Reflections from Liberty Fund: Conversations that Shape Leaders
By Jacqueline Kronk, Chief Strategy Officer, Office of the Secretary of Education - MDLF Fellowship Class VIII
As Chief Strategy Officer for the Office of the Secretary of Education, I have the privilege of working across all 92 counties to strengthen Indiana’s full education continuum—now spanning K–12 and higher education. Our focus is simple and urgent: align strategy with student outcomes so that every learner in our state is prepared to thrive in whatever path they choose.
On October 7, I joined a remarkable group of Hoosier leaders for the Liberty Fund’s State of Education colloquium, hosted through the Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation fellowship. The day was built around what I’ve come to value most about MDLF: thoughtful dialogue, humility in learning, and a shared commitment to strengthening Indiana.
The format is refreshingly simple: no lectures, no presentations—just a room of people prepared to think deeply together. Under the expert facilitation of Pat Lynch, Senior Fellow at the Liberty Fund, we explored the tensions between liberty and design, local control and state priorities, and innovation and accountability. Pat guided us with purpose, drawing out quiet voices, pushing our assumptions, and challenging us to interrogate our own reasoning—all while keeping the conversation grounded and respectful.
We engaged with readings that surfaced themes around instructional quality, parent confidence, and student outcomes—including learning loss and changing expectations for schools. Yet what stood out most was the breadth and depth of perspectives in the room. Business leaders, educators, public servants, and nonprofit innovators brought lived experience and grounded insight. Their reflections—rooted in real communities—deepened our conversation far beyond theory.
Whether discussing pandemic recovery, workforce connection, or the evolving purpose of schooling, I was struck by the shared belief that Indiana’s future depends on empowerment: of educators, families, and local communities. Many emphasized that meaningful progress grows from the ground up, not the top down—a principle that resonates deeply with our work.
I left grateful for the candor, curiosity, and rigor modeled by my fellow fellows. We asked hard questions, disagreed honestly, and pushed one another toward clearer thinking. The experience was a reminder that leadership is not about certainty—it is about the willingness to explore complexity with others who care just as deeply.
I am thankful to MDLF for cultivating this community, and to Pat Lynch for stewarding such rich dialogue. In a moment when public discourse can feel fractured, this group demonstrated what is still possible: principled, informed, and respectful conversation—focused on building a stronger Indiana for all.
Class VIII Fellows at Liberty Fund for their “State of Education in Indiana” class day.