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Vanessa Rose Medalla
4 years of board experience (Marysville School District)
WSSDA Leadership Consultant, Edmonds School District Business Partnership and Career Connected Learning Coordinator
Leading from the Heart: Power, Purpose, and Governance
When I first stepped into the role of a school director, I didn’t view myself as a politician—though, in reality, that is exactly what the public saw. Sitting on that dais for the first time brings a whirlwind of experiences: from the pure, unadulterated joy of hugging graduates on stage to the vulnerability of having your personal values publicly scrutinized. In those challenging moments, I anchored myself in a familiar truth: “With great power comes great responsibility.” (Spiderman). This became my compass, constantly recentering my "WHY"—a deep, unwavering love for our students and a calling to serve our community.
Student-Centered Leadership: Checking Ego at the Door
Whether we are newly elected or seasoned incumbents, we all enter this role with our own ideas, passions, and—if we are honest—agendas. However, WSSDA’s core philosophy reminds us that effective governance requires collaborative teamwork. We are a team of six—five directors and the superintendent—charged with bridging the district's history with its future potential.
To do this successfully, we must check our egos and biases at the door. When we align our diverse perspectives toward a single, unified goal, the result is an environment where every student can thrive.
The Clarity of Governance vs. Operations
Understanding the boundary between governance and operations is everything. Our role as a board is to establish a clear strategic direction, adopt sound budgets, and hold the superintendent accountable to that collective vision.
Admittedly, restraining the urge to step in and personally "fix" operational problems is one of the hardest parts of the job. But true leadership means staying grounded in research, understanding our specific role, and fostering a strong relationship with our leadership team. Our work is not superficial; it is the structural foundation that defines what a successful graduate and a healthy district look like.
Our influence is not confined to the local boardroom. As directors, we advocate alongside policymakers at the city, county, state, and national levels. Through WSSDA, we gain access to a vast network of peers. We quickly realize that our challenges are shared, and our impact is magnified when we move together in the same direction.
A Continued Call to Serve
Though my time as a school director concluded in 2021, my commitment to public education did not. I simply found a new way to serve. As a leadership consultant with WSSDA, I have the privilege of supporting school directors across Washington as they navigate the challenges and rewards of governance. Every conversation, workshop, and training reminds me that while each district is unique, the heart of this work remains the same: a commitment to students.
School board service is not always easy. The decisions are complex, the public scrutiny is real, and the responsibility can feel immense. Yet every difficult conversation, every late-night meeting, and every thoughtful vote has the potential to shape opportunities for generations of students.
When the work feels heavy, return to your "why." Remember the students whose futures are influenced by your leadership. Remember that effective governance is not about individual recognition or having all the answers. It is about listening well, leading with humility, and making decisions that reflect both courage and compassion.
None of us is called to do this work alone. Lean on your fellow board members, your superintendent, and the network of support available through WSSDA. Together, we can lead with purpose, govern with integrity, and ensure that every decision keeps students at the center of our work.
That, ultimately, is what it means to lead from the heart.
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