Case Study: Clarkston School District achieves renewed trust and stronger community dialogue with ThoughtExchange

Clarkston School District - Customer Case Study

Clarkston School District in Washington, led by new Superintendent Tim Winter, faced a breakdown of trust—most visibly between teachers and district administration—alongside pressing challenges like replacing a high school after two failed bond votes and supporting a largely low‑income student population. Leadership determined the root problem was a lack of open dialogue and needed a way to hear and rebuild community voices.

Clarkston ran district‑wide Thoughtexchange conversations (417 participants, 775 thoughts, 20,174 stars), using third‑party anonymity, facilitation and engagement services to surface honest feedback. The process revealed unexpected priorities—such as academic programs—not just facilities, guided planning for a reimagined high school, rebuilt relationships through transparent results and an action plan, and set the district on a path of ongoing, repeat engagements.

Clarkston School District

Tim Winter

Superintendent