Q&A with Bo Yan, Cohort 6 SDP Fellow Alumnus
This Q&A is part of an SDP Blog series profiling members of the 2023 – 2025 SDP Alumni Advisory Board. All posts from this series may be found here.
Bo Yan, a Cohort 6 (2014-2016) SDP Fellow alumnus, worked at Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) in Kentucky to tackle the following critical question: how can districts improve the efficiency of school budgeting and spending by linking financial, school operations, and student achievement data? During the course of the fellowship, Bo and his colleagues developed a new financial tool called cycle-based budgeting that tied budget requests to measurable goals and included a timeline for program evaluation. This budgeting model allowed the district to track spending on programs, evaluate their alignment with district priorities, and assess return on investment. After completing the fellowship, Bo continued to grow within Jefferson County Public Schools, developing strategies and tools to promote and improve data use in schools. Most recently, he joined the South Bend Community School Corporation as the Chief of Accountability, Assessment, and Strategy.
Before his time at JCPS, Bo spent over 8 years working at Blue Valley School District in Johnson County, Kansas, conducting research and program evaluation studies. Bo received his Ph.D. in Learning, Technology, and Culture from Michigan State University.
What drew you to the Strategic Data Project Fellowship?
I was drawn to the SDP Fellowship for the opportunity to learn, grow, and network with others. The most memorable moment from my time as an SDP fellow was sharing about my “formative experience,” which you can read more about here.
Tell us about your current job!
My current job as a Specialist at Jefferson County Public Schools revolves around helping people—and my organization—use data for continuous improvement. The day-to-day work involves ideating, evangelizing, developing, and implementing data solutions (data collection, analysis, and reporting) through meetings, writings, and coding. The most rewarding aspect is truly making a positive difference in people's lives.
What skills did you gain from your time as an SDP Fellow that you find helpful in your current role?
From my time as an SDP Fellow, I learned how to navigate and approach political and cultural challenges in a district environment, and how to work with others.
What advice would you give to current or prospective SDP Fellows?
For current fellows, I would give the advice that every problem you face is an opportunity to learn and improve. That said, not all problems are solvable at a particular time and environment. Pick the right problem to tackle. For prospective applicants interested in the SDP Fellowship, you should know that this opportunity can change your intellectual and professional trajectory in a very positive direction.
What is something that you would tell your younger self about your career?
I would tell myself to feel very lucky to have found the things I love doing!
What are you currently reading?
Anything related to subtraction. A new book I just picked up is The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less by Barry Schwartz. If you have time, check out his 2006 TED talk.
In education, addition has been the default choice for improvement efforts. While innovations are important, continually adding new things, often in silo, can create challenges. Despite the fact that subtraction can add value, it is rarely considered and approached as an improvement strategy. In our 2024 SDP Convening presentation, Sean Berkstresser at Tulsa Public Schools, Dr. Todd Cummings at South Bend Community School Corporation, and I shared our research and thinking on this long overdue topic. Check out our presentation here and please share this with your colleagues and remind everyone that subtraction is an option and sometimes less is more.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A scientist.
What is something you enjoy in your free time?
Reading and spending time with my family.