When Shaun Hurtado stepped into the principal role at La Loma Junior High School three years ago, he saw an opportunity for change. With a busy campus of about 700 students, he quickly realized the traditional office setup was limiting his interactions. Inspired by his experience in a program called The Breakthrough Coach, Hurtado decided to trade his permanent office for a mobile desk. This simple but effective move transformed his approach to school leadership.
“I used to be cooped up in my office, but now I’m out there, engaging with everyone,” said Hurtado, grinning at the thought. “This year marks my third year going mobile. I'm big on building relationships and believe I can make the biggest impact by being visible throughout the school.”
Hurtado starts his day with a quick visit to the front office to check in with staff and collect his thoughts. He then grabs his battery-powered cart, stocked with all the essentials: a laptop, two additional monitors, and his travel mug full of coffee.
“I load up with everything I need, then I roll over to greet the students as they arrive for school,” he explained. “It’s all about being present and accessible. Of course, the mobile desk doesn’t work without wearing my running shoes!” he laughed.
David Sanchez, the principal at Downey High School, shares Hurtado’s enthusiasm for this hands-on approach.
“When the weather is nice, I spend most of my day on the move,” said Sanchez. “Whether it’s popping into classrooms or hanging out in the hallways, I’m here to connect.”
Both principals assembled the first iterations of their mobile desks by assembling parts they scrounged together at the school.
"My first mobile desk was much bigger and a little more difficult to get around," said Hurtado. "I used to have to plug into the wall using an extension chord. Our IETS department was on campus one day, took a look at it, and came back with a smaller cart and rechargeable battery that's good for about three hours."
His new desk allows him more freedom to move around campus and even includes wheels matching the school's colors.
"Somehow they found the La Loma green. It's a nice touch," Hurtado added.
Sanchez modeled his desk after Hurtado's, using the same rechargeable battery to prevent being tethered to a wall.
"I like to maintain a strong presence in high-traffic areas near the government wing and student bathrooms," said Sanchez.
The benefits of their mobile desks are clear. Both principals can provide immediate support, whether giving teachers quick feedback or stepping in to help during busy times.
“I’ve jumped in to cover for teachers who need a quick break or helped a student get back to class,” Hurtado recalls. "As the captain of this ship, it's important that everyone knows who I am and they feel confident that I'm here to support them."
The principals’ mobility enhances visibility and accessibility. They always seem to be in the right place at the right time, engaging with students and staff, and addressing any issues or challenges as they arise on the spot.
“Students recognize me, and it makes them feel comfortable coming up to chat,” Hurtado shared. “It breaks down barriers. Our campus supervisors appreciate it too because they have an extra set of eyes and ears if anything happens."
Sanchez shares this sentiment, emphasizing that a mobile office creates a warm and inviting school culture.
“I want students and staff to know they can reach out without feeling intimidated or having to schedule a meeting with me in the office,” he said.
Weather? Not a problem. Rain or shine, you’ll find Hurtado and Sanchez rolling around campus.
“I’m out here, no matter what,” Hurtado declared. “I’ll bring a sweater and hand warmers if I need to. It shows the students and staff that I’m dedicated to making myself available."
Their mobile setup allows them to engage in positive student interactions while facilitating better support for their teachers and staff.
“I can provide immediate feedback and encourage teachers in their classrooms, creating a collaborative environment,” Sanchez explained.
Both principals receive countless high-fives and fist bumps from students and have become skilled at maneuvering their desks during busy passing periods.
“I’ve learned to park my cart strategically to avoid traffic,” Sanchez said laughingly. “You have to be smart about it, especially during those hectic moments when students change classes."
Their success hasn’t gone unnoticed. Inspired by Hurtado and Sanchez, other principals in the district are considering mobile desks to enhance engagement.
“We’re creating a culture of leadership on the move,” Hurtado explained. “It’s about supporting our students, staff, and families and making sure everyone has what they need to succeed.”
