Dean Shareski’s recent blog post about his time working with West Vancouver Schools (HERE) got me thinking. He is good at that.  His blog has been pushing my thinking for 20 years.

His recent blog post on his work with our district captures so much of what makes our partnership valuable. In his post, he is generous about the people and schools in our community and the exciting current work around generative AI. But what stands out to me isn’t just the highlights of the week—it’s the consistency of our work together over the years and how that consistency has fostered trust, which has become the foundation for innovation in our district.

 Trust Through Consistency

One of the most underrated factors in educational progress is the value of steady, consistent leadership and support. Dean isn’t just a consultant who drops in and out; he’s become a trusted partner who fully understands our vision and works with us to help move it forward. His ongoing presence has allowed us to build a relationship rooted in trust, which, in turn, has given us the confidence to take risks and innovate in meaningful ways. We have done this with others as well.  You can bring in someone for an hour or a day and you will get some initial enthusiasm – but it is the ongoing connections that move the work.

When you think about innovation, it’s easy to assume that change is the driving force. In reality, constant change without a strong foundation can lead to instability and confusion. What we’ve found in our district is that consistency—having the same voices, the same leaders, and the same trusted advisors—creates the conditions for genuine, thoughtful change. Of course, as a superintendent about to hit 15 years in the position, I am biased towards consistency.  When our team knows that the support they’ve relied on is there year after year, they can focus on pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas, knowing that their foundation is secure.  

In our classrooms, this foundation of trust and consistency has allowed our teachers to embrace innovative practices confidently. For example, our recent work around generative AI is not just a theoretical exercise but one that is being thoughtfully integrated into learning experiences. Teachers, secure in the knowledge that they have ongoing support and guidance, will be able to experiment and refine new methods in a way that directly benefits students. This steady approach ensures that our educators aren’t overwhelmed by constant change but can focus on delivering powerful, meaningful lessons.

This emphasizes the direct impact of innovation and leadership on daily teaching and learning, aligning the broader themes of trust and consistency with the tangible outcomes in the classroom.

Innovation Through Stability

Dean’s work with us around generative AI is a perfect example of how innovation flourishes in stable environments. We didn’t jump into AI because it was the trendy thing to do. Instead, we are laying the groundwork, with thoughtful conversations, professional development, and collaboration. This steady, deliberate approach is what allows us to dive deeper into AI in a way that feels sustainable and aligned with our broader educational goals.  In the end our goal isn’t AI, it is the creation of powerful learning experiences.  

When leadership and external partnerships are constantly shifting, it can be hard to build momentum. But in West Vancouver, we’ve been fortunate to have consistency in our leadership and in those who support us. This has allowed us to move forward faster and more effectively than if we were constantly changing course. With Dean’s ongoing guidance, we are able to focus on refining our work with AI, rather than starting from scratch each time we introduce a new initiative.  

Moving Forward With Confidence

There’s a lesson here about the power of consistency in all aspects of education. While we often hear that change is necessary for growth—and it is—it’s also true that change for the sake of change can slow progress. The real magic happens when consistent leadership and support create an environment where trust thrives and innovation can happen organically.

As we continue our work with AI and other innovative practices, I am grateful for the steady partnership we’ve built with Dean Shareski and others like him. It’s this consistency that has allowed us to push the boundaries of what’s possible in our classrooms while maintaining a clear sense of direction and purpose.

In West Vancouver, we are committed to continuing this approach: building on the foundations we’ve set, nurturing the trust we’ve established, and embracing innovation at a pace that feels both exciting and sustainable.

Thank you, Dean, for your ongoing support and for helping us model a culture of yes—one that is widely shared in its commitment to trust, consistency, and  moving forward together.