In the face of multiple crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 wildfires, Santiam Canyon School District turned to its core identity to guide the community through recovery and transformation. Through its collaboration with Inflexion, the district developed maxims that became permanent fixtures of its culture, uniting students, staff, and families with a shared vision and purpose.
The impact of this work is seen in every aspect of the district’s operations- from hiring practices and community engagement to the way students and staff support one another. Santiam Canyon has become a model of how a strong identity can empower a school to overcome challenges and ensure success for all students.
Client Background
Santiam Canyon School District is located in the picturesque Mill City, Oregon, serving a close-knit community nestled in the Santiam Canyon. The district consists of a preschool, an elementary school, and a combined middle/high school, all housed on the same campus. Together, these schools serve a diverse student body in a region where community and connection are integral to daily life.
The Challenge
Santiam Canyon faced a series of devastating events that tested the district’s ability to support its students and community. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education, and the devastating 2020 wildfires destroyed the homes of 20% of its students. These challenges threatened the district’s ability to support its community and maintain stability during a time of upheaval.
The district also needed a way to ensure its values and culture were reflected in every aspect of its operations, from how students were supported to how staff were hired and retained. Santiam Canyon sought a solution that would align its community, clarify its purpose, and empower its schools to thrive despite adversity.
Inflexion’s Solution
In collaboration with Inflexion, Santiam Canyon School District embarked on a transformative process to define its identity through a set of core maxims: “Stand Together,” “Find Your Path,” and “Never Give Up.” These statements became the foundation of the district’s culture, reflecting its values and commitment to resilience.
The process began with extensive community engagement, including surveys and focus groups that invited students, staff, and families to share what made their community unique and what they valued most in their schools. Through discussions and iterative feedback, the maxims were refined to ensure they resonated deeply with stakeholders and authentically reflected the true character of the district.
Once finalized, the maxims became a unifying force for the district, guiding decision-making and fostering collaboration across all levels. Inflexion worked with leadership teams to embed these principles into daily operations, from professional development sessions that aligned staff practices with the maxims to hiring processes designed to attract candidates who shared the district’s values.
The district also integrated visual reminders of the maxims throughout the campus, including lobby walls, staff shirts, and other prominent spaces, reinforcing their importance in daily life. Even during the challenges of rebuilding after the 2020 wildfires, these shared values provided stability, clarity, and a sense of belonging for students, staff, and families, keeping the community focused on its shared goals and fostering resilience in the face of adversity.
Results
Santiam Canyon’s collaboration with Inflexion has transformed the district into a model of resilience and unity.
- Stronger Community Connections: The district’s maxims have united students, staff, and families with a shared language and purpose, fostering a sense of belonging and trust.
- Empowered Staff and Students: The maxims have guided decision-making, improved hiring practices, and created a culture where everyone feels valued and supported.
- Resilience in Adversity: The district’s identity provided stability and clarity during the wildfires and the pandemic, helping the community rebuild and thrive despite significant challenges.
- Attracting and Retaining Talent: By integrating its maxims into hiring practices, Santiam Canyon has attracted candidates who align with its values and created an environment that supports staff retention.
These outcomes demonstrate the power of a strong school identity in creating lasting, positive change for students, staff, and the broader community.
