I became an educator because I believed schools could change the trajectory of children’s lives. Years later, serving as a school leader, that belief is still what motivates me to show up every day.

But the current political climate surrounding education has made the work more complicated than ever. The challenges of shifting federal education policies and increased political pressure around curriculum and funding are not just theoretical. They affect how schools operate, how teachers teach, and how students experience public education every day. The work of leading a school has always been demanding, but many leaders today are asking a new question: How do we keep schools focused on teaching and learning while education becomes increasingly politicized?

School leaders often find themselves acting as mediators, trying to protect academic integrity while maintaining community trust. The challenge is ensuring students still receive a comprehensive education without placing teachers or schools at political risk.

Research consistently shows that school leaders play a critical role in student success. According to research from The Wallace Foundation, effective school leadership can have a positive impact on matters like student achievement and attendance. Effective leaders shape the academic expectations, culture, and professional learning environment within a school. School leaders influence everything from teacher retention to instructional quality. A strong principal can create a school climate that allows teachers to thrive and students to succeed. And in today’s climate, these things are more important than ever.

As a Black male school leader, I am particularly aware of how these challenges are affecting the students at my school — primarily students of color and those from low-income backgrounds.

Although just 23% of America’s principals were people of color as of the 2020-2021 school year (as compared to more than half of students), research shows we can make a positive difference for students. Research from Tennessee, for example, showed higher math scores for Black students when their school had a Black principal, regardless of the race of their teacher. Federal data tells us that schools with Black principals have better representation of Black students in gifted programs. Rates of disproportionately harsh discipline are lower for Black students studying under Black principals, and principals of color are more likely to hire and retain teachers of color.

In today’s climate, we’re not just instructional leaders — we’re crisis managers, mediators, and community advocates.

When leadership reflects the communities schools serve, students often feel a stronger sense of belonging and engagement. In other words, strong school leaders do more than just manage buildings — they shape the entire educational ecosystem.

One of the most visible challenges for school leaders is navigating political debates about what schools should teach. Policies and legislation related to race, history, and gender have increased scrutiny on classroom instruction. School leaders often find themselves acting as mediators, trying to protect academic integrity while maintaining community trust. The challenge is ensuring students still receive a comprehensive education without placing teachers or schools at political risk. This was particularly difficult to navigate when teaching about historical figures and events during Black History Month: most teachers choose to focus on inventors and famous public figures from more recent times rather than navigate discussions with students about slavery or civil rights.

Another major concern for school leaders involves changes in federal education priorities and state funding structures. Public school funding is based on our enrollment, so when students leave public schools for private options, districts often lose funding as well. This has resulted in many school districts in the metropolitan Atlanta area closing schools and implementing massive workforce reductions.

Additionally, school leaders worry that large-scale shifts in funding could affect programs such as after-school tutoring, counseling services, and student support initiatives. These services are essential for students who need additional academic support.

Immigration policies have also affected schools. Changes in enforcement policies have created fear and uncertainty for some students and families. Some families, understandably, have become hesitant to interact with schools or participate in school events. In some areas, schools have even seen enrollment shifts as families relocate or avoid public institutions altogether.

School leaders today are navigating one of the most complex education environments in recent history. Political debates, funding concerns, community polarization, and policy uncertainty have added new pressures to an already demanding role.

Yet the mission remains the same: support teachers, serve students, and ensure schools remain places where learning thrives. As education policy continues to evolve, one question remains for policymakers and communities alike: How can we better support school leaders so they can focus on what matters most—helping students succeed?

Arn St. Cyr II is a school leader in Atlanta Public Schools.

As part of our commitment to elevating diverse perspectives, EdTrust occasionally features guest blogs. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect EdTrust’s views or positions.

Photo by Allison Shelley for EDUimages