Arizona Safe and Supportive Schools

Leadership Lessons from Columbine and Beyond

“Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but how we react to what happens; not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst…a spark that creates extraordinary results.” -Anonymous

The tragedy at Columbine redefined the nation. This presentation reveals the leadership lessons Frank DeAngelis learned in the focus of the international firestorm that followed. Frank tells his story – from the events to the aftermath. This blunt, straight-forward account provides invaluable insights into managing the after-crisis with students, staff members, and community members, all in the spotlight of never ending media attention. He shares how he was able to build a community that worked together for his kids: the students at Columbine High School. The take-aways from this presentation should be required reading for every leader.

Biography

Frank DeAngelis

Frank DeAngelis was a staff member at Columbine High School in the Jeffco School District in Littleton Colorado, since 1979 until his retirement in June of 2014. He began his career as a social studies teacher, later serving as Head Baseball Coach, Assistant Football Coach, Dean of Students, and Assistant Principal, before becoming Principal in 1996. Frank is a Colorado native, and graduated from Metropolitan State College, then from the University of Colorado with a Masters Degree in Secondary Education and Social Studies. He went on to earn a Principal’s License and a second master’s degree. Frank has received multiple awards for his teaching, leadership and coaching skills, including being selected as Colorado High Principal of the Year, and being recognized as one of the three finalists for National Principal of the Year. He recently received the Jefferson County Lifetime Achievement Award and the Gandhi, King, Ikeda Community Builders Award. Frank is often called upon to speak about recovery after a school tragedy, and has assisted as a consultant after a number of violent school events. He is presently serving as a consultant for safety and emergency management for the Jeffco School District and continues to speak at events across the nation.