Success Stories
Hitting the Bullseye: How Lake City Area Schools is Leading the Charge Toward Whole-Child, Competency-Based Learning
Tucked just west of Houghton Lake, Michigan, Lake City Area Schools may appear to be a small dot on the map—but don’t let size fool you. Under the bold leadership of Superintendent Dr. Tim Hejnal, this district is redefining what it means to prepare students for life beyond school. Through a visionary shift toward whole-child education and competency-based learning, Lake City is proving that transformational change doesn’t require a big city—just a big heart and a clear purpose. From Disruption to Opportunity Like many school systems across the country, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted teaching and learning in Lake City. But
Shattering Expectations: How Concord Community Schools is Transforming Student Learning
In the heart of south-central Michigan, Concord Community Schools is boldly redefining what it means to educate and empower students. Led by Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Hutchinson, the district is embracing a learner-centered approach that puts student agency, growth, and well-being at the core of every decision. This shift hasn’t been easy—but the impact is becoming undeniable. “The work we’re doing at Concord starts with one big question: Why?” Hutchinson says. “And our ‘why’ is simple—we passionately believe in our students so that they, in turn, believe in themselves.” Building a System Around Student Growth Concord Community Schools serves approximately 650