The long-term strength and permanence of CAIS Schools will be driven by our continued relevance in times of unprecedented change. COVID was not, is not, and will not be the only crisis to challenge school leaders. During times of uncertainty and transition, school leaders can become mired in the urgency of immediate problem solving.

Yet, it is essential to keep a strategic focus on the future. We know that the complexities of being a school leader will continue. Moreover, the competencies that leaders will need to be effective have evolved and we can anticipate that they will continue to do so. School leaders must create a culture within their school that allows them to anticipate, assess and adapt to change in the face of disruption. By embracing change as a constant, our schools and communities have the potential to become more inclusive, resilient and successful.

The ongoing support of our communities is essential as school leaders navigate the dynamic educational landscape. As a component of strategic leadership, Heads and Chairs must prioritize building their communities through accountability and trust. Particularly through times of disruption, accountability to our stakeholders is paramount. Fostering trust and respect throughout the school community in advance of a crisis allows for continued support when times of ambiguity.

As we emerge from the global pandemic, we have the opportunity to take what we have learned and focus on the future landscape of education and our leadership practices. The theme of the Heads & Chairs Conference: Leadership in times of change: Building trust and accountability will provide an opportunity to reflect on the successes and challenges of the recent past and be inspired by possibilities of how school leaders can leverage their resilience and use the current momentum to dive deeply into the possibilities for the future.