Each year, educational leaders undergo formal evaluations. For some, this process invites growth. For others, it stirs anxiety—especially when one word shows up in the final feedback: Developing. Let me be clear: Developing is not a dirty word. In my role as Superintendent, I’ve built a strong foundation of trust and open communication with my Board. Together, we’ve created a culture that supports reflection, not perfection. So when I receive a “developing” rating, I don’t flinch. I lean in. Developing simply means progress is underway. It indicates a system still being built. A vision that’s in motion. And in many cases, it means we’ve begun something bold—and we’re wise enough to recognize that it’s not finished yet. Too often, we view “developing” as synonymous with “deficient.” But what if we reframed it as a badge of momentum ? A commitment to getting better—not because we’re not enough, but because we care enough to keep improving. Modeling Growth, Not Perfection We can’t ...