The Better Leaders Better Schools Podcast | The #1 Downloaded School Leadership Show Leading from the Ground Up
The Ruckus Report
Quick take: From pushing a broom to leading the boardroom — Dr. Chris Jackson's journey from custodian to principal at his own alma mater proves that grit, humility, and authentic community connection matter more than pedigree when transforming schools.
Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker
Chris Jackson rose from custodian to administrator in his hometown of San Bernardino, fueled by hard work, family, and perseverance. A husband, father, and lifelong learner, he overcame personal loss and humble beginnings to inspire others. Raised by his grandmother after being born to teen parents, Chris worked his way through every level of education — from custodian to teacher, coach, instructional coach, athletic director, and eventually principal of Cajon High School, where he met his wife as a 15-year-old student. Author of "From Broom to Boardroom," Chris's journey proves that with grit, purpose, and love, anyone can rise, no matter where they start.
Breaking Down the Old Rules 🔨
In this episode, Dr. Chris Jackson challenges traditional education paradigms:
Key Insight #1: Every Job on Campus Matters Equally What's broken: Creating hierarchies that separate administrators from the real work of schools, losing connection with staff and community The shift: Leading with servant leadership — picking up trash during lunch, building relationships with custodians, and blurring the lines between "management" and service Impact: Instant credibility with all stakeholder groups and authentic empathy that comes from walking in everyone's shoes
Key Insight #2: Bloom Where You're Planted First What's broken: Always looking for the next promotion instead of excelling in your current role and building relationships where you are The shift: Do your best work in whatever sphere of influence you have, ask questions, and let opportunities find you through positive relationships Impact: Chris went from custodian on Wednesday to teaching his own class on Monday — but only because he had built trust and demonstrated excellence where he was
Key Insight #3: Community Connection Beats Credentials Every Time What's broken: Leading schools as an outsider who doesn't understand the community's needs, values, and challenges The shift: Live in, understand, and serve your community in their image — being able to say "I'm your neighbor" during difficult conversations Impact: When parents challenge decisions, Chris can respond: "I live two blocks from you, I went to school here, my parents went here" — eliminating the "you don't understand" barrier
Quotable Ruckus "No job is more important than any other job on the campus. Everybody's job matters. Everybody's little zone of what we do is a valuable contribution to what we're trying to achieve." – Dr. Chris Jackson
Your Do School Different Challenge Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:
Tomorrow: Put on a metaphorical "straw hat" — spend time doing work typically done by support staff to build authentic relationships and understanding This Month: Identify one person in your orbit whose expertise you can learn from, regardless of their title or position — ask them questions about their work and challenges This Semester: Audit your community connections — are you living, shopping, and engaging where you serve? Find three ways to deepen your roots in your school community
Connect & Continue 🎯 Get the full episode transcript: [Link] 🔗 Follow Dr. Chris Jackson: @DocJMedia on Twitter/X 📖 Website: DocJMedia.com 📚 Get "From Broom to Boardroom": Available wherever books are sold
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