Charles Foust, an education leader with experience across multiple U.S. school districts, calls for a renewed focus on leadership development to drive lasting academic outcomes.

WILMINGTON, NC / ACCESS Newswire / April 6, 2026 / Across the United States, public school systems face ongoing challenges tied to student performance, teacher retention, and long-term system sustainability. Charles Foust, a seasoned education leader and former superintendent, is raising awareness around a critical but often overlooked factor: leadership.

With more than 20 years of experience leading large school districts, Foust is advocating for a stronger investment in developing school and district leaders as a pathway to improving outcomes for students.

"Transformation does not happen by chance," Foust said. "It happens when leaders are clear, supported, and focused on the right priorities every single day."

According to national data, only about one-third of U.S. fourth and eighth grade students perform at or above proficiency in core subjects like reading and math. At the same time, school leader turnover remains high, with many principals leaving their roles within just a few years. These trends highlight a deeper issue within education systems.

Foust believes the solution starts with leadership clarity and consistency.

"You cannot improve student outcomes without improving the system that supports them," he said. "And that system is driven by leadership."

During his tenure as Superintendent of New Hanover County Schools in North Carolina, Foust led measurable improvements in student achievement. The district increased academic proficiency from 50 percent to 61.1 percent and reached the top 10 in the state. At the same time, 90 percent of schools met or exceeded growth targets.

He also secured funding to increase teacher salaries and led efforts to implement a district-wide literacy initiative supported by a multi-million-dollar grant.

"These outcomes were not accidental," Foust said. "They came from aligning people, resources, and strategy around a few high-impact goals."

Earlier in his career, Foust led Kansas City Kansas Public Schools through a significant turnaround. Several schools achieved double-digit academic growth in a single year, helping the district move away from being one of the lowest-performing in the state. The district also received a federal award for closing the achievement gap.

Foust says these experiences show what is possible when leadership is developed with intention.

"Too often, we ask leaders to perform at a high level without giving them the tools or support to succeed," he said. "That has to change if we want different results."

Research supports this perspective. Studies have shown that school leadership is second only to classroom instruction among school-related factors that influence student learning. Effective principals can impact teacher retention, school culture, and academic performance across entire campuses.

Now serving as an Executive Leadership Coach, Foust works directly with school and district leaders to improve performance and build sustainable systems.

"I've seen what works and what doesn't," he said. "Leadership is the lever that moves everything else."

Foust is encouraging educators, administrators, and community stakeholders to take a more active role in supporting leadership development within their own systems.

"Start by focusing on what you can control," he said. "Invest in your own growth. Support the leaders around you. Ask better questions about how decisions are made and how progress is measured."

He emphasizes that meaningful change does not require large-scale reform to begin.

"Small, consistent actions can shift an entire system over time," Foust said. "The key is staying focused and committed."

Call to Action

Foust encourages individuals across the education ecosystem to take practical steps within their own roles:

• Reflect on how leadership decisions impact student outcomes

• Support professional development for teachers and school leaders

• Engage in conversations about school performance and accountability

• Prioritize clarity, consistency, and measurable goals in daily work

"Everyone has a role to play," Foust said. "Change starts with awareness, but it only continues with action."

To read the full interview, visit the website here.

About Charles Foust Superintendent

Charles Foust is an Executive Leadership Coach and former superintendent with over 20 years of experience in public education. He has led large school districts across multiple states, including New Hanover County Schools (NC) and Kansas City Kansas Public Schools. Known for driving measurable academic growth and leading system-wide transformation, Foust specializes in leadership development, strategic planning, and performance improvement within education systems.

Contact: Info@charlesfoust.com

SOURCE: Charles Foust Superintendent