Sanborn Regional School District: Structure and Flexibility in Equal Measure

When Sanborn Regional School District's leadership team sat down to describe what set Zeal apart, the language was not about outcomes alone; it was about how the work actually felt to be inside of. "From the outset, Zeal demonstrated a level of professionalism and preparedness that immediately set them apart," wrote Rick Edelman, Vice Chair of the SAU 17 School Board. "Their team arrived fully organized, with a clear plan and structured process, ensuring that every step of the engagement was purposeful and efficient."

That structure mattered for a four-school regional district spanning two elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school, where a search touches every part of a small, tightly connected community. Edelman's letter describes a team that was "consistently on time, responsive, and respectful of both the Board's time and the broader community's input," the kind of operational discipline that keeps a search from dragging or losing momentum.

What distinguished the engagement, in Edelman's account, was not just the plan itself but the discipline behind executing it. "What truly distinguishes Zeal is their diligence and attention to detail," he wrote. "Throughout the process, they remained thoughtful, methodical, and thorough, ensuring that all perspectives were considered and that no aspect of the work was overlooked." At the same time, the process was not rigid. Zeal's "ability to balance structure with flexibility allowed them to adapt as needed while still maintaining momentum and focus," a balance that mattered as the search moved through direct candidate sourcing, confidential screening, and School Board decision support across Sanborn Regional's four schools.

Communication ran through every part of the engagement. "Zeal excelled in communication," Edelman noted. "They were transparent, clear, and proactive in keeping stakeholders informed, which helped build trust and confidence across our Board and community. Their facilitation skills created an environment where participants felt heard and valued, resulting in meaningful engagement and high-quality outcomes."

The search concluded with a superintendent appointed within the district's timeline, but for Edelman, the result was less notable than the way it was reached. "Most importantly, Zeal delivered on their commitments," he wrote. "Their process was not only well designed but also well executed, leading to results that were both actionable and aligned with our district's needs."

“I would not hesitate to recommend Zeal Education Group to any organization seeking a partner that is professional, reliable, and deeply committed to excellence. They brought a level of rigor and integrity to their work that made a lasting positive impact on our SAU.” - Rick Edelman, Vice Chair, School Board, Sanborn Regional School District (SAU 17), New Hampshire