Reflections on a decade of a school–university partnership: graduates’ perceptions of long-term program influence

Purpose This study examined the perspectives of graduates of a long-standing partnership between a university school leadership preparation program and a local school district. Design/methodology/approach Two main research questions guided this qualitative study: (1) What are the benefits of participating in a leadership preparation partnership? and (2) What are the challenges of participating in a leadership preparation partnership? Focus groups were conducted with 31 program graduates. Their responses were analyzed, and themes and sub-themes were identified. Findings Benefits included engaging in influential tasks and activities, altering their perspectives and practices, and sustaining cohort relationships; challenges were coping with work-life balance, course demands and changing program expectations. Originality/value This study adds to our understanding of the advantages and liabilities of forging long-lasting school-university partnerships to strengthen a school district’s leadership candidate pool.