School Leader Annual Planning System
In Episode 44 of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sat down with Luke Savidge, Principal of Compass Midtown High School in Memphis, Tennessee, to talk about the realities of leading a high school. Luke shared his journey from middle school teacher to high school principal and spoke candidly about the complexity of credits, scheduling, compliance, and culture-building.
One part of the conversation stood out. Luke walked through the annual planning system he built for himself. It is a single, organized document that helps him track priorities, data, staff relationships, instructional leadership, and even personal sustainability. This system was developed by Luke out of necessity. It reflects how he learned to protect his time, reduce overwhelm, and lead more consistently.
Luke has generously given permission for us to share this resource. Download the template below and use it to build your own annual leadership plan.
Year at a Glance
This tab maps the entire school year in one place.
It includes major academic dates, testing windows, grading periods, compliance deadlines, and key school events. For high school leaders especially, this view prevents surprises and helps you plan ahead.
When you can see the full year, you make better decisions in the present.
Schedule A
Schedule A defines your ideal weekly rhythm.
It outlines when you will:
• Review attendance and discipline data
• Conduct classroom walkthroughs
• Meet with staff
• Complete administrative responsibilities
Instead of reacting to whatever feels urgent, this schedule protects time for the most important work.
Schedule B
Schedule B is built specifically for half days or state testing days.
These days operate on a different rhythm. Class schedules shift. Instructional blocks are shorter. Supervision demands increase. Testing logistics require focused attention.
Instead of trying to force your normal weekly structure into an abnormal day, Schedule B provides a streamlined plan. It identifies:
• Adjusted supervision assignments
• Testing coverage and logistics
• Modified walkthrough expectations
• Limited but essential meetings
• Critical tasks only
The goal is simple. Protect what must happen and remove what can wait.
Faculty Meetings
This tab organizes faculty meeting agendas and focus areas.
It helps you plan:
• Instructional priorities
• Data discussions
• Staff celebrations
• Key announcements
Meetings become intentional rather than routine. They reinforce culture and direction.
Teacher Check Ins
Strong schools are built on strong relationships.
This tab tracks one-on-one meetings, coaching conversations, follow-ups, and notes. It ensures every teacher receives attention and support.
Tracking these conversations prevents important commitments from being forgotten.
Lesson Plan Checks
Instructional leadership requires consistency.
This tab helps you track lesson plan reviews, feedback, and follow-up conversations. It keeps academic quality visible and structured, even when operational demands are high.
To Do
This is your centralized task manager.
Instead of scattered notes or email reminders, all action steps live here. Tasks can be prioritized and tracked to completion.
This reduces mental clutter and increases follow-through.
Important Links
This tab stores frequently used links such as dashboards, compliance systems, shared drives, and reference documents.
Having everything in one place saves time and reduces friction throughout the year.
Self Care
Leadership sustainability must be intentional.
This tab tracks personal commitments, health goals, family events, and margin. By placing self-care inside the same system as operational priorities, Luke reinforces that taking care of yourself is part of leading well.
