Capes Optional, Communication Essential: Leading Out Loud in the Era of School Choice

In an era where families have more schooling options than ever, schools that stay silent risk becoming invisible.

Capes Optional, Communication Essential: Leading Out Loud in the Era of School Choice is a practical, energizing guide for school and district leaders who are tired of doing incredible work that too few people know about. Drawing on research, real stories, and years of district-level leadership, Dr. Chantell Manahan shows why visibility is not vanity, it’s survival. And more importantly, it’s leadership.

Through relatable storytelling and actionable strategies, Manahan shares how public schools can reclaim their narrative, build trust with families, and create systems that make communication clear, consistent, and human. Readers will learn how to clarify their district identity, strengthen community confidence, navigate the realities of policy and competition, and build a communications pipeline that works—even without big budgets or superhero capes.

This book is for leaders who believe public schools matter, who know their teams are doing powerful work, and who are ready to shine a spotlight on their schools with courage, integrity, and heart.

Because as educational options continue to expand, you don’t need a cape to lead your school. Your school needs a voice—and that voice is yours