Episode 44: Data as a Flashlight: How One Principal Transformed Reading Outcomes Through Systems, Trust, and Urgency

What does it really look like to lead meaningful change in a school? In this episode of A Matter of Principals, AWSP Deputy Director Jack Arend sits down with Jenny Hunt, principal of Broadview Elementary in Oak Harbor, to explore how one school transformed its approach to reading, intervention, and student success. Jenny shares how her team moved from overwhelmed and fragmented to focused and aligned—building a system where data drives instruction, staff share ownership, and every student is considered a Tier 1 learner first. This conversation is a powerful example of the AWSP Leadership Framework in action—especially Criterion 3: Planning with Data, supported by strong systems (Criterion 5), culture (Criterion 1), and a relentless focus on closing gaps (Criterion 8). You’ll hear: • Why literacy is a civil right—and how to act on it • How to lead change when your staff isn’t fully ready • What it means to use data as a flashlight, not a hammer • How to build a system that works without the principal in the room • Why protecting Tier 1 instruction is essential If you’re a school leader trying to move from initiative overload to clarity and impact—this episode will resonate.Special Guest: Jenny Hunt.