EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
VLK | COLLAB
VLK | COLLAB
VLK offers exceptional comprehensive services that are tailored to the specific needs of your district and community. Trust is built over time through thoughtful planning, stakeholder engagement, transparency, and an organizational eagerness to meet the needs of every student. With uncompromising excellence, VLK | COLLAB services are designed to foster organizational success.
Community Engagement
• Community Based Accountability
• Champion Program Facilitation
• Strategic Planning Facilitation
Creative Services
• VLK | XD
• Photography
• Videography & Animation Services
• PIXEL - Branding & Graphics
Leadership Coaching & Professional Development
• Aspiring Leadership Academy
• Communications Coaching For District Leadership
• Emerging District Leadership Coaching
• Professional Development On Learning Spaces
School Board Training
• Compliance & Continuing Education
• Professional School Board Training
• School Board Retreat Training
• Team Of 8 Training
Strategic Communications
• Client Content Development
• Communications/Reputation Audit
• Crisis Communication Planning & Consultation
• Rezoning & Attendance Zone Development
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community-Based Accountability System Development
Standardized tests are a singular tool to measure the effectiveness of a school or district. Dive deeper with CommunityBased Accountability. Discover what your community prioritizes when it comes to student success. Create systems and measures to lean into local priorities and build trust along the way.
• District and Community SWOT Analysis
• Reputation Assessment
• Community Engagement Opportunity Identification
• Committee Survey Work
• Community Summits
• Deliverable: Report with Measurables (Optional Designed Publication & Video Recap)
Champion Program Facilitation
VLK offers expert facilitation for Champion Programs designed to engage, inform, and empower community members as advocates and ambassadors for their public school district. Through a series of structured, interactive meetings, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of district operations, challenges, and strategic priorities, while fostering stronger community-district relationships.
• Three committee meetings (additional if needed)
• Build capacity in membership in areas of district structure, legislative impact, school finance, facilities, branding and demographics
Strategic Planning & Collaborative Visioning
VLK offers expert facilitation for districts engaging in Collaborative Visioning - A structured, inclusive journey that brings together district leaders, educators, board members and community stakeholders to define a shared vision for the future. Collaborative Visioning results in a clear, actionable roadmap grounded in core values, community input and strategic goals.
• Recommended 6 Committee Meetings
• Build capacity in membership in areas of district structure, legislative impact, school finance, facilities, branding and demographics
• Deliverable - Designed Strategic Plan Document & Video Recap of the Development Process
CREATIVE SERVICES
VLK | XD
The XD (Experience Design) Team pushes the boundaries of exploration in the design process through the creation of renderings, animations, virtual reality experiences and 360-degree facility tours. A multitude of software platforms and drone technologies allow clients to experience all facets of a project in an immersive environment prior to and after a design is complete.
• Cinematography
• Photography
• Aerial Photography & Videography
• Educational or Advocacy Bond Video
• Social Media Shorts & Motion Graphics
• Drone Footage Tracking & 3D Model Alignment
• Architectural Visualization
• Custom Character Creation & Rigging
The XD Team is adept at building comprehensive and creative solutions to meet client goals. Unlike a menu of choices, XD services are strategically paired and utilized to perfectly articulate the message of the client. Cost of services can vary greatly depending on the scope of the work and overall client goals.
Photography
Customized photography services provided based on client topic and need. Exceptional high-quality imagery featuring all ages, school pride, extracurriculars, etc. for district use.
$1,000 to $5,000
• Professional Photographer
• Photo Editing
• Compliance with Student Privacy Laws
Videography & Animation
• Folder of Edited Photos Delivered to Client
• Photo Content & Format Appropriate for Print or Digital Use
Customized video services provided on client topic and need. Includes planning, coordination and compliance with student privacy laws where applicable.
• Motion Graphics & Visualization
• Professional Vocal Talent if Desired
• Scripting
• Licensed or Royalty Free Music
LEARN MORE ABOUT VLK XD
PIXEL
A successful brand goes well beyond a logo. The PIXEL process is a comprehensive approach to brand development, logo creation, branding standards and implementation. PIXEL operates at the intersection of communications and the built environment. Our experiential graphics team works with project teams and clients to create experiences for brand identity, wayfinding, school spirit, and education. We have extensive experience helping clients establish, define, and communicate their brand, exploring the ways it can be expressed throughout facilities.
• Campus/District Brand Analysis
• Campus/District Brand Development
• Community Engagement
• Committee Input Sessions
• Experiential Graphics
• Signage and Wayfinding
• Digital Installations
LEADERSHIP COACHING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Aspiring Leadership Academy
Aspiring Leadership Academies are thoughtfully designed to prepare identified future leaders for success in public school administration. These academies support a range of participants, from teacher leaders seeking advancement into roles such as assistant principal, to current assistant principals aiming for principalships or central office positions.
• Five targeted leadership sessions held throughout the school year.
• The experience culminates in a compelling final presentation to the Board of Trustees, showcasing both individual growth and collective development as a leadership team.
Communications Leadership Coaching
A school district communications professional often serves as the voice and face of the district. Similar to a superintendent, this person must be a generalist in knowledge across the entire organization. Prepare and develop your communications person and/or district leaders to effectively communicate and build a culture of collaboration.
• Individual meetings either virtual or in-person
• Identification of communication strengths and weaknesses
• Coaching protocol used to guide discussion
Emerging Leaders Coaching
VLK’s Leadership Coaching program is designed to support and elevate educational leaders at every level, including principals, assistant principals, team leaders, department chairs, counselors, and more. Through individualized, data-driven coaching, leaders engage in reflective practice, skill development, and strategic planning—all aligned with district priorities and campus needs.
• Strengthen instructional leadership and knowledge
• Enhance school culture
Professional Development for Learning Spaces
• Improve outcomes for students and staff
• Aligned with T-PESS standards
With decades of combined experience in educational leadership, VLK’s in-house experts exhibit proven ability to leverage learning environments to achieve instructional goals. Using scholarly research, customized professional development can equip educators and administrators with knowledge and skills to maximize student learning. Support authentic teaching and learning in your schools with thoughtful learning environment arrangement and utilization.
• Individual On-Site Consultation
• Classroom & Campus Visits to Identify Learning Environments
• Small or Whole Group Professional Learning Based on Custom Needs/Goals
SCHOOL BOARD TRAINING
Compliance & Continuing Education
Texas School Board Members are required to complete annual continuing education aimed at various state requirements. Maximize this required opportunity to build the capacity of trustees with the help of VLK’s tenured educational leadership professionals. Content of training is customizable and fluid to fulfill current TASB requirements.
• Post-legislative Updates
• Student Achievement & Accountability
Professional School Board Training
• Child Abuse Prevention & Reporting
VLK offers customized School Board Training that aligns with the Texas Framework for School Board Development, supporting trustees in their legal and ethical responsibilities while equipping them to lead with clarity, unity and purpose. Our workshops are led by approved providers, offering school board trustees their required annual hours. Sessions are tailored to the unique needs of each district, enhancing board effectiveness and ensuring alignment with local goals, state expectations, and student-centered decision-making. Training sessions are designed around five core areas of effective governance.
• Vision & Goals
• Systems & Processes
• Progress & Accountability
Board Retreat Training
• Advocacy & Engagement
• Synergy & Teamwork
Removed from the distractions of work, home and daily life, retreat-style training for trustees can provide dedicated space and time to dive deep into strategic planning, board culture, vision curation and board development. VLK’s team of experienced leaders in both education and the private sector can design a retreat to meet individual district needs. Offered in or outside of your district in formats of 1, 1.2 and 2 days.
Team of 8 Tier 2 Training Options
This professional service is all about relationships and improving group outcomes of a district’s Team of 8. The performance of the elected board and superintendent can directly impact the success of students and staff served. VLK’s experienced team of educational leaders provide training in areas of:
• Assessing Performance and Planning for Improvement
• Clarifying Roles and Working Relationships
• Reviewing and Refining Board Operating Procedures
• Developing a Vision and Setting Measurable Goals
• Improving Community Relations through Storytelling
• Understanding and Applying Community-Based Accountability Pillars
• Superintendent Evaluation Workshop
• Assisting boards in crafting or refining the instrument used to evaluate the superintendent, aligning expectations with district priorities.
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
Client Content Development
Promote your message and brand with well-crafted and appealing content development. Articulating who you are as an organization in written and graphic form can shape the way your community feels about your school district.
• Creation and management of publications
• Impact stories
• Development of clear messaging
Communications/Reputation Audit
• Creation of press releases
• Creation of website content
• General advice and thought partnership
Conducting a Communications/Reputation Audit for a school district is a comprehensive process that helps assess how the organization is perceived by different stakeholders, including students, parents, staff, community members, and the media. The goal is to understand the district’s strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, as well as to identify any gaps between the district’s objectives and its public perception.
• District and community SWOT analysis
• Reputation audit
• Community engagement opportunity identification.
• Committee survey work
Crisis Communications Planning
• Community summits
• Deliverable with opportunity to follow-up to measure progress
A formalized Crisis Communications Plan guides your messaging in the most challenging and emotional times as a school leader. Being prepared for what to say in a crisis is as valuable as knowing what to do in a crisis when it comes to maintaining community trust.
• Audit of all communication inbound and outbound channels
• Boilerplate statements for common crises that occur
• District leadership coaching for implementation
Rezoning of Attendance Boundaries and/or Partnership/Consolidation of Campuses
Adjustments to school boundary lines are a delicate task. Every rezoning is unique and deserves a custom and planned approach. This service helps districts reshape school boundaries with equity, efficiency and long-term planning in mind.
• Complete meeting planning and facilitation, four meeting minimum
• Two board meeting presentations
• Priority scheduling
• Customized committee work to meet district and community needs
• Consensus achieving process
• Time-efficient meeting and logistics
• Conflict management
• Coordination with internal and external professionals
• Content development for website and stakeholder communications
VLK | EDGE TEAM
Dalane Bouillion, Ed.D. | Chief Development Officer
As Chief Development Officer, Bouillion leads efforts associated with Research and Development, and the Educational Planning team. Her responsibilities include empowering departments and other leaders to solve intricate problems, simplify complexity, and turn the unfamiliar into the familiar to see possibilities differently. She listens, asks essential and complex questions, and helps to improve relationships between staff and leadership. Her role assists everyone in the firm to follow through on commitments and ensures accountability. As counsel to VLK’s educational clients, Dalane has successfully led many initiatives, including visioning and strategic planning, professional learning frameworks, and aspiring administrators academies. She has also conducted professional development sessions on diverse topics and led team-building activities. Additionally, she has provided instructional coaching and MBS training. Dalane has 23 years of experience in public education where she served in several roles, from teacher to Associate Superintendent, where she oversaw multiple departments, including, Curriculum & Instruction, Special Education, Career and Technical Education, Athletics, Assessment and Accountability, Gifted and Talented, Instructional Technology, Early Childhood Education, and Library and Media Services.
Jim Chadwell, Ed.D. | Senior Associate, K-12 Specialist
As a K-12 Specialist for VLK, Dr. Jim F. Chadwell brings over 31 years of leadership experience in Texas public education. He reinforces VLK’s mission to design schools aligned with districts’ instructional goals. His career includes teaching at the high school, college, and international levels, and serving as a high school principal, deputy superintendent, and superintendent. A dedicated advocate for public education, Jim collaborates with educators, elected officials, state associations, business leaders, and policymakers to advance initiatives benefiting Texas children. His work includes supporting legislation that enables districts to meet student needs and advising on strategies to amplify their voices at the state level.
Jim also has deep expertise in districtwide strategic planning and school improvement. As a certified executive coach, he mentors district leaders and provides Team of Eight training for school boards, covering the state board framework, team-building, Texas Education Code updates, and protocols for identifying and reporting abuse and trafficking. Recognized as a results-driven leader, Jim blends strategic vision with a strong commitment to each school community. He fosters trust through collaboration, transparency, and strong relationships, always prioritizing decisions that serve the best interests of children.
Lizzy Johnson, Ed.D. | Senior Associate, Planning Strategist
Dr. Lizzy Johnson has been advocating for students in Texas public education since 1996. She has served in multiple roles throughout her professional walk as an educator, including campus and district level administrator in rural, suburban, and urban districts in the state of Texas. Throughout all of her career, she has led many initiatives in the arena of forward thinking, advocacy, and future visioning work.
Lizzy collaborates with superintendents, school boards, stakeholder committees, architects, facility planners, leadership teams, demographers, financial advisors and others to create a seamless process of pre-bond planning and execution. Lizzy can identify land mines, roadblocks, and hurdles to avoid by calling upon her vast experience in the field. Lizzy also has experience in the leading collaborative visioning, school board training, Aspiring Leaders Academy, and project management prescriptive to the school districts needs.
Sara Koprowski | Senior Associate, Educational Planner
With 17 years of public education experience across North Carolina and Texas, Sara Koprowski brings a deep foundation in instructional leadership, large-scale curriculum alignment and oversight, and district-wide program implementation to her role at VLK. Having served in both campus and central office roles, she understands the culture, operations, and relationships that shape how learning happens. Her insight into both strategic planning and day-to-day realities allows her to support districts creating impactful, student-centered learning experiences. Sara believes that trust and relationships are the foundation for meaningful change, both within schools and throughout the planning process.
Sara partners with school districts to align curriculum, instructional goals, and district initiatives to create future-ready learning environments. Through purposeful and intentional planning, she ensures that the district’s educational vision is reflected not only in instructional practices but also in the physical spaces where learning takes place. Sara brings expertise in leading large-scale community engagement efforts, facilitating input sessions that gather diverse voices from educators, students, parents, and stakeholders to inform meaningful decisions. Her work ensures that every solution is grounded in the district’s educational vision and reflects the needs of students, educators, and the community.
With a strong background in organizational leadership and educational research, Sara supports clients in designing learning environments that prioritize student well-being, foster engagement, and enhance instructional practices. Her published work explores how modernized learning spaces can foster belonging, student agency, and improve learning outcomes through purposeful design. Known for her fun, engaging style and clear communication, Sara excels at bringing people together, building consensus, and turning ideas into action.
Rick Westfall, Ed.D. | Senior Associate, Educational Planner
Rick brings 31 years of educational experience to the conversation, providing a comprehensive understanding of how instructional goals, campus culture, and community vision combine to shape effective learning environments. His career has included leadership across the classroom, campus, and central office levels, including service in large suburban school systems, giving him a unique perspective on how strategic decisions impact students and educators at every level.
Rick has led numerous districtwide strategic planning initiatives and has worked extensively in the areas of facility planning, instructional design alignment, and leadership development. He is highly experienced in guiding school systems through community engagement efforts related to bond planning, tax ratification elections, and long-range facility development. His approach builds trust through authentic dialogue, data-informed decision-making, and clear communication—ensuring stakeholder support and alignment around shared goals.
Known for his ability to listen first and collaborate deeply, Rick supports districts in translating educational priorities into thoughtful, purpose-driven designs. Whether facilitating visioning sessions, leading professional learning, or contributing to instructional planning, Rick ensures that every conversation keeps student success at the center.
Kevin Worthy | Senior Associate, Educational Planner
With 31 years of service in public education, Kevin Worthy has consistently prioritized the importance of cultivating a positive and inclusive school culture. Throughout his career, he has championed initiatives that enhance school environments and enrich the experiences of all students. Kevin’s leadership philosophy centers on fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect among students, teachers, and staff ensuring that schools are not just places of learning, but nurturing communities where every individual can thrive. Kevin believes that learning is most powerful when it is a team effort. “Good learning, like good work, is collaborative, not competitive and isolated,” he says. “Sharing one’s own ideas and responding to others’ reactions improves thinking and deepens understanding.”
Kevin has led numerous bond planning and long-range facility committees, always with a focus on building trust and capacity among stakeholders. His collaborative approach has helped community members come together around shared goals, strengthening both relationships and outcomes. Kevin’s work is guided by a deep belief in the power of community, trust, and shared purpose.
Kevin brings a deep understanding of how purposeful design can support meaningful teaching and learning. He works closely with school districts to help them identify their educational priorities and translate those into thoughtful, future-ready learning environments that reflect the unique values, needs, and aspirations of the community. Kevin’s approach is rooted in active listening and collaboration. He believes that the foundation of any successful project lies in building relationships and gaining a deeper understanding of what good teaching and learning looks like, both now and in the future. His work focuses on more than just facilities; it’s about designing spaces that foster engagement, support student well-being, and elevate the overall learning experience.
EXPERIENCE TEAM
Daniel Pitcock | Chief Experience Officer
As Chief Experience Officer, Daniel activates client experience strategies to deliver differentiated brand experiences that build client loyalty and advocacy. He serves as counsel for district strategic planning, district facility committee facilitation, bond committee work, and district boundary adjustment/rezoning. His role also includes the oversight of employee experience to ensure employees embody the firm’s client promise and deliver brand expectations. Daniel has 27 years of experience in public education where he served in several roles, from teacher/coach up through Deputy Superintendent for Allen ISD for 15 years, including oversight of the Operations Department including Facilities, Maintenance, Transportation, Community Services, Student Nutrition, Safe and Secure Schools, as well as serving as a liaison to the community for the district projects.
Brad Minton | Associate, Experience Design Director
Brad has the unique privilege of being involved in many of the firm’s projects, using his specialized skill set to assist in the design and presentation of a project’s “experience”. Working with all project teams in the firm, leadership, and the client, Brad crafts a cohesive design statement for the project. Brad works with the entire design team, clients, and community to develop state-of-the-art project renderings, videos that capture the story behind the project, and graphics within the facilities.
Bill Hallgren | Associate, Marketing Director
As Marketing Director for VLK, Bill develops strategic marketing initiatives, establishes brand positioning, and oversees marketing execution in all channels including VLK’s website, advertising, social media, events, and statements of qualification. He also leads creative strategy for public school district clients’ bond election campaigns. His 30-year ad agency career provided opportunity to work in a wide range of categories on behalf of his clients. Consumer packaged goods, retail, restaurants, B2B professional services, hospitality and hotels, and pharmaceutical brands have all given Bill a wide perspective on communication engagement.
Cody Jones | Associate, Creative Manager
As Creative Manager, Cody serves as the firm’s advocate for branding across all channels, leading a team of skilled graphic designers. She drives PIXEL, VLK’s proprietary branding and experiential graphics process, collaborating with district leaders and community stakeholders to craft cohesive, authentic brands and researchdriven solutions for both new and existing campuses. Through expert facilitation, Cody ensures that each brand reflects the identity, values, and vision of the district while resonating with the students, staff, and community members who bring it to life. Her strategic approach positions school districts to stand out in today’s competitive educational market, strengthening community pride and driving long-term engagement.
Adi Bryant | Communication Strategist
As Communication Strategist, Adi enhances district communication strategies, developing and implementing tailored plans, advising district leadership, and strengthening internal and external engagement. Adi has a strong background in public education communications, most recently as Chief Communications Officer at Royse City ISD, where she led award-winning districtwide communication initiatives.