Jenna Leadbetter

I strive to keep work & personal life separate, but some days you have to speak up. 😃 As Executive Director of Crosslake Community Schools (CCS), I'm proud of our 5-8th graders who, along with CCS staff, set aside political affiliations & got to experience something many never will - fishing with a state Governor! 🎣 Our students even received an official State of Minnesota Proclamation declaring "Fishing Education Day"! 🤩 Thanks to my amazing CCS team, MN DNR, Crosslake & surrounding area law enforcement agencies, Explore Minnesota, & the Governor's staff for an incredible collaboration & flawless event. I thanked Governor Walz for reversing his proposed education cuts & urged continued fair & equitable support for ALL schools regardless of type. After all, if every child is unique, shouldn't their schooling options be too? #FishingOpener #EducationMatters #StudentOpportunities

Are there actually people who want U.S. and NATO ground forces to have direct engagement with Russian forces? Do any Americans think it's worth losing a few hundred thousand lives, minimum, to get Ukraine's land back? If not, what's the alternative besides peace with current boundaries or Ukraine continuing to slowly lose land and people?

Genuine question: It feels like I’m seeing and/or hearing a lot of adversity to itemized budgets for any use of taxpayer dollars. Why is this? Is it status quo bias, partisan loyalty, trust dynamics, emotional investment, financial literacy challenges, fear of backlash, or something else? 🧐

#thoughtoftheday Nature's winter light show this week has been extraordinary - from fiery sunrises through snow-laden trees, to the luminous full moon, and those rare sun dogs painting the frigid morning sky with rainbow pillars. Sometimes the most stunning views come on the coldest days ❄️✨🌝 #reflections

Braved 6° temps at the Perham Parade of Lights and then Lights in the Pines with this little trooper! His galaxy snowsuit lit up the night! ✨❄️ While Santa got mixed reviews this year, someone managed to whisper 'remote control car' before making a quick escape! 🚗 #MinnesotaChristmas #PerhamParade #BoyMom💙

Today we lay to rest a remarkable mentor and friend, Superintendent Bryan Thygeson. I can still vividly remember the moment he changed the trajectory of my life – bellowing down the hallway "LEADBETTER! It's time to LEAD this world BETTER!" with that commanding presence of his. Though he cut an intimidating figure with his broad shoulders and linebacker build, those who knew him understood he had one of the kindest hearts. Bryan saw leadership potential in me before I saw it in myself. He didn't just tell me I needed to be in leadership – he immediately brought me into his district-wide cabinet, setting me on a path that would lead to becoming a district superintendent, earning my doctorate, and growing into the educational leader I am today. We shared a special bond through Imagine Dragons' "Whatever It Takes" – our anthem for pushing through life's challenges. Whenever one of us faced a hurdle, we'd send the song to each other as a reminder to keep pushing forward. "I was born to run, I was born for this" – Bryan lived these lyrics and inspired me to do the same. Bryan once told me I was destined for great things. He was right – and it was largely because he believed in me first. Today, as we celebrate his life, I'm deeply grateful for his strong, consistent leadership and the profound impact he had on my journey. Rest in peace, my friend. I'll keep doing "whatever it takes" – just like you taught me.

To all who served, thank you for your courage, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting our freedoms. Happy Veterans Day. 🇺🇸 #VeteransDay

🧡 Good luck to the orange army and know that my freezer has overflow openings. 😉 Stay safe, stay warm, and may the odds be in your favor. 🧡

Obligatory “I Voted” pic! 🇺🇸 Let’s see yours! 👀 😃

🗳️ Your voice matters! Remember to vote tomorrow, Tuesday. Bring a valid ID and check vote.gov to find your polling location and voting requirements. Every vote counts! #Election2024 #Vote

#thoughtoftheday What if the key to innovation isn't thinking outside the box, but realizing there is no box? #LeadBetter #mindsetmatters

#thoughtoftheday Your intuition whispers long before it screams. Learn to listen early. #LeadBetter

#thoughtoftheday Debate night approaches! Time to witness democracy in action (and fill out our bingo cards) 🗳️🎉 Jokes aside, these discussions shape our nation's future. It's our chance to hear candidates' visions and plans (emphasis on realistic plans) firsthand. But hey, if "middle class" becomes a drinking game, we're all in trouble. 😅 Pro tip: Have your debate bingo card ready. "Tax cuts" in the center square, anyone? #DebateNight #BingoAndBanter2024​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ #InformedVoters2024

#thoughtoftheday As autumn approaches, let's reflect on the changes we've seen this year—both in the world and in ourselves. What lessons have we learned? What growth have we experienced? And how can we use these insights to make a positive impact in the months ahead? 🧐 #LeadBetter #MindfulMatters

#thoughtoftheday "We shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us." - Marshall McLuhan How have smartphones and social media reshaped our cognition, relationships, and society? #LeadBetter #MindfulMatters

#thoughtoftheday If you're not from Minnesota or don't closely follow Minnesota politics & policy, but you're forming opinions based on mainstream media coverage - please, for the love of god, ask an actual Minnesotan (bonus points if you ask outside of your inner circle & across party lines)! Even better, reach out to any Minnesotans you know in government or other influential positions for the real scoop. Want the unvarnished truth about what's really happening in the North Star State? Feel free to contact me directly. Let's make sure the facts about Minnesota are straight. #LeadBetter #mindfulmatters

#thoughtoftheday Children yearn for approval and success. They dread disappointment and fear being stigmatized as failures. This fundamental truth should guide our interactions with them. Our role is to nurture their potential, envisioning who they might become rather than fixating on their present struggles. By treating children with the respect and encouragement befitting their future selves, we help shape that brighter future.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ #LeadBetter #MindfulMatters

#thoughtoftheday Struggling to connect with those who think differently? Research offers a relationship-building insight: 8 studies show 'balanced pragmatism' - considering others' views and seeking common ground - fosters mutual respect. In relationships and politics alike, understanding trumps winning. Bridge divides through empathy and reason. #LeadBetter #MindfulMatters

Happy birthday to our extraordinary Grandma! Hudson loves learning about nature w/ you. Your brilliant mind, quick wit, & passion for biology inspire us daily. From backyard explorations to life lessons, you're our favorite teacher & greatest supporter. We love you! 🌿🔬

#thoughtoftheday Opinions aren't treasures to hoard, but lenses to swap. Survey your mental toolkit. Which worldviews have grown dusty? Let them go. Try on fresh perspectives that fit your current self. Stay ready to upgrade as you learn and grow. #LeadBetter #MindfulMatters