For previous generations, you may have only seen your school principal in their office and if you were there, it probably wasn’t for something positive.
Those days are gone at Lewis and Clark High School. Principal Ivan Corley is changing what school leadership looks like by bringing his work directly to students and staff. Using a mobile desk, Corley and his entire administrative team stay connected throughout the building, greeting students between classes, checking in with teachers, and handling school business from anywhere on campus.
Principal Corley first witnessed mobile desks during COVID, used for safe distancing, but now they help maximize efficiency in the large building while maintaining constant visibility. Corley's team coordinates coverage areas and communicates throughout the day to ensure they're wherever they're needed most. By being present in hallways and classrooms rather than waiting in the office, Corley creates a more approachable atmosphere where interactions feel less intimidating and more supportive.
"If I'm always in my office and people only can interact with me in my office, it feels like you're in trouble," Corley explains. Being out in the building allows him to connect with the LC community in a way that makes a real difference for both students and staff.
Check out Spokane Public Schools YouTube to see more innovative approaches to school leadership.