Culture of yes: How to future-proof your district

Forney ISD, located just 20 miles east of Dallas, is one of the fastest-growing school districts in Texas and the nation, adding 1,600 to 2,000 students annually. In a district where change is constant, flexibility and innovation are not just goals—they are necessities.

At our district, “future-proofing” is not a buzzword about predicting the future; it’s about creating a culture of adaptability and collaboration so that students, educators and the broader community can thrive. Through strategic district design, flexible learning environments and technology integration, we’ve built a system that evolves alongside the needs of our students, their families, and the community we serve.

One of our most ambitious projects, Opportunity Central—also known as “the OC”—embodies this philosophy. More than a school, the OC is a hub where education, workforce development and community engagement intersect.

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Designed as a career, college and community center to serve learners from ages 3 to 103, the OC provides flexible, multi-use spaces for students, families and businesses. It operates seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., hosting career training programs, parent and senior classes, and community events. Furnishings are mobile, technology enables space transformation, and safety is prioritized with badge-only entry systems.

But future-proofing isn’t about building the biggest facility or having the latest technology—it’s about fostering a culture that embraces change. Here are some best practices for district leaders tackling design challenges to create learning spaces for today and tomorrow:

1. Innovate within the box

Every district leader should ask the real question: What problem are we trying to solve, and is it good for kids? Future-proofing begins with an intentional design approach that aligns student needs, district goals and available resources. Furthermore, by building a “flat organization” rather than a “top-down” or “bottom-up,” all stakeholders are part of the solution.

Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum but within a well-defined organizational, policy, budget and infrastructure framework. By first defining the “box”—the parameters and tools within which we operate—we enable scalable, meaningful change.

2. Design flexible learning environments

Learning environments should be dynamic, not static. Our classrooms, labs and meeting spaces at the OC can be reconfigured within minutes to support different learning experiences.

With technology like Vivi that leverages our school’s network of displays in the classroom, across campuses and in the larger community, we can easily flip a kindergarten classroom into a parent education class or a dual-credit high school course. By ensuring that every element of space design is modular and adaptable, we’ve created a system that evolves daily to meet the needs of students and the community.

The key to success? Technology must be easy to use and seamlessly integrated into learning spaces. The best tech removes friction and expands access rather than complicating the educational process.

3. Embrace a culture of change

Forney ISD grows by 10% each year, requiring us to reorganize our district annually to keep up. Our 3,000-plus employees are trained in a culture of change, ensuring that adaptability is not a reaction—it’s an expectation.

We follow an approach inspired by Michael Fullan’s Motion Leadership, which prioritizes scalable, practical innovation over rigid, long-term planning that can become obsolete before implementation. This philosophy can apply to districts regardless of size, budget or demographics.

Learning spaces must be able to shift and change beyond traditional structures or will struggle to keep up with the rapid pace of the workforce and technological transformation.

4. Build strong community partnerships

Future-proofing means creating real-world opportunities for students to engage with local businesses, colleges and community organizations as they grow their entrepreneurial skills.

At the OC, students manage retail spaces and storefronts, either locally owned, student-run businesses or franchises, as well as operate auto mechanic shops and train in an esports lab—all within a fully functional, community-integrated facility. These experiences prepare students for the workforce and strengthen ties between schools and local economies.

This is a key component for district leaders to consider as digital transformation’s rapid pace impacts our daily lives, school day and jobs.

Future of education is now

Future-proofing isn’t about replicating the OC—it’s about designing spaces and systems that align with your district’s unique needs.

By fostering a “culture of yes”—one that embraces innovation, adaptability and collaboration—district leaders can create schools that not only stand the test of time but actively shape the future of learning and our communities.