Transformative leadership: How to move fast to make change

Taking the helm of his second North Carolina district, Aaron Fleming realized he needed to move more quickly than he did as a first-time superintendent.

When he arrived at the growing Alamance-Burlington School System in 2024, he faced $3 million in debt, “dismal” test scores, leaky roofs and a district out of sync with the local economy, Fleming tells host Amy Dujon on the latest episode of District Administration’s “A Good Lesson” podcast.

“My first superintendency, I wanted to be very cautious,” says Fleming, describing his efforts to get comfortable with the Hartnett County school board and the community. “Sometimes, you’ll sit on a decision, but I realized if I had acted earlier, we probably would have turned the corner a little quicker in some areas.”

Fleming’s urgency has paid off. In the last two years, Alamance-Burlington turned its debt into a budget surplus by focusing on “the bigger picture.” Fleming and his team have held themselves more accountable for spending and eliminated products and services with a low ROI.

They also saw the need to push learners academically while focusing on Title I students and English learners. The result has been a 10% increase in proficiency, with significant gains in the district’s middle schools.

“You really have to start looking at where you want to move the district and what other leaders want to do as well,” says Fleming, adding that he has strived to give principals and their school decision-making power to meet the needs of their communities.

To hear Fleming’s advice for first-time superintendents and leaders who are taking the helm in new districts, listen to the podcast below. You’ll also hear Fleming’s answers to Dujon’s pop quiz, including what he could change about education if he could wave a magic wand.

You can also subscribe to “A Good Lesson” on Apple and Spotify.