44: Strong Systems, Strong Relationships

In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Luke Savidge, Principal of Compass Midtown High School in Memphis, Tennessee. Luke shares his journey into education—from growing up in a family of educators, to teaching middle school, to stepping into high school leadership for the first time in his 15-year career. Luke offers a candid look at the realities of leading a high school, including the steep learning curve of credits, scheduling, and compliance, as well as the ongoing work of building relational trust with staff, students, and families. He explains why strong relationships are the foundation that make everything else possible—and how investing in people ultimately creates better outcomes for students.  The conversation also dives into Luke's leadership superpower: organization. He walks Missy through the system he's built to keep himself grounded and focused—a single, living document that tracks priorities, data, staff celebrations, walkthroughs, and even self-care. Luke shares how becoming "Type A by necessity" helped him protect his time, lead more sustainably, and show up better for his school community.  This episode is a practical and human look at what it takes to lead well in a complex environment—and a reminder that systems and relationships aren't opposites, but partners.  Key Takeaways: Why high school leadership feels like a different ballgame than middle school—and what makes it uniquely challenging. How Luke prioritizes attendance and discipline data with a clear weekly rhythm. The importance of building relational capacity quickly when stepping into a new leadership role. How one well-designed system can reduce overwhelm and increase follow-through. Why small, consistent acts of care matter more than grand gestures for staff morale.  Connect with Luke: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-savidge-ed-s/ Learn more about Compass Midtown High School: https://www.compassmidtown.org  About CheckBox Pro: CheckBox Pro helps school leaders create sustainability through added capacity—taking repetitive tasks off their plates so they can focus on what matters most. https://www.checkboxpro.com/ Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ   Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ