Warren Drake on How to Have Great Schools

The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board is in the process of interviewing candidates for parish Superintendent of Schools.  The outstanding applicant is Warren Drake, who led the Zachary Community School System for 10 years.  During that time, Zachary was and still today remains the No. 1 school system in Louisiana.

While Drake was superintendent, we covered his activities closely, and I can say without reservations of any kind that there is probably no choice in America better than Warren Drake.  He is a man who inspires administrators, teachers, and students to achieve far beyond their own expectations.

I don’t know if the East Baton Rouge school system can be fixed, but there is no doubt in my mind that, if given a free hand by the school board, Warren Drake can turn this school system around and make it much better than it is today.  This newspaper is proud to endorse Warren Drake for EBR superintendent.

Back in 2012, I interviewed Mr. Drake and asked him how to create a great school system.  Here is what he said:

1. Neighborhood Schools with Strong Parental Involvement.

“To me, this is clearly No. 1.  When students can go to school in the community where they reside, it makes all the difference. If the name of your town is the name of your school system, it speaks volumes.  If your parents truly buy into your schools, you’re difficult to beat.”

2. Good Leadership at the School and in the Classroom.

“There’s no substitute for high quality people.  You need great principals and great teachers.  It’s all about who the students are exposed to.  Put the best principals in position and the best teachers in the classrooms, and you will get results.”

3. High Expectations.

“You must expect a lot from people.  Let them know that we expect outstanding performance in every way.  Then let them do their job. They will rise to the occasion.”

“If something bad happens, leaders must take care of it immediately.  I want the leader to take care of the problem before it comes to my attention.”

4. Take Ownership.

“Everyone involved must take ownership of the schools and the students’ education — the students, the parents, the teachers, the administrators, and the community. When people buy in to what’s going on, then everybody is part of the solution.  This involves a lot of things you might not expect.  For example, I shop at a store in Zachary.  Why? Because their success is key to the success of the school system.  If businesses in Zachary are dying, they will not be able to pay the taxes our schools need.”

Around the state, many people think No. 1-ranked Zachary is an all-white school system, when in fact it is 50-50.  Drake was asked how he keeps racial peace and multi-racial support for Zachary schools.

“The key is an expectation of fairness.  Fairness is the one word.  When black and white feel they will get a fair shake, things work out very well.  Another key is to have an open door.  My door is always open.  If someone comes and I’m not there, I come back to the office to see them.  I want everybody to feel they are important and have a voice.  A school system — like a business — is about customer service.”

“The last 10 years have been a big challenge but it has been the greatest 10 years of my life.  Now I’m ready for the next challenge.”

If the school board announces their choice is Warren Drake, celebrate, because things will get better!