Rebuilding Trust and Culture Across a Charter School Network Through Leadership, Literacy, and $1.2M in Support
Project Overview
When The Culture Lab first partnered with Bonnie Cone Schools, a charter network in North Carolina, the organization was facing one of the most challenging periods in its history. Years of reputational damage from lawsuits and negative media coverage had shaken community confidence. Leadership turnover had eroded stability, and staff morale was at an all-time low. Families were leaving. Teachers were burning out. Disciplinary incidents were high, and the sense of belonging that once defined the network had faded.
Our Approach
The Culture Lab implemented a multi-year, systems-aligned strategy that integrated leadership development, community engagement, and cultural transformation. We knew this wasn’t about quick fixes, it was about creating sustainable change from the inside out.
Our work unfolded across four key pillars:
1. Culture Rebuilding & Leadership Coaching
We introduced our Contagious Culture™ Framework to every layer of the organization, board, leadership, teachers, and staff. Through targeted coaching, we helped leaders redefine what it meant to “lead from the inside out,” focusing on emotional intelligence, team trust, and clarity of vision. Administrators participated in monthly mentorship cohorts, creating a space for reflection, peer accountability, and shared growth.
2. Teacher Development & Internal Capacity Building
To reduce turnover and strengthen internal leadership pipelines, The Culture Lab launched ongoing teacher development workshops. These sessions centered around cultural alignment, classroom management through relationships, and restorative practices. Teachers were paired with mentors to foster continuous growth and reduce feelings of isolation.
3. Student and Family Engagement
Recognizing the need to reconnect students and families to the heart of the school, we launched a district-wide Service Learning Initiative that mobilized students to give back to their community, resulting in over 5,000 volunteer hours in its first year. This effort not only restored pride within the student body but also reconnected families to the school’s mission.
To further support students’ social-emotional and academic development, The Culture Lab led the design and development of three new school libraries, coordinated the donation of over 18,000 books, and helped launch scholarship programs focused on student wellness and leadership.
4. Governance, Partnerships, and Philanthropy
We worked closely with the board to strengthen governance practices, clarify roles, and align around a shared vision for the future. Strategic planning sessions redefined accountability and decision-making structures, creating cohesion between school leadership and the board.
Simultaneously, The Culture Lab cultivated relationships with corporate partners and philanthropic foundations, resulting in over $1.2 million in new funding to support literacy, student leadership, and cultural development programs.
Results
The transformation was not only visible, it was measurable.
Disciplinary referrals decreased significantly across campuses, reflecting improved student behavior and stronger classroom climates.
Family engagement surged, with more parents attending events, volunteering, and expressing renewed confidence in school leadership.
Teacher and staff retention stabilized, and employee morale rose as communication and trust improved across teams.
Student achievement increased, fueled by stronger instructional support and a renewed sense of purpose among educators.
Community trust was restored. Media narratives shifted from criticism to celebration, and the network began attracting new families and partners.
Perhaps most importantly, Bonnie Cone Schools rediscovered its identity, not as a network defined by past challenges, but as a model for what can happen when culture becomes the strategy.
