Most schools are held together by a principal's will, presence, and long hours. But the real solution to thriving is design, not heroism. Drawing on his experience as a founding principal, a turnaround principal, and a principal supervisor, Chris O’Brien reveals that the principal's job is to act as the school's Chief Systems Officer: building the systems that let every adult do their best work.

He introduces the Conveyor Belt — a six-step methodology for designing any system the school requires — and applies it across the people, instructional, student culture, communication, school improvement, and personal systems. Every chapter closes with an essentials checklist, and an appendix provides ready-to-use blueprints for each system.

Written for practicing and aspiring principals, assistant principals, and other school and district leaders, this powerful book will help you close the gap between the school you are running and the school you envision.

Chris O'Brien is a former founding principal and turnaround principal who has spent more than two decades in K-12 education, most recently leading principal development and supervision across a network of schools. He now works with schools and leaders on the systems that make great schools possible.