About Compass-Keynote Consulting, LLC
Established 2013
Dr. James Halik, President and Founder
Compass-Keynote Consulting, LLC partners with school boards and district leaders to help them lead with clarity, purpose, and integrity. The main goal is to keep students at the center of every decision.
Guided by the belief that kids are special people, Compass-Keynote Consulting Owner Dr. James Halik serves as an inspirational mentor, coach, and guide alongside educational leaders. The work focuses on strengthening governance and leadership through board orientation and training, strategic planning, motivational staff retreats, keynote presentations, and comprehensive climate audits.
At its core, Compass-Keynote Consulting is driven by a simple but powerful vision: making a difference for all Hoosier children, one school corporation at a time. Every engagement is grounded in research, real-world experience, and a deep respect for the people doing the work in schools every day.
Dr. Halik’s approach is built on clear values:
Professionalism: Reliable, responsible, and respectful service
Excellence: Thoughtful preparation and delivery that exceeds expectations
Integrity: Accountability, respect, and trust in every interaction
Through relevant, up-to-date content and a commitment to continuous assessment and feedback, Compass-Keynote Consulting helps school leaders move forward with confidence—aligned, prepared, and focused on what matters most: students.
"I have met many wonderful people, but I have never met an educator who is so positive, focused, and as right-on as Dr. Halik."
School Board Member, John Glenn School Corporation
Services
School Board Orientation
and Training
Compass-Keynote Consulting provides customized school board training designed to strengthen governance, clarify roles, and support effective decision-making. Sessions focus on best practices, board-superintendent relationships, strategic leadership, and creating a positive district climate—all centered on what matters most: students.
District Strategic Planning
Compass-Keynote Consulting guides districts through collaborative strategic planning that aligns vision, values, and long-term goals. Through thoughtful facilitation and stakeholder engagement, districts gain a clear roadmap for decision-making that supports sustainable growth and student success.
Administrator/Faculty Retreats
Compass-Keynote Consulting facilitates purposeful administrator and faculty retreats that foster reflection, collaboration, and alignment. Designed to re-energize teams and strengthen culture, these retreats create space for meaningful dialogue, shared learning, and focused planning in support of students and staff.
Inspirational Opening of School Addresses
Compass-Keynote Consulting delivers inspirational opening day messages that energize educators, set a positive tone for the year ahead, and reconnect staff to their purpose. These messages celebrate the impact of educators, reinforce shared values, and inspire momentum as teams begin a new school year together.
Conference and Seminar Keynote Presentations
Compass-Keynote Consulting delivers engaging keynote presentations for conferences and seminars that inspire, challenge thinking, and reinforce the importance of strong leadership and positive school culture. Each keynote is thoughtfully designed to connect research, experience, and practical insights that resonate with educators and school leaders.
More than Work
Jim and Connie Halik
Behind the presentations and planning sessions is a person who values family, laughter, and the relationships that make the work meaningful. Compass-Keynote Consulting is grounded in people first both on and off the stage.
Dr. Halik’s “Vision”
“Making a difference for all Hoosier children one school corporation at a time.”
Dr. James M. Halik and Compass-Keynote Consulting, LLC serve as an inspirational mentor, coach, and trusted guide on the side for school boards and district leaders. Through board orientation and training, strategic planning, motivational staff and administrator retreats, keynote presentations, and climate audits, the work is designed to strengthen leadership, clarify purpose, and support districts as they navigate complex decisions, always with students at the center.
Grounded in the belief that kids are special people, Compass-Keynote Consulting approaches every partnership with service, professionalism, and integrity. Each engagement is informed by current research and real-world experience, prepared with care, and delivered with excellence. Continuous assessment and participant feedback are essential parts of the process, ensuring every presentation, work session, and retreat is meaningful, relevant, and impactful. The result is thoughtful leadership support that helps school communities move forward with clarity, confidence, and shared commitment.