E216

Demetrius Ball on Leading with Purpose as Principal of the Year

From Better Leaders Better Schools · Hosted by Daniel Bauer

2025-05-21·00:47:00

Episode summary

In this episode of Better Leaders Better Schools: The Ruckus Report Quick take: Award-winning Principal Demetrius Ball reveals how intentional leadership, strategic decision-making, and being consistently present creates a school culture where students feel more connected than ever before. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Demetrius Ball was born and raised in Ohio. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy (West Point, NY) and served 5 years on active duty in the US Army as a Field Artillery Officer.

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Original publisher description

The Ruckus Report Quick take: Award-winning Principal Demetrius Ball reveals how intentional leadership, strategic decision-making, and being consistently present creates a school culture where students feel more connected than ever before. Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker Demetrius Ball was born and raised in Ohio. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy (West Point, NY) and served 5 years on active duty in the US Army as a Field Artillery Officer. His education career began in 2008 as a social studies teacher, spanning roles in California and Maryland before moving into administration. Currently in his third year as principal of California High School, Demetrius was recently named Administrator of the Year. He is a proud husband and father of four amazing children, committed to professional development that benefits his school and community. Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨 In this episode, Demetrius Ball challenges traditional education paradigms: Key Insight #1: Strategic Decision-Making as a Leadership Superpower What's broken: Rushed, reactive decision-making without challenging assumptions The shift: Slowing down to journal, identify assumptions, and strategically...