Adaptive and Distributed Leadership for Digital Transformation: Building Resilient and Connected School Systems

Digital transformation challenges school leaders to maintain continuity, respond to technological change, and coordinate collective action. Objective: This study explored how adaptive and distributed leadership were practiced by school leaders, how these practices were perceived to strengthen resilient and connected school systems, and the challenges and opportunities encountered. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used with eight school leaders from the Caloocan North II District, Schools Division of Caloocan City, during school year 2025–2026. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the thematic approach identified in the source dissertation as Boyatzis’ approach. Results: The analysis organized participants’ accounts into three overarching themes: (1) adaptive and distributed leadership as foundations for collaborative digital transformation; (2) shared leadership practices as foundations of school resilience and connectedness; and (3) challenges and opportunities in applying these leadership approaches during digital transformation. Described practices included responsiveness to teacher readiness, revising digital plans, piloting tools, delegation, communication, and peer coaching. Reported constraints included resistance to change, unreliable connectivity, limited devices, and uneven digital competence. Conclusion: Participants described adaptability and shared responsibility as useful strategies for coordinating digital initiatives and sustaining school operations amid disruption. A seven-area leadership development program was proposed; its effectiveness was not evaluated in this study.