be true by August for this to work?

Start the Work Now

Don’t wait for a full rollout in the fall.

Begin building:

• Language
• Expectations
• Early reps
• So the work feels familiar—not new—when the year begins.

Take Inventory Before August

Use a protocol like Start, Stop, Continue, Consider to:

• Gather input from your team
• Surface what’s working (and what’s not)
• Create clarity and shared ownership

When people feel heard, they’re far more likely to commit.

Unpack the Backpack

Give your team the opportunity to:

• Let go of what’s no longer serving them
• Protect what’s working
• Avoid adding “one more thing” to an already full plate

Leading Through Turnover

Not every team is fully in place right now—and that’s okay.

Progress doesn’t stop just because people change.

You can still:

• Clarify core priorities and non-negotiables
• Document your direction
• Protect what’s already working
• Build clear onboarding into your vision and goals

Don’t wait for the perfect team—create clarity that any team member can step into.

The Bottom Line

Between now and August, your job is not to create more.

It’s to:

• Take action
• Gather input
• Create clarity
• Set conditions for success

So when the year begins, you’re not starting from scratch—you’re building on momentum.

Sponsor Spotlight

This episode is sponsored by HeyTutor.

If improving student outcomes is part of your plan for next year, don’t wait until the fall to build your support systems.

HeyTutor provides high-dosage tutoring in Math and ELA—both in-person and online—while handling recruitment, training, and management of tutors.

Learn more at HeyTutor.com

Let’s Connect

If you’re working to turn your plan into real, actionable steps between now and August, Darrin can help.

Through coaching, leadership retreats, and team development, he supports leaders in building clarity, alignment, and momentum.