Episode 397

full
Published on:

2nd May 2025

How To Lead a School In The Face Of Possible Closure

Summary: Join C.T. and guest Michelle Quilantang, Principal of Captain Jason M. Dahl Elementary School in San Jose, as they discuss how to lead a school in the face of possible closure. Michelle shares how focusing on social-emotional learning, strong family engagement, and robust after-school programs helps keep students supported and motivated. Through transparent communication and a “Shine Bright” philosophy, she demonstrates how optimism and community connection can sustain a school through uncertain times.

Key Takeaways:

  • Intentional Tech Implementation: Dr. Glazer emphasizes a "go slow to go fast" approach, encouraging thoughtful consideration of technology's impact before widespread adoption.
  • Student Voice & Agency: She created student-led groups like the Principal's Advisory Council and Technology Internship Program, empowering students to shape policies and create resources.
  • Real-World Projects: The tech internship program engages students in projects like developing an AI policy generator for schools and hosting AI literacy events.
  • Community Partnerships: Mountain View High leverages its Silicon Valley location by partnering with tech companies and community organizations.
  • Comprehensive Education: Despite its tech focus, the school maintains a balance by supporting athletics, arts, and wellness programs.
  • Equity & Access: Dr. Glazer, an immigrant and former English learner, is committed to ensuring all students have access to opportunities through technology.

Chapters:

00:34 Meet Michelle Ang: Principal of Captain Jason M. Dahl Elementary

01:20 The Legacy of Captain Jason M. Dahl

03:55 Facing Potential School Closure

06:28 Building Resilience in Students

11:11 Community Support and Advocacy

15:01 Leadership in Crisis: Personal Experiences

19:23 Reflecting on Leadership During Challenging Times

20:30 Early Leadership Experiences and Mentorship

22:02 Developing Student Leaders

23:22 Pursuing Professional Development

25:17 Personal Motivation and Family Influence

28:08 Future Plans for the School

30:34 Advice for Leaders Facing Challenges

38:42 Concluding Thoughts and Appreciation


Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Michelle Quilantang: linkedin.com/in/michelle-quilantang-ba567765

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



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About the Podcast

Principal Office Hours
Real principals. Real talk. No hall passes required.
Finally—a podcast that proves school principals have personalities (and killer insights, too). Every week, join us for candid conversations with K-12 principals who are navigating the beautiful chaos of educational leadership without losing their minds or sense of humor.

Each 40-minute episode features real principals sharing what actually works in school leadership—from handling helicopter parents and budget nightmares to building school culture that doesn't make everyone roll their eyes. Consider this your professional development that doesn't feel like professional development.

Our guests aren't afraid to share their epic fails alongside their victories. They'll tell you about the initiative that spectacularly bombed during assembly, right before revealing how they turned their school's reading scores around. It's educational leadership with the BS filter turned off.

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About your hosts

CheeTung Leong

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Jim Kanichirayil

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Your friendly neighborhood talent strategy nerd is the producer and co-host for The HR Impact Show. He's spent his career in sales and has been typically in startup b2b HRTech and TA-Tech organizations.

He's built high-performance sales teams throughout his career and is passionate about all things employee life cycle and especially employee retention and turnover.