Carl Blackmon Leads Through Service at High Road School of Santa Rosa

For Carl Blackmon, leadership means being present and inspiring. As the director of High Road School of Santa Rosa, he can often be found in classrooms, walking the halls, checking in with students and staff, or stepping in wherever an extra hand is needed.

That hands-on approach reflects a leadership philosophy he sums up succinctly.

“Servant,” he explained. “Serve your students, serve your staff, serve your stakeholders, serve your partners.”

A Path to Education Through Service

Carl Blackmon’s path to education began after his service in the U.S. Army. After four years in a recruiting assignment in Pensacola, Florida, and with a young family at home, he decided to transition to civilian life. He initially planned to become a registered nurse, but a call from a longtime friend about a job opening for a physical education coach changed his future.

The opportunity was a natural fit. Blackmon had long coached youth football, and mentoring young people was already one of his passions. He accepted the role in 2012 and has worked in education ever since.

Blackmon later became a computer lab teacher before moving into behavioral and operational roles. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and became a program manager for a new elementary program in Escambia County. In 2020, he helped open High Road School of Santa Rosa and has served as its director since.

Leading by Serving Others

Those experiences helped shape Blackmon’s hands-on, team-oriented approach to leadership.

“I’m a doer,” he said. “I’m always around the building, helping out wherever it’s possible.”

That approach shapes the culture he works to build at High Road School of Santa Rosa. Blackmon wants staff members to know they are part of a team and have opportunities to grow professionally and develop as leaders. He encourages growth through weekly professional development sessions, shared planning, mentoring and opportunities for staff members to facilitate learning for their colleagues.

He takes special pride in watching staff members advance into leadership roles, including several who have gone on to become directors at other regional schools. For Blackmon, that kind of growth ranks among the greatest rewards of his work.

“What brings me happiness is seeing people progress and seeing people grow,” he said. “Just seeing people blossom – that’s what I love.”

Building a Strong School Culture

Maintaining a strong school culture also means making sure teammates feel valued. Blackmon emphasizes greeting one another, checking in regularly, and keeping doors open. He also celebrates birthdays, shares positive feedback from families, and recognizes staff through Friday “anchor awards.”

He builds morale through consistency, appreciation, and the understanding that no one does the work alone.

“This is not really a job,” he said. “It’s like working with family.”

Blackmon’s military background continues to influence the structure and people-centered leadership he brings to the school. He credits that experience with teaching him how to manage through adversity and lead by example. At the same time, his experiences as a father, coach, and mentor also influence how he connects with students and families.

Helping Students Discover What They Can Do

For Blackmon, one of the most rewarding parts of his role is seeing students make progress both in and outside of school. Families share that their children are doing better at home, making friends and finding a sense of belonging. He credits the school’s structure, supportive environment, and staff members’ patience and compassion with helping students build skills and confidence.

He recalled one student who was initially afraid to speak in front of classmates. With encouragement from peers and staff, along with repeated opportunities to practice, the student eventually progressed from speaking in class to addressing the entire high school student body.

“Being able to witness students discover what they are capable of is what makes this work so meaningful to me,” he said.

On challenging days, Blackmon draws motivation from his staff, students, and family. He describes his family as a steady source of support and says his team’s loyalty and dedication motivate him to keep showing up with positivity and purpose.

As High Road School of Santa Rosa continues building on its school culture, Blackmon remains focused on being present for students and staff, creating opportunities for others to grow, and continuing to lead through service.