The Little Rock School District is investing in the future of school leadership through its new LRSD L.E.A.D.S. initiative - a bold, hands-on program designed to grow the next generation of principals, assistant principals, and instructional lead teachers from within the District.
L.E.A.D.S. is a selective 10-month program that prepares high-potential educators to become transformational instructional leaders focused on student success, a strong school culture, and academic achievement.
The inaugural cohort includes 15 educators from across LRSD who have already demonstrated success in improving teaching and learning, supporting students, and leading others. The program officially begins this June, with participants presenting capstone leadership projects next spring.
“This initiative is about intentionally developing leaders who understand our students, our schools, and our community,” said LRSD Superintendent Dr. Jermall Wright. “Strong school leadership has a direct impact on student achievement, teacher support, and school culture. Through LRSD L.E.A.D.S., we are building a pipeline of future leaders who are prepared to lead with equity and purpose.”
Unlike traditional professional development programs, LRSD L.E.A.D.S. is rooted in real-world leadership experiences. Participants will engage in in-person and virtual learning sessions, coaching, school-based leadership experiences, and collaborative problem-solving focused on the real challenges schools face every day.
The program is built around five key focus areas, also serving as the acronym for L.E.A.D.S.:
• Learning - Leading instructional improvement through observation, feedback, and coaching
• Equity - Creating inclusive, high-expectation school cultures for all students
• Achievement - Using data to drive decisions and accelerate student growth
• Development - Building and supporting high-performing teams
• Systems - Designing systems that create lasting improvement
The curriculum combines nationally recognized leadership research with Arkansas-specific educational expectations and LRSD’s own strategic priorities. Participants will learn how to improve instruction, support teachers, analyze student data, strengthen school culture, and lead systems that help schools succeed over time.
Educators selected for the program were chosen based on their leadership potential, commitment to equity, willingness to grow, and proven impact on student and adult outcomes.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive automatic entry into LRSD’s Instructional Lead Teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal candidate pools based on their individual tracks. Graduates will also receive interview preference for future leadership vacancies and may qualify for a one-time leadership stipend upon appointment to a school leadership role within 3 years of program completion.
District leaders say the initiative reflects LRSD’s continued commitment to growing talent from within and ensuring every school has strong, student-centered leadership.
“Leadership matters,” Dr. Wright said. “When schools have strong leaders, students benefit, teachers thrive, and communities grow stronger. We are excited about the future these educators represent for LRSD.”
