Episode 43:The Cardinal Way: Building School Culture with Bill Curry: 2025 Nebraska Middle School Principal of the Year

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Ever wonder what makes a truly exceptional school leader? Bill Curry, recently named Nebraska's 2025 Middle School Principal of the Year, offers a refreshing perspective that might surprise you.

Curry's journey into education began unexpectedly when a high school crush asked for help with algebra. That simple tutoring session revealed his natural teaching ability and set him on a path through classroom teaching, college basketball coaching, and ultimately school leadership. His candid admission that he secured his first principalship partly by agreeing to drive the school bus reveals a leadership philosophy grounded in humility and service—do whatever it takes to make your school successful.

At Boone Central Middle School, Curry and his team have created what they call "The Cardinal Way," a framework that transformed a struggling school culture into one of shared purpose and consistent achievement. Through intentional systems designed to withstand leadership turnover (the school has had five superintendents in six years!), they've created remarkable stability and success for students. Their approach focuses on three core values: building character, creating opportunities, and striving for success.

What's most striking about Curry's leadership is his passionate belief that credit belongs to his teachers. "They don't give coach of the year honors to coaches who coach mediocre teams," he explains. "Teachers have a way of making principals look pretty good." This perspective underscores a crucial truth about educational leadership—supporting excellence in others creates the conditions for everyone to thrive.

For aspiring leaders, Curry offers practical wisdom: identify your personal strengths, build a strong support network, and learn from mentors who've positively influenced you. Rather than trying to be someone you're not, leverage your authentic self to connect with students and staff.

Ready to rethink what makes an award-winning school leader? Listen now to discover how genuine relationships, sustainable systems, and a commitment to celebrating success can transform educational communities.

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Email: [email protected]

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