About Compass-Keynote Consulting, LLC

Dr. James M. Halik is the founder of Compass-Keynote Consulting, LLC and a longtime advocate for strong, student-centered leadership in public education. With decades of experience working alongside school boards and district leadership teams, Dr. Halik brings both practical insight and thoughtful guidance to the complex work of governance, planning, and organizational culture.

At the core of his work is a belief that leadership is most effective when it is grounded in service, integrity, and preparation. Dr. Halik serves as an inspirational mentor and coach, walking alongside leaders rather than directing from the front. His work includes school board orientation and training, strategic planning, leadership and staff retreats, keynote presentations, and climate audits, all designed to help districts move forward with clarity and purpose.

Every Compass-Keynote engagement is rooted in current research, real-world experience, and continuous reflection. Sessions are intentionally designed to be respectful, relevant, and responsive to participant feedback, ensuring meaningful outcomes that extend beyond the day of the presentation. Guided by the philosophy that kids are special people, Dr. Halik’s work consistently returns to what matters most: creating school systems where students, staff, and communities can thrive.