The Ruckus Report
Quick take: Want to sleep well at night as a school leader? Dr. Jon Bartelt shares how embracing joy, listening deeply to students, and staying true to core values helps him lead with confidence through 23 years as superintendent.
Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker
Dr. Jon Bartelt serves as Superintendent of Bloomingdale School District 13 in Illinois, leading a PreK-8 district of 1,400 students. With 34 years in education and 23 as superintendent, he’s guided by three core values: ensuring student learning, treating everyone with respect, and working collaboratively. A graduate of Valparaiso, Harvard, and Loyola University Chicago, Dr. Bartelt is active in educational leadership organizations while cherishing his role as husband, father of six, and grandfather of four.
Breaking Down the Old Rules
Leading with Joy Instead of Fear
- What’s broken: Schools driven by anxiety, control, and “that’s how we’ve always done it” mindsets
- The shift: Creating environments where students and staff find genuine joy in learning and teaching
- Impact: Students who cry on the last day of school because they don’t want to leave
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Embracing Student Voice
- What’s broken: Adults making all decisions without student input
- The shift: Actively listening to students and implementing their ideas (like reviving competitive science programs)
- Impact: More engaged learners who feel ownership in their education
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Making Bold Decisions
- What’s broken: Leaders paralyzed by fear of public criticism
- The shift: Focusing on core values and student safety over public opinion
- Impact: Confident decision-making even when facing social media backlash
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Quotable Ruckus
“It’s not just a job, frankly, and it’s not a vocation. It’s life. It’s the life I’ve chosen to lead.”
Your Do School Different Challenge
Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:
- Tomorrow: Take a walk through your school focusing only on moments of joy
- This Month: Create regular opportunities for students to share ideas directly with leadership
- This Semester: Evaluate major decisions through the lens of your core values
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