Investing in Leadership: 2025 School Leaders Retreat
Earlier this summer, ten school leaders from across St. Louis City and County gathered for a offsite retreat in Hermann, Missouri. Representing a diverse mix of public schools, ranging from elementary to high school, these principals collectively support more than 2,800 students- most of whom come from low-income backgrounds.
Co-designed and facilitated by Foundation staff alongside Dr. Sharonica Hardin-Bartley, Superintendent of the School District of University City, the Retreat focused on enhancing leaders’ capacity to positively impact their schools, while fostering community and connection among a network of peers. After a competitive application process, 10 exceptional school leaders were selected as the inaugural cohort of what the Foundation intends to make an annual program.
The Retreat provided an opportunity for rest, reflection, and intentional planning in a highly collaborative and community focused space. Recognizing the critical role principals play in the wellbeing and academic success of their entire school communities, the Retreat prioritized both the professional growth and personal well-being of these leaders. Activities included leadership development workshops, one-on-one coaching, group hikes and movement, and dedicated planning time.
In addition, school leaders received micro-grants for their schools to use in the 25-26 academic year. Rooted in their reflections during the Retreat, the school leaders will implement projects that meet the needs of the staff and students, ranging from revitalizing an empty blacktop recess area for students to enjoy safe play, professional development coaching/training on adaptive leadership, and launching a school-wide math mastery incentive program.
As one participant shared, “The Retreat gave me the rare opportunity to slow down, reflect deeply, and reimagine what’s possible for my school. One of the most powerful takeaways for me was the reminder that joy, connection, and academic excellence can, and should, coexist.”
This initiative was inspired by Dr. Kelvin Adams’ own experience with a similar leadership retreat during his tenure as a principal in New Orleans.
Reflecting on that meaningful experience, he shared “For a long time, I felt that I was the only one facing the challenges or trying to navigate the opportunities before me as a principal. At my retreat, I realized that while my experience was unique, there were others wrestling with similar challenges- none of us had to do it all alone. Building that community of peers paved the way for me to be able to sustain myself in what can be a very difficult job for many years.” 
By creating space for leaders to recharge, collaborate, and be in community with each other, the Foundation aims to strengthen the leadership pipeline in schools serving the region’s most vulnerable student populations. Ultimately, investing in principals is an investment in the teachers they lead and the students they serve.
The Community Foundation is honored to partner with our local schools in supporting the success of our educators and students alike.