Most California districts are shrinking, but Elk Grove is growing. How the new superintendent plans to lead

Elk Grove Unified's Growth Spurt: New Superintendent Reilly Charts a Course Amidst California's Shifting Educational Landscape

While many California school districts grapple with declining enrollment and shrinking budgets, Elk Grove Unified stands as a notable exception, experiencing a significant surge in student population. This unique position presents both opportunities and formidable challenges for the district's new superintendent, David Reilly, who is tasked with navigating this dynamic growth while upholding the educational quality for over 64,000 students.

A Leader's Uncommon Cadence: Music, Listening, and the Art of the Unspoken

Reilly's path to leading one of California's largest school districts is as unconventional as his leadership philosophy. A former member of the Bay Area punk band Twain, he draws parallels between the improvisational spirit of music and the collaborative nature of educational leadership. His approach is deeply rooted in the principle of active listening, a skill honed through years of musical practice and refined through his extensive experience within the Elk Grove Unified School District.

He often quotes jazz legend Miles Davis, who famously advised, "It's not the notes you play, it's about the notes you don't play." This mantra underscores Reilly's belief that effective communication and negotiation lie not just in what is said, but in the thoughtful consideration of what remains unsaid, fostering an environment of deeper understanding and mutual respect.

This philosophy has been instrumental throughout his decade-long tenure at Elk Grove Unified, where he previously served as associate director of human resources. In this role, Reilly was a key negotiator in contract talks with the district's unions and led crucial departments like Special Education and Student Support and Health Services. His ability to listen and collaborate has been a cornerstone of his success in these complex areas.

Navigating Expansion: Building Schools and Cultivating Talent

Elk Grove Unified's status as a growing district, the fourth-largest in California, means a constant demand for new facilities and a robust recruitment pipeline for educators. The district is currently overseeing the construction of two new elementary schools, with plans for a combined middle and high school already in development. This expansion requires careful financial planning and strategic resource allocation.

Despite his deep familiarity with the district's operations, Reilly emphasizes that his learning journey is far from over. He dedicated his initial six weeks as superintendent to an intensive period of engagement, visiting schools across the district to connect with students, teachers, and staff. This hands-on approach allows him to gain firsthand insights into the daily realities of the educational environment.

One such visit took him to the fire academy at Valley High School. Here, students gain practical experience in a simulated firehouse environment, complete with specialized gear. Reilly sees immense value in such career technical education programs, believing they offer students transferable skills and demystify potential career paths, regardless of their ultimate professional choices.

A Compass for Culture: Prioritizing Vulnerable Students

Reilly's visits to schools consistently begin with a focus on special education classrooms. This deliberate choice reflects his core belief that the true measure of a school's culture lies in how it supports its most vulnerable students. He meticulously observes classroom instruction, seeking evidence of genuine inclusion and equitable practices.

His priority is to ensure that the district's attention is first and foremost directed towards English learners, students of color, and those experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or with special needs. By understanding how these students are integrated and supported, Reilly gains a profound insight into the overall health and inclusivity of each school community.

This commitment to understanding the nuances of school culture through the lens of its most vulnerable populations is a guiding principle for his leadership. It informs his approach to resource allocation and program development, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Building on a Strong Foundation: Collaboration and Continuity

As Reilly compiles his list of district priorities, informed by the wealth of conversations he's had, a consistent theme emerges: overwhelming positivity from the school community. He readily credits his predecessor, Christopher Hoffman, for establishing a robust foundation that allows for continuity and focused improvement.

Reilly acknowledges that the district's existing goals and priorities are well-defined, thanks to Hoffman's leadership. His focus, therefore, is not on reinventing the wheel but on enhancing the district's capacity to execute these existing plans more effectively through improved resourcing and refined strategies.

A significant aspect of this strong foundation is the district's collaborative partnership with its labor unions. This relationship has fostered a more harmonious environment for contract negotiations and has empowered union members to play a more active role in shaping the district's budget and strategic priorities.

The Power of Shared Understanding in Negotiations

Reilly describes the negotiation process as transparent and devoid of traditional adversarial tactics. "We don't play a lot of the games," he states, referring to the common practice of parties starting with extreme positions to negotiate towards a middle ground. In Elk Grove Unified, the financial realities are openly shared, and all stakeholders have a voice in determining how funds are allocated.

This open dialogue has fostered a sense of shared responsibility and mutual understanding. James Sutter, president of the Elk Grove Education Association, confirms Reilly's commitment to this collaborative approach. Sutter notes that Reilly mirrors Hoffman's philosophy, seeking to understand the intricate workings of the district from the ground up and how each component interconnects.

This collaborative spirit is particularly vital in an era where school districts are increasingly burdened by the rapid influx of new legislation. Reilly highlights the challenge of implementing new laws with tight deadlines, citing examples where new legislation takes effect on January 1st, requiring updated board policies by March 1st. This necessitates a highly responsive and collaborative administrative structure.

A Career Forged in Education: From Classroom to District Leadership

Reilly's journey into educational leadership began in the classroom. He started his career as an English teacher at Woodside High School within the Sequoia Union High School District in the Bay Area. After nine years of teaching, he transitioned into administrative roles, serving as vice principal at Sequoia High School and later as principal at Woodside High School, both located in Redwood City.

His deep appreciation for education was instilled by his mother, a single parent who worked as a para-educator while pursuing her master's degree. Reilly recalls his childhood ambition to become a special education teacher, a testament to the profound impact his mother's dedication had on him. He witnessed firsthand her tireless commitment, studying late into the night to complete her dissertation after a full day of work and family responsibilities.

This formative experience shaped his understanding of the transformative power of education and the dedication required to pursue it. It laid the groundwork for his own career, which has been consistently focused on improving educational outcomes for all students, particularly those who require additional support.

As Elk Grove Unified continues its trajectory of growth, David Reilly's leadership, characterized by his emphasis on listening, collaboration, and a deep commitment to the well-being of every student, positions the district to meet the evolving demands of public education. His unique blend of artistic sensibility and practical experience offers a compelling model for navigating the complexities of a thriving school system.