What can I solve for you?

I can help school leaders deal with just about any stress or scrutiny that arises in their roles—whether that’s navigating challenging budgetary issues yet still effectively serving the kids, avoiding political pitfalls while implementing best practices, handing difficult union negotiations and tactics, or healing and/or dealing with boards that aren’t getting along. Just as importantly, I can help you to take advantage of key opportunities by serving as a mentor and coach, brainstorming potential strategies, drawing out and refining your unique contributions, and generally making you feel more confident in and prepared for your role.

What's it like to work with me?

I’m a very good listener, and I always make it a point to learn. When I’m first jumping into a situation, I gather all the information and ideas that we might be able to use to our benefit. Very often I find things that people hadn’t thought of—for example, existing money that can be put to a new use. You’ll find me to be a very valuable resource, both by virtue of my experience and my many contacts, with whom I would be happy to connect you. I’m very transparent and communicative, which I think is important, especially when you’re dealing with boards. Bottom line: I’ve walked in your shoes, so I get it.

Overview

Veteran educator and administrator, Dr. Marilyn Shepherd, partners with boards of education, superintendents and assistant superintendents to ensure their school systems and structures are optimized for student success.

Her extensive administrative experience—including as a superintendent and interim superintendent; principal and vice principal; special education teacher; Administrator of Student Supports; Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) Administrator, and principal of the (then) Fresno County Office of Education development center—makes her exceptionally well-suited for this role.

Serving as a coach and mentor, Marilyn helps both sitting and aspiring school leaders communicate more effectively, craft workable board policies and procedures, maximize resources and deal with a wide array of challenging circumstances. She has significant experience helping districts work through budgeting issues, including by finding and effectively allocating available funds and aiding in the passage of school bonds.

She also brings both a strong background and a personal passion to the area of special education. She assists clients with all aspects of this often complex area, from budgeting for these programs, crafting appropriate procedures and policies, addressing the inclusion of special ed students, and managing and monitoring programs in a way that is legally sound.

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