Simple Solutions to Stubborn School Problems

This book is for any educator getting ready to start a new school year, especially those facing challenges that seem to persist no matter how hard everyone tries.

Simple Solutions to Stubborn School Problems introduces the "70 in 7 Journey," a seven-year commitment to steady, human-centered improvement that helped one school division rise 70 places in state rankings through intentional, sustainable change.

We've all seen it — students who struggle and systems that feel stuck. We ask ourselves, What are we doing wrong? How can we truly make a difference?

This book tackles those questions head-on.

Inside, the focus is on three core areas: student success, school culture, and continuous improvement. You'll explore how schools can help every child attend consistently, behave positively, and reach their full learning potential, while building environments where students and staff feel safe, respected, and motivated to learn. The emphasis throughout is on steady improvement and practical steps that lead to real change.

This isn't just a book of ideas — it's a guide to action. Grounded in humanistic principles and real-world practice, the strategies in these pages were applied in Staunton City Schools, resulting in measurable success. Over seven years, the division rose from 105th to 35th in Virginia state rankings, earned the No. 1 spot for improvement in SOL pass rates, achieved a 93% graduation rate in 2024, closed achievement gaps across student groups, and was recognized among Virginia's top 10% of school systems as a Good Place to Work.

Simple Solutions to Stubborn School Problems shows what's possible when educators commit to people-first change — and invites you to begin your own journey toward a school environment where every student, every day, has the chance to succeed.

Best-selling author Dr. Garett Smith has devoted over 30 years to public education, serving as a teacher, principal, central-office leader, and, since 2017, superintendent of Staunton City Schools. A passionate educator and longtime adjunct professor for the University of Virginia and Old Dominion University, he is widely known for his commitment to equity, high expectations, and meaningful personal connection. Under his leadership, Staunton achieved record academic growth, rising from 105th to 35th in state rankings, posting a 93% graduation rate, closing longstanding achievement gaps, and earning recognition as a top place to work. His tenure has also advanced major initiatives in instructional innovation, student support systems, facilities improvements, and strong community partnerships that support long-term student success. Throughout his career, Dr. Smith has emphasized collaborative leadership, instructional excellence, and the belief that strong schools are built through trust, purpose, and shared responsibility. Dr. Smith holds degrees from the University of Virginia and Marymount University. He and his wife, Wendy, an educator, have two adult children.  

Best-selling author Dr. Stenette Byrd III has built a career spanning more than two decades in public education, serving as a teacher, principal, district leader, and currently as Chief of Schools for Suffolk Public Schools in Suffolk, Virginia. A native of Hampton, Virginia, Dr. Byrd is also an adjunct professor in the School of Education at Old Dominion University and has previously taught at Norfolk State University. He is widely recognized for building strong academic cultures, leading effective school improvement efforts, and providing empowering leadership across diverse educational environments. Throughout his career, Dr. Byrd has guided elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as district-level instructional initiatives, with a focus on student achievement and organizational excellence. He holds degrees from Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University and earned his doctorate in Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership from The College of William & Mary. Dr. Byrd is the proud parent of twins, Stenette IV and Trae Denise, and remains deeply committed to mentorship, service, and leadership development.