Doc Buchanan Leadership Academy
Doc Buchanan Leadership Academy
Leading the way forward
The 2025-26 school year marked an exciting year of growth for the Doc Buchanan Leadership Academy. New programs, resources and investments expanded the Academy’s reach and strengthened its efforts to prepare the district’s new and veteran leaders to uphold Clovis Unified’s mission, values and culture.
A new element to the Academy was the creation of the “DOC Cohort” led by Director of Program Evaluation Aaron Cook. This new classified employee cohort expands the Academy’s reach while building a shared understanding of the leadership principles that have shaped Clovis Unified for decades.
“The Doc Cohort helped me recognize that hiring is one of the most important responsibilities I have… the employees we hire today directly impact the quality-of-service, culture and success of our district tomorrow,” said participant Daniel Navarro, supervisor of custodial services – secondary.
The philosophies of Founding Superintendent Floyd “Doc” Buchanan, Ed.D., were also woven into the district’s employee recognition program, creating new opportunities to celebrate employees who demonstrate the leadership qualities and values at the heart of Clovis Unified.
Additional resources have further expanded the Academy’s impact. The new Doc B Podcast features certificated and classified leaders sharing their experiences and perspectives on leadership, providing real-world examples of the district’s leadership philosophies in action across a variety of roles.
The Academy also took a critical step toward measuring its effectiveness with the creation of an assessment structure designed to evaluate and track results over time. This framework will help ensure the Academy continues to evolve and make a meaningful difference for the leaders it serves.
Finally, the Foundation achieved a major milestone in 2026 with the achievement of its initial $8 million endowment goal. This lasting investment provides ongoing support for the Director of Program Evaluation position and the Academy’s annual two-day leadership institute, helping prepare current and future leaders to sustain the culture and values that define Clovis Unified.
“Understanding the history and culture that make CUSD unique helps us appreciate why we do what we do. It grounds how we lead and serve students today while ensuring the core values that have guided our district for decades are carried forward for generations to come.”
Aaron Cook, Director of Program Evaluation