Loretta Blanks

Background

About Loretta Blanks

Loretta W. Blanks, M.Ed. Loretta Blanks, early in her career as a school administrator, developed the reputation of being a turnaround principal. She was successful in Virginia and North Carolina in leading high poverty, chronically low performing elementary schools in reversing a trend of low achievement. At one of these schools, in 3 years student achievement in reading and mathematics increased from 53% to 81%, resulting in the school getting recognized as a School of Distinction. Before becoming a principal, Loretta was a teacher for 11 years in grades 2-6. In 2006 she joined The Rensselaerville Institute as a specialist with the School Turnaround program. She provides support to principals in successfully implementing the six School Turnaround strategies necessary to increase achievement. In addition, she focuses principals on developing the leadership skills needed to create enduring success. Loretta has supported schools in Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and North Carolina. In 2019 Loretta became a Director of School Turnaround. While still working with principals, she also supports other Turnaround Specialists in their work with principals. One specialist describes Loretta as having “robust intentionality” changing how he thinks and leads. Loretta received a Bachelor of Arts from East Carolina University in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the College of William and Mary. She participated in the Executive Leadership Program for Principals at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was honored to receive the Jack McCall Award. Loretta has 3 children and 8 grandchildren. She is active in her church and is currently the board moderator leading members to build a focus on social justice.