This study used a culturally responsive school leadership (CRSL) lens to examine the initial phase of creating school-wide systems of support, through implementing positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS), at an independent study high school. The study examined (a) how a small leadership team conceptualized, implemented, and evaluated Tier 1 implementation of PBIS using transcripts of meetings to identify the key themes for how CRSL elements were implemented, (b) my personal reflections of my leadership practices and experiences by focus coding entries from my journal and discussing the role of the CRSL framework in my leadership, and (c) the unintended impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on this research study. Although the pandemic hindered some aspects of the study, the team showed strong evidence of two elements of CRSL-critical self-awareness and culturally responsive and inclusive school environments. The other two aspects of the framework were identified as areas for growth. Fidelity evaluations revealed Redwood surpassed the 70% minimal scores, with 86% (TFI) and 90% (SAS). Student outcomes showed attendance rates increased significantly and students responded positively to the new model. My focus on relationships and trust building proved to be essential in completing this work. Future research will evaluate the next phases of implementation and include a focus on student outcomes: improving academic skills and increasing graduation rates. The Redwood staff and I are committed to continuing research and development of effective multitiered structures that could potentially have a wider applicability to other similar school settings. v DedicationThis dissertation is dedicated to my family. Without their support, encouragement, and love, I would not have made it through this journey.To My Mom and Dad -Thank you for working so hard over the years to provide this privileged life I have lived. Your hard work has always been inspiring and you have pushed me to be the ambitious person I am today.To My Mom -You are the reason I am who I am and the reason I was able to do this work. I would not be able to take this all on without you taking care of all of us. Your unwavering support and love are unmeasurable and I can never repay you for all that you have done for me and our family.To Anthony -Thank you for your patience, support, and unwavering devotion throughout the years. I would not be able to be where I am today without you and I look forward to the years ahead with our amazing children.To My Sons -I am your biggest fan and I hope I have made you proud. I could not have gotten through this without your jokes, snuggles, and nerf gun battles! You make me proud every day. I am doing this work to try to make the world a better place for you to live in -but, you make my world a better place to live in just because you are here. To Corina -Thank you for the constant words of encouragement and support. You are the sister I didn't get to have biologically and I am thankful you are in my life. vi Ack...