Hearts and Minds: A Public School Miracle

Luke Lawson is a teacher and administrator in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Readers who are looking for an inspirational story about the
transformation of an inner-city elementary school should look no further
than Hearts and Minds. Sandra Dean, principal of South Simcoe Public
School, undertook the seemingly insurmountable task of radically
changing a heartless and academically weak school into one of
Ontario’s best in a matter of a few years. During that period, there
were frustrations, setbacks, and doubts, but also many rewarding
moments. The success of Dean’s efforts is reflected in her
observation: “When I was assigned to South Simcoe, it was a place I
didn’t want to go; now it was a place I didn’t want to leave.”

An important element in the transformation was consideration of the
external, as well as internal, environment; businesses and institutions
such as the police formed an alliance with the school. Profiles of
various students—many affected by poverty, all forms of abuse, divorce
and alcoholism—are also included in the book. As a template for
effective leadership, Hearts and Minds will be of particular interest to
graduate students of educational leadership, administration, and change,
as well as current practising administrators.