Leadership HCS

Leadership HCS is an opportunity for diverse groups of community leaders to experience Hamilton County Schools in a unique way. Participants in the program will experience both the successes and challenges of how our school district works to ensure all children thrive and experience a future without limits.

Program Information

01 The program is designed to:

Broaden participants’ knowledge of the school district
Increase the strength and effectiveness of our educational advocates
Equip participants to respond to the current and future challenges of the school district and public education
Provide opportunities for direct contact between community leaders, district leaders, and schools

02 Session topics include:

HCS Vision & Strategic Plan: District Overview
Governance in Public Education
Student Learning
Student Belonging
Principal for a Day
Future Ready Students
Educator Recruitment & Retainment
Facilities & Operations
Family & Community Engagement
HCS Budgeting Process

03 Save the Dates:

Tuesday, September 30 — 8:00am – 12:00pm
Tuesday, October 28 — 8:30am – 12:00pm
Tuesday, November 18 — 8:30am – 12:00pm
Tuesday, January 27 — 8:30am – 12:00pm
Tuesday, February 24 — 8:00am – 1:00pm w/ working lunch
Tuesday, March 24 — 8:30am – 12:00pm
Tuesday, April 28 — 8:30am – 12:00pm

04 Important Information:

Applicants must reside or be employed within Hamilton County and be at least 21 years of age at the time of application.
Leadership HCS requires full participation and cohort members are expected to attend all sessions. This program includes one session each month, beginning in September and concluding by May (final schedule will be posted shortly, please check the Leadership HCS landing page for updates). Classes are held at locations across the district typically from 8:30am – 12:00pm but vary depending on the session needs.
Recommended tuition of $100 to cover light refreshments.

An Application Review Committee will review all applications and select up to 20 participants for the class.
All applicants not selected for the program may apply for a future Leadership HCS classes, but must reapply.

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS Monday, August 11.

Applicants will be notified of acceptance by August 30, 2025.

Meet Our 25-26 Cohort Members

Hamilton County Schools is proud to welcome the 2025–2026 Leadership HCS cohort — a diverse group of community leaders dedicated to learning, connecting, and championing public education. Leadership HCS offers participants a behind-the-scenes look at the work happening across our district to ensure every child thrives and experiences a future without limits. Through this yearlong journey, cohort members will engage directly with educators, students, and district leaders to explore both the successes and challenges that shape our mission to serve every student, every day.