Lead through difficult decisions and prepare for what’s next.
Creative Futures Collaborative supports superintendents, school boards, cabinet teams, and county offices of education as they navigate change. Our Augmented Leadership approach strengthens judgment, relationships, and foresight while keeping people accountable for the decisions that shape students’ lives.
Support shaped around your work
Executive advising
For: Superintendents and executive leaders working through difficult decisions, competing priorities, or organizational change.
The work: One-to-one or team conversations that examine the situation, surface assumptions, and consider the people affected by a decision.
The aim: A clearer understanding of your options and practical next steps grounded in your district’s context.
AI Governance Education for School Boards
For: School boards preparing to oversee AI implementation in their district.
The work: Education and training that help board members understand AI’s opportunities and limitations, recognize questions and concerns that deserve attention, and distinguish board oversight from operational decisions. Sessions focus on what to look for in implementation proposals, what questions to ask district leaders, and how to keep accountability, student needs, and community trust central to governance.
The aim: Better-informed board members who can evaluate AI implementation plans, set clear expectations, and ask for meaningful evidence as the work progresses.
Responsible AI and leadership
For: Education leaders considering how AI should fit into their organization’s work.
The work: Workshops and leadership conversations that connect AI use to judgment, accountability, and the needs of students and communities.
The aim: A more thoughtful basis for deciding where AI can help, what questions to ask, and where human judgment must remain central.
Strategic foresight
For: Districts and education organizations preparing for change while managing today’s demands.
The work: Facilitated exploration of emerging changes, possible futures, and the implications for your organization. Sessions may use scenario planning, backcasting, and future mapping.
The aim: A clearer view of what could change, which assumptions deserve attention, and what you can begin preparing for now.
What working together looks like
We begin with a conversation about your role, the challenges ahead, and the support you’re looking for. From there, we shape the focus and format around your organization’s needs. Engagements may include executive advising, workshops, team sessions, or strategic retreats, virtually or in person.
Experience grounded in public education
I’m Jerry Almendarez, founder of Creative Futures Collaborative and a retired superintendent. I bring more than 30 years in public education, including 15 years as a superintendent serving Santa Ana and Colton. My work helps education leaders think through difficult decisions, strengthen relationships, and prepare for change while keeping students and communities at the center.
“Working with Jerry and Creative Futures Collaborative over the past year and a half has strengthened our leaders’ understanding of AI and helped us translate emerging possibilities into practical, meaningful applications. Jerry is an approachable and highly responsive thought partner who creates a supportive learning environment, tailors his work to our organization’s needs, and readily adjusts as those needs evolve. His strategic insight, encouragement, and ongoing sharing of relevant developments have been invaluable as we continue to deepen our work and support others in navigating AI.”
— Jonathan Swanson, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Orange County Department of Education
“Jerry spent years as a superintendent, so when he sits down with superintendents and their cabinets, he already understands the pressures, politics, and pace of the job, and he knows where AI can make a real difference. He’s been a trusted partner on some of the most transformative work we’ve done with district executive leadership teams across San Bernardino County, helping them rethink how the cabinet gets work done and staying with them until the new workflows stick. The payoff has been faster, better-informed decisions on initiatives that matter to students.”
David Thurston, Assistant Superintendent, Technology Services, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
“Partnering with Creative Futures Collaborative has been one of the most impactful experiences of my leadership journey. Jerry's method of learning changed the way I think about AI entirely. His approach made it practical, human, and powerful, and it gave me the confidence to lead our district's AI work with clarity and purpose. I am deeply grateful for the partnership and for what it has meant to Silver Valley and to me as a leader.”
—Jesse M. Najera, Superintendent, Silver Valley Unified School District“Creative-Futures provided clear context and facilitated meaningful conversations about how AI can assist and support educational leadership. Their approach helped our team of Cabinet leaders build practical skills and confidence in using AI to assist in daily tasks.”
—Mario A. Carlos, Ed.D., Superintendent, La Habra City School DistrictLet’s start with what you’re working through.
What decisions or challenges are ahead for your district or organization? Share a little about your role, priorities, and the support you’re looking for using the form below.