243 - Matt is Human Too! A Crazy 2026 Summer! Modulars, School Board Support, Enrollment Fluctuation, and More!

Summary:This episode follows Matt George and Mark Zockoll as they unpack a summer that was anything but routine for a Christian school administrator. The conversation centers on building out temporary modular classrooms, managing enrollment changes, and staying faithful under pressure while preparing for a new school year. Matt George shares what it looked like to balance ministry, family, staffing, and a major campus project while also leading into a new middle school program. Mark Zockoll frames the discussion around the reality of school leadership and how God’s provision showed up through people, timing, and support.Timestamps:00:00 - Matt’s summer setup and the real topic of the episode00:21 - Why the hosts wanted to talk about a summer in school leadership01:12 - Last year’s record enrollment and why that matters02:05 - The usual rhythm of an administrator’s summer03:36 - Family travel, office time, and the shift back into school mode07:19 - What changed this summer and why it was different08:30 - Launching a new middle school program09:00 - The modular classroom project begins09:59 - Why the project consumed nearly every school day10:57 - Final inspection and the race to the finish line12:33 - Talking honestly about office hours and working from home14:49 - The first building project versus this one17:14 - Balancing temporary classrooms with long-term ministry goals18:09 - Expansion to maintain enrollment, not just to grow19:33 - God’s provision in moving and placing the modulars21:01 - Floors, HVAC, and the limits of one administrator’s skill set22:24 - Learning to rely on specialists and trust the process23:32 - Cost, quality, and why the finished classrooms exceeded expectations25:24 - Late-summer enrollment changes and the stress they created28:24 - Prayer, uncertainty, and families coming in at the last minute30:21 - Why the new classrooms were justified by the size of the incoming classes31:10 - School board, pastor, and administrative team support34:34 - Faculty pitching in with painting and practical help35:17 - When the school year finally feels easier again36:27 - The “jumping off a cliff” metaphor for the summer grind37:29 - Gratitude, encouragement, and prayer for a fellow principalFollow UsYouTube: Christian Principals Podcast Instagram: @cprincipalspod Email: info@christianprincipalspodcast.com Website: www.christianprincipalspodcast.com X: @CPrincipalsPod LinkedIn: Christian Principals PodcastExplore the Herzog Foundation's offerings for Christian schools at www.herzogfoundation.com. Book us for your next event to bring engaging and practical conversations to your community! And be sure to level up your school experience with our partner, Gradelink Student Information Systems, at ⁠⁠cpp.gradelink.com ⁠⁠today!Thank you for listening and for leading with integrity in your school!