Leaving a Legacy in Educational Leadership

Type: Article
Topics: School Administrator Magazine

April 01, 2026

My View

Since my father passed away in 2021, I’ve spent time reflecting on what it means to leave a legacy as an educational leader. My father, a longtime principal, often told me, “No matter what role you serve in, leave it better than where you found it.”

His legacy lived in the stories shared by former students, colleagues and community members. As I reflect on his life — and the leaders who shaped mine — I find his words still ring true.

As a superintendent, I’ve learned that we all leave legacies through the relationships we build, the courage we show and the ways we advocate for students and communities. Our daily decisions shape the culture and future of our schools.

As you navigate your own leadership path, I offer six principles that continue to ground my work.

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Paul E. Coakley

Superintendent

Multnomah Education Service District, Portland, Ore.

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