As IDEA Achieve Academy’s Principal, LEE member Giovanni Outram, has encountered a true transformation, both at his Forth Worth, TX school and in his leadership journey.

In his first year as Principal, the formerly F-rated campus scored an A-rating from the Texas Education Agency. Giovanni believes the higher rating comes as a result of the commitment to instructional excellence and strong systems that drive student success.

In addition to the instructional accomplishments, Giovanni has also seen success with the launch of the school’s PTA, which has helped forge a powerful partnership between parents and the school. PTA members have even spoken at City Council meetings and played a pivotal role in bringing joy to the school community. 

“Advocating for my students extends beyond our school walls,” Giovanni said. “Our PTA has been a tremendous success, engaging parents in meaningful ways and giving them a platform to advocate for our school at City Council meetings.”

“We’ve also fostered partnerships with local businesses and community leaders to enhance the resources available to our students,” he added. “One of my proudest moments was receiving an award from a state representative for the academic achievements we’ve made at IDEA Achieve. I believe strongly in using every opportunity to advocate for my students and ensure they have the support they need to thrive.”

“IDEA’s mission aligns with my core values—education as the key to economic freedom and breaking the opportunity gap,” Giovanni said. “IDEA schools focus on instructional excellence and systems that ensure success, especially for underserved communities. I’ve witnessed the transformative power of these systems at IDEA Achieve, where we’ve closed achievement gaps and elevated student success. I am proud to be part of an organization that prioritizes both academic rigor and community partnership to prepare students for college and beyond.”

These same core values also attracted Giovanni to LEE, and he believes his membership has played a crucial role in how he leads and engages with the school community. 

“What intrigued me most about LEE was their focus on policy and systemic change, which aligned perfectly with my belief that education is a key to breaking down the barriers of economic disparity,” he said. 

“One of my first experiences with LEE was the Exploring Public Leadership: Grounding Our Leadership in Our Identities session, which really pushed my thinking around the duty I have in creating a space for advocacy as a school leader,” Giovanni added. “This session allowed me to reflect on how my personal experiences shape my leadership style and advocacy efforts.”

Since joining LEE, Giovanni has focused his membership around ways to best amplify his impact beyond the school walls, including how to engage in policy discussions and civic initiatives that directly shape public education. 

“One of the most meaningful aspects of my LEE experience has been attending networking events and community dinners, where I’ve had the opportunity to connect with other education professionals who share my passion for improving schools through systemic change,” he said. “These connections have broadened my perspective on the challenges and solutions we face in education today.”

“Everything I’ve learned at LEE has had a direct impact on how I approach leadership at my school, particularly in creating and partnering with our PTA,” Giovanni added. “LEE’s emphasis on community organizing inspired me to use my position to create opportunities for parents to have a real voice in our school and in the broader education system. Through our PTA, parents are not only involved at the school level but are also gaining the skills and resources necessary to advocate for their children at the state level. These efforts have given parents the platform to speak at City Council meetings and other public forums, ensuring their voices are heard where decisions are being made.”

“LEE has provided me with the resources and opportunities to grow as a leader, advocate for systemic changes, and ensure that every child has access to a quality education,” he said. “These experiences have reinforced my belief that impactful leadership happens both within schools and at the grassroots level, where community engagement drives real progress.”