NC, USA, 28th April 2026, ZEX PR WIRE — As public education systems continue to face pressure from shifting expectations, staffing challenges, and performance demands, Charles Foust Superintendent is offering a grounded outlook on what the next year may hold for school leaders and stakeholders.
Drawing on more than 20 years of experience leading major school districts, Foust points to leadership clarity and system discipline as the defining factors that will separate progress from stagnation.
“Transformation is not an event,” Foust said. “It’s a process that requires focus every day.”
What Changed Recently in Education Systems
Over the past few years, education systems have experienced rapid change. Academic performance has fluctuated, and leadership turnover has increased across districts.
Recent national data shows:
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Only 33% of U.S. students are proficient in reading and math at grade level
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Nearly 50% of principals consider leaving their roles within three years
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Teacher turnover rates in some districts exceed 20% annually
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Chronic absenteeism has doubled in many regions since 2020
Foust believes these changes have exposed weaknesses in how systems are designed and led.
“You learn quickly that systems matter,” he said. “Individual effort is not enough without the right structure.”
What People Are Getting Wrong
According to Foust, one of the biggest mistakes leaders make is trying to fix too many problems at once.
“Too many systems try to do too much at once,” he said. “That’s where things break down.”
He explains that scattered priorities often lead to inconsistent execution. In large districts, this can create confusion at every level.
“You cannot improve student outcomes without improving the system that supports them,” Foust said.
What Is Likely to Get Harder
Looking ahead, Foust expects pressure on school systems to increase.
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Budget constraints are tightening across many districts
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Leadership burnout is rising
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Accountability expectations remain high
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Student performance gaps continue to persist
He notes that leaders will be asked to deliver better results with fewer resources.
“It becomes less about one school and more about how the entire system operates,” he said.
What Will Work in the Next Year
Despite these challenges, Foust is clear about what will drive results.
“Results come from alignment,” he said. “People, resources, and strategy have to move in the same direction.”
He points to a few consistent principles:
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Clear priorities
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Strong leadership development
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Consistent execution
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Measurable goals
Research supports this. Studies show that effective school leadership is second only to classroom instruction in influencing student outcomes. In high-performing systems, leadership alignment can improve outcomes across entire districts.
“You can’t scale success without building people,” Foust said.
Three Scenarios for the Year Ahead
1. Optimistic Scenario: Systems Stabilise and Improve
In this scenario, leadership teams align around clear priorities and begin to see steady progress.
What to do:
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Focus on a small number of high-impact goals
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Invest time in developing leaders
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Track progress consistently
“Small, consistent actions can shift an entire system over time,” Foust said.
2. Realistic Scenario: Slow Progress with Ongoing Pressure
Most systems may fall into this category. Some improvements happen, but challenges remain.
What to do:
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Stay disciplined in execution
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Avoid adding new priorities too quickly
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Strengthen communication across teams
“Clarity stands out,” Foust said. “When leaders stay focused, results follow.”
3. Cautious Scenario: Increased Strain and Limited Gains
In this case, systems struggle with turnover, budget limits, and inconsistent results.
What to do:
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Simplify goals and reduce complexity
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Support frontline leaders more directly
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Focus on stability before expansion
“Without the right structure, it becomes difficult to sustain progress,” Foust said.
Call to Action
Foust encourages educators, leaders, and stakeholders to take a practical approach moving forward.
“Start by choosing your scenario,” he said. “Then commit to the actions that match it.”
Rather than waiting for large-scale reform, he emphasises the importance of individual responsibility.
“Leadership is about improving lives,” Foust said. “If the system improves, the outcomes follow.”
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Charles Foust Superintendent
Charles Foust is an Executive Leadership Coach and former superintendent with over 20 years of experience in public education. He has led major school districts across multiple states, including New Hanover County Schools in North Carolina and Kansas City Kansas Public Schools. Known for driving measurable academic growth and leading system-wide transformation, Foust now focuses on developing leaders and helping education systems improve performance through clarity, structure, and execution.
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