Region 20 launches Texas Strategic Leadership pilot with Harlandale ISD; district to begin short classroom walks

Region 20 executive coaches Dr. Chris Galloway and Dr. Jeff Price told the Harlandale ISD Board of Trustees that the district will participate in a two-year Texas Strategic Leadership (TSL) pilot designed to help operationalize Harlandale's existing strategic plan.

The coaches described a landscape analysis using classroom observations and district data, a performance-management structure and short, five-minute classroom walks focused on math and reading. Dr. Chris Galloway said the effort emphasizes systems thinking: "everything that happens in the boardroom will trickle down to the classroom." He also told trustees the pilot is grant-funded: "It's a grant. So there is no cost."

The nut of the TSL approach, the coaches said, is to move beyond a one-off strategic plan toward continuous implementation across six research-based levers, including planning and performance management, instructional experience, integrated student supports, instructional capacity, talent systems and finance and operations. The coaches said the pilot will pair Harlandale's existing strategic plan with a targeted operational plan and executive coaching over the pilot period.

Practically, Region 20 will conduct a landscape analysis that includes 5-minute, non-evaluative classroom walks; coaches stressed the walks will focus on the student experience, not teacher evaluation, and teachers will be notified in advance. Dr. Jeff Price described the walk protocol as short, grade- and subject-specific snapshots that generate district-level trend data rather than immediate teacher feedback.

Trustees were told the timeline begins in the spring, with a superintendent performance-management committee (a steering group of district leaders and goal champions) and the possibility of classroom walks before the end of the month. The coaches said the pilot is currently scheduled for two years; they noted a legislative funding decision in March could extend the program beyond that period.

Board and staff members asked about costs, scope and whether TSL would create extra work for teachers. The presenters said the work is intended to clarify and align existing initiatives rather than add redundant requirements. Region 20 representatives said participating districts typically receive consulting services that would cost roughly $60,000 to $80,000 if purchased on the open market; Harlandale is participating in the pilot at no charge.

The presentation closed with next steps: convene the superintendent performance-management committee, finalize the landscape analysis approach and schedule the initial classroom walks and coaching sessions.