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The Ruckus Report
Quick take: How do you move from surviving the school day to building a culture that thrives? Principal Demetrius Ball shares how journaling, survey data, and morning meetings are transforming his campus — and why presence beats perfection in leadership.
Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker
Demetrius Ball is a high school principal and returning guest (episode #3!) whose leadership journey reflects everything Ruckus Makers stand for — curiosity, intentionality, and creating a legendary school experience. He was recently named 2025 Administrator of the Year for Region 6 in California.
Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨
Key Insight #1: Decision-making is a leadership superpower
What’s broken: Leaders feel pressure to make rapid-fire decisions without reflection
The shift: Demetrius uses journaling, assumption-checking, and data to slow down and get intentional
Impact: He confidently shifted staff collaboration time to mornings and earned team buy-in despite initial resistance
Key Insight #2: Presence builds trust faster than policy
What’s broken: Many principals hide behind email and office walls
The shift: Demetrius greets students daily, walks campus, and shows up to events — even if it means being called “Batman” by campus monitors
Impact: School culture is calm, positive, and deeply connected. Student SEL data reflects growing confidence and belonging
Key Insight #3: AI can support human-centered leadership
What’s broken: Most leaders struggle to synthesize feedback or hire with intentionality
The shift: Demetrius used AI to analyze staff survey results and identify focus areas: protected collaboration time, meaningful PD, and equity
Impact: Admin meetings and professional development now center on exactly what staff and students need most
Quotable Ruckus
"The biggest secret to being a successful leader and building trust is being present." – Demetrius Ball
Your Do School Different Challenge
Tomorrow: Greet every student by name at drop-off and choose curiosity over correction.
This Month: Journal through one big decision you’re avoiding. Write down assumptions. Question every one.
This Semester: Redesign staff meeting time to prioritize PD that’s meaningful — or send it as an email and give time back.
📌 Ruckus Makers Don’t Just Listen — They Act
If education ain’t a bit disruptive, then what are your students really learning?
This show isn’t about doing school better.
It’s about Doing School Different — and joining a growing movement of bold, creative school leaders who reject legacy models and reimagine what’s possible.
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