Now Available on Amazon
Why Schools Keep Missing Dads
- and What Leaders Can Do Differently
An introduction to school-based father engagement
About After the Donut
Most schools offer a donut.
Few build what comes after it.
After the Donut… isn’t about criticizing schools. It’s about strengthening them. It’s an honest, practical look at why so many fathers and father figures remain on the outside looking in — even in schools that believe they are welcoming to all.
Written by longtime public servant and school-based father engagement advocate Keith Schumacher, this book pulls back the curtain on the subtle barriers that unintentionally discourage dads… and then lays out a clear path forward.
This isn’t a feel-good pep talk.
It’s a leadership challenge.
Inside, you’ll discover:
- Why schools often misunderstand father engagement
- The cultural blind spots that quietly push men away
- A sustainable framework for moving beyond one-time events
- Real stories from schools that chose to lead differently
If you’re a principal, counselor, PTA leader, or district administrator who believes family engagement matters — this book will challenge you, equip you, and inspire you to act.
Because the goal was never the donut.
The goal is what happens after it.
Reviews and Endorsements
A Pathway to Success
A Game Changer for School Leaders and Families
Building Systems, Not Just Events
This book is exactly what I needed to guide me through a multi school initiative to raise father/father figure engagement in our school communities. The layout and flow is incredibly easy to follow. The author walks you through possible pitfalls you might encounter, while giving you usable advice and steps to move around the potholes that can sink your progress.
It is obvious that the advice and lessons in this book come from someone with experience and passion for this work. I'm looking forward to incorporating it into my Professional Development and using it as a resource for years to come.
Highly recommend for administrators and community members interested in increasing father engagement in your school.
Rich Ashburn
Family Engagement Specialist
Virginia
Building Systems, Not Just Events
A Game Changer for School Leaders and Families
Building Systems, Not Just Events
After the Donut is a practical and inspiring guide for schools that want to strengthen family engagement in meaningful ways. Keith Schumacher combines real stories, research, and clear strategies to show why fathers and father figures matter and how schools can better invite them in.
I appreciated that this book goes beyond one-time events and focuses on building lasting systems that support students, families, and school culture. It challenges common assumptions while offering simple, actionable ideas that educators can start using right away. As the book explains, the goal is not just a single event but creating pathways for ongoing involvement.
This is a valuable resource for school leaders, counselors, and anyone committed to stronger family and community connections. Highly recommend.
Christina Casad
Parent Advocate
North Carolina
A Game Changer for School Leaders and Families
A Game Changer for School Leaders and Families
Bridging Research and Real-World Practice in Father Engagement
I've had a chance to read through a few chapters and it has been an eye opener. I truly to believe this book can be a game changer for not only educational leaders, but also families. The book speaks to me both as a long-time campus administrator and as a father committed to staying engaged in my child's education. I love the straight talk about hosting events that only bring fathers to the campus on one occasion. In comparison, I love the conversations centered on different ways to maintain a yearlong connection to fathers. As you know, I'm a long time fan of All Pro Dad and believe it to be an easy way to engage with dads. I've also participated in WatchDOGS when my children were in Abilene ISD. Each experience provided me with a unique perspective on father engagement.
So, in general, I love the book and can't wait to finish it!
Dr. John M. Martinez Jr.
Educator
Texas
Bridging Research and Real-World Practice in Father Engagement
Bridging Research and Real-World Practice in Father Engagement
Bridging Research and Real-World Practice in Father Engagement
After the Donut is a practical and encouraging resource for educators who want to move beyond symbolic gestures for fathers. The author draws upon both research and real-world experience - bridging theory and practice in a way that feels accessible and actionable for busy educators. That is not easy to do, and this book does it well! I believe the book’s greatest strength is its practicality. Educators will find concrete steps and strategies that schools can implement to make their father engagement efforts more impactful and sustainable. The guidance is realistic and grounded in the day-to-day realities of schools. If your school is looking for a new professional learning community topic, this book would be a great choice. It is also an enjoyable and easy read for any administrator or teacher who is interested in making family engagement more inclusive and wants to see better outcomes for our students. The author’s deep experience working directly with schools and families adds credibility and important insights from someone who has actually “walked the walk.”
Dr. Kyle Miller
Education Professor
Illinois
More Than Filling Slots — Filling Hearts
Bridging Research and Real-World Practice in Father Engagement
From the Dad of an Academic Daughter - This Matters
I absolutely loved this book on engaging fathers in schools! Keith provides valuable background on the benefits of fathers being involved on school campuses, along with practical steps to connect and engage them. He shares proven strategies that go far beyond simply having dads attend meetings.
I highly recommend this book to school districts and individual schools that are looking not just to “fill slots,” but to fill hearts — and make a lasting, positive impact in their schools and in the lives of their families.
Wendy Sedlacek
Father Engagement Advocate
Florida
From the Dad of an Academic Daughter - This Matters
Bridging Research and Real-World Practice in Father Engagement
From the Dad of an Academic Daughter - This Matters
As a father of a daughter who was never athletic but deeply academic, this book really resonated with me.
In my experience, most fathers get involved in school through athletics. If your child isn’t on a team, there often isn’t a clear entry point. After the Donut makes a strong case that dads aren’t absent because they don’t care — they’re often absent because no one has intentionally invited them into a meaningful role.
What stood out to me is the idea that a one-time event isn’t real engagement. Sustainable father involvement requires structure, clarity, and direct invitation. Most dads don’t need to be “fixed” — they just need to know there’s a place for them.
This book isn’t about excluding moms. It’s about expanding the circle and recognizing that when fathers are intentionally engaged, students benefit. If you care about school culture and meaningful family engagement, this is a worthwhile read.
Anthony Super
Father
North Carolina
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If all you offer is a donut, engagement ends when the donut does.
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