In times of crisis, leadership is often defined not just by decisions made but by the courage to navigate uncharted waters with empathy, strength, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of a community. Jeff Hohne, the former principal of El Diamante High School in California’s Visalia Unified School District, epitomized this kind of leadership. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the social tensions heightened by the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, Jeff Hohne faced unprecedented challenges that required him to adapt, empathize, and innovate for the benefit of his students, staff, and community.
Jeff Hohne dives into the lessons of crisis management, resilience-building, and adaptability that defined Jeff Hohne’s tenure during one of the most turbulent times in recent history. His experience serves as a guide for educators, administrators, and leaders in any field who may one day face the challenge of leading in times of widespread disruption and change.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, schools across the country were forced to make a rapid shift to virtual learning. This change posed a monumental challenge for Jeff Hohne and his team at El Diamante High School. The infrastructure for online learning was not universally in place, and students, teachers, and families were all grappling with the shock of a new reality.
In the face of these challenges, Jeff Hohne’s crisis management skills were put to the test. According to Hohne, "Managing a school during a pandemic is unlike anything I’d ever encountered. You’re making decisions that impact hundreds if not thousands, of people daily, and you have limited information to go on." His approach was grounded in a few key principles:
1. Transparency and Clear Communication: Hohne knew that, in times of uncertainty, clear communication was essential. He made it a priority to inform students, parents, and staff about changes and safety protocols as soon as they were determined, creating a flow of reliable information that people could trust. Weekly newsletters, virtual town halls, and regular updates became tools to keep everyone informed and engaged. Daily virtual briefing meetings with staff allowed for information sharing and best practices.
2. Collaboration Across the Board: Realizing that he couldn’t solve every problem alone, Hohne leaned into collaboration. He worked closely with teachers, district officials, and even parents to find workable solutions to challenges such as providing students with laptops, addressing internet access issues, and ensuring that virtual classes were effectively engaging students. He empowered teachers to innovate within their virtual classrooms and encouraged them to share best practices, creating a support system to navigate the transition together.
3. Quick, Adaptable Decision-Making: Flexibility was key. With health protocols and regulations changing constantly, Hohne had to be prepared to make swift adjustments. Whether it was switching from fully virtual to hybrid learning models, adjusting protocols for in-school sessions, or managing the emotional toll on both students and staff, adaptability was essential.
Through his steady yet flexible approach, Jeff Hohne modeled the kind of quick-thinking and adaptable leadership that is necessary in any crisis. His decisions helped to minimize disruptions in learning and allowed El Diamante High School to maintain a semblance of stability amidst the uncertainty.
Beyond logistics, the emotional impact of the pandemic was deeply felt by students, teachers, and families alike. Many students struggled with isolation, and anxiety levels were high as everyone tried to cope with the unknowns surrounding COVID-19. Jeff Hohne recognized that building resilience within his school community was just as critical as addressing the practical elements of remote learning.
1. Supporting Mental Health: Jeff Hohne made mental health support a priority. He worked to increase access to school counselors and promoted mental health resources within the district. Recognizing that students and teachers alike needed an outlet, he facilitated virtual "check-in" sessions where students could talk about their experiences and feelings in a safe, supportive environment.
2. Encouraging a Growth Mindset: Hohne understood that developing resilience was about encouraging students and staff to see challenges as opportunities for growth. He emphasized a growth mindset approach, reminding everyone that setbacks and failures were part of learning and adjusting to the new normal. This shift in perspective helped many students find motivation, even when faced with the frustrations and difficulties of virtual learning.
3. Fostering Community and Connection: Isolation was one of the biggest struggles for students during the pandemic. Hohne took steps to maintain a sense of community at El Diamante High School. He supported the creation of virtual extracurricular activities and clubs, ensuring that students had ways to connect with their peers beyond academics. Online events, like virtual spirit days and talent shows, provided students with a sense of normalcy and community.
These efforts not only helped students stay engaged but also strengthened their ability to adapt to future challenges, demonstrating the impact that resilience-building initiatives can have on a community during a crisis.
As the pandemic unfolded, so too did significant social movements, notably the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, which brought discussions about racial justice to the forefront of American society. Schools, being microcosms of the broader community, were not immune to these discussions. Jeff Hohne’s role as principal extended beyond academics; he was responsible for fostering an environment where students felt safe, respected, and heard.
1. Encouraging Open Dialogue: Hohne recognized that students were experiencing the social tensions firsthand and that these issues could not be ignored in the school environment. He organized forums and virtual discussion spaces where students and teachers could share their perspectives and listen to one another. By creating a space for open dialogue, Hohne helped foster empathy and understanding among students of diverse backgrounds.
2. Incorporating Social Justice into the Curriculum: Hohne supported efforts by teachers to incorporate discussions on social justice, equity, and historical context into their classes. This approach allowed students to understand the issues surrounding the BLM movement in a structured and educational manner, equipping them with the tools to engage in these discussions thoughtfully.
3. Supporting Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Recognizing the need for systemic support for diverse student groups, Hohne backed diversity and inclusion initiatives within El Diamante High School. This included mentorship programs and clubs that provided safe spaces for students of color to connect, share experiences, and find allies within the school community.
Jeff Hohne’s actions in response to the BLM movement demonstrated his understanding that schools are not just places of learning but also environments where young people develop their values, empathy, and sense of justice. His efforts to address these issues openly and empathetically helped create a school culture that values inclusivity and respect.
Jeff Hohne’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and the social unrest surrounding the BLM movement left a lasting impact on El Diamante High School. His ability to manage crisis situations, build resilience, and foster an inclusive environment offers valuable lessons for leaders in all sectors.
Jeff Hohne’s time as principal demonstrates that leadership in times of crisis requires not only quick thinking and adaptability but also a commitment to empathy and community-building. His story reminds us that, even in the most challenging circumstances, leaders can make a profound difference by prioritizing people and values over procedures. Jeff Hohne’s legacy at El Diamante High School serves as a powerful example of how strong, compassionate leadership can help communities weather even the most turbulent storms.
