Calandra Arrington, a 28-year-old educator, began her career in 1998 as a third-grade teacher at Sinclair Lane Elementary. After serving in multiple leadership roles, she returned to Sinclair Lane in its 70th year to serve as principal and lead learner. She is committed to fostering a joyful, safe culture of high expectations where every student can “Dive Deep and Rise Strong.” A quote that inspires her leadership, written by Ralph Marston, reads: “Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude.”
Arrington said she looks forward to bringing creativity, fresh ideas, and servant leadership to the Sinclair Lane school community by listening first, lifting others, and turning good ideas into sustainable practices. As lead learner, she plans to partner with staff, families, and students to remove barriers and create joyful, rigorous learning each day.
Reflecting on her definition of leadership, Arrington recalled a moment when she was cleaning in the school building. “People are often shocked to learn I’m the principal while I’m wiping tables or sweeping floors,” she said. “It challenges the outdated vision of a principal behind a desk and affirms my belief that leadership is service, courage, and community. In our school, we wear many hats and my mantra is simple: serve, serve, serve. Leadership isn’t a desk; it’s service.”