From Good to Great: The Journey Behind OLAC’s 2024 Outstanding District of the Year
When it comes to improving student outcomes and building a culture of continuous improvement, Port Clinton City Schools stands as a shining example. Named OLAC’s 2024 Outstanding District of the Year, Port Clinton has demonstrated that when alignment, shared leadership, and intentional systems come together, meaningful change is not only possible—it is sustainable.
The recognition, announced at the January 2025 Showcase for AcceleratED Leadership and Learning, is a testament to more than just high scores and successful programs. It is about the journey the district has taken—and the structures and mindsets they have put in place along the way.
Superintendent Pat Adkins, who has led Port Clinton for over two decades, remembers the early days of that journey clearly. “We knew we were capable of more,” he said. “Our student achievement didn’t reflect our potential, and it felt like we weren’t fully aligned internally.” That realization sparked a districtwide effort to shift culture, clarify priorities, and find a framework that could guide improvement. That framework came in the form of the Ohio Improvement Process (OIP) and OLAC’s leadership resources.
Systems, Culture, and Shared Leadership in Action
With the resources and guidance from OLAC, Port Clinton built systems that supported focused collaboration, data-informed decisions, and shared accountability across the district. Kelly Croy, Director of Innovation and Instruction, describes how the district wove academic goals into their already-strong focus on culture. “We wanted a framework that was clear, concise, and compelling,” he said. “OLAC gave us that. It helped us form a strong District Leadership Team (DLT), structure our monthly principal meetings, and guide academic conversations with intention and consistency.”
One of the most powerful aspects of Port Clinton’s transformation has been the embedding of regular, structured time for data analysis, goal setting, and celebration. Academic data meetings, leadership academies, and teacher-driven initiatives are now part of the district’s fabric. Leaders do not just talk about shared leadership—they live it.
“Most of the great things in our district come from teachers,” Croy noted. “Our job as administrators is to support, elevate, and scale that work. That is the power of our leadership teams and the OIP process. It gives us the tools and time to focus on what really matters.”
Results, Recognition, and a Message for Other Districts
This strategic alignment is producing results. Port Clinton is now consistently among the top-performing districts in their region. As Adkins explains, “One strong year could be a fluke—but sustained growth means the process is working. It means our team is aligned, our systems are solid, and our people believe in the direction we are heading.”
That alignment extends across every level of the organization—from bus drivers and cafeteria staff to teachers, administrators, and district leaders. Everyone understands the goals, and everyone has a role in achieving them. Adkins credits the strength of his team and the trust they have built together. “Shared leadership is easy to say, but hard to do,” he said. “It takes a committed team, strong communication, and trust at every level—from the classroom to the central office.”
And while the journey has been successful, Adkins shared one piece of advice for other districts:
“Start sooner. I talk to superintendents all the time, and what I have learned is that alignment is everything. If people know what you are working toward and feel ownership of it, you will move faster—and farther—together.”
Today, Port Clinton begins every leadership meeting by celebrating wins across buildings. It is more than just a feel-good moment—it is a strategy to build trust, foster collaboration, and remind everyone that progress is happening, one step at a time.
As OLAC’s 2024 Outstanding District of the Year, Port Clinton City Schools proves that with the right systems, shared leadership, and a relentless focus on student success, great things are possible.
Learn more about Port Clinton’s work in the short video on our Real Leaders, Real Results page and explore free leadership resources at www.OhioLeadership.org.