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Why Zeal - Dedicated to students, integrity, and excellence. We go beyond districts and schools, ensuring satisfaction with transparency and commitment. Why the name, Zeal? Pronunciation: noun \ zeel \ Definition: To have fervor for a cause; an eager desire; enthusiastic diligence. Zeal Education Group was founded to inspire fresh solutions to education-industry challenges. Our diverse, nationwide team of leaders bring centuries of experience as principals, directors, superintendents, commissioners, professors, authors, and thought leaders. Our team is not only exceptionally qualified to provide the services we offer, but we are zealous about the work we do. We guarantee you will be satisfied with the results, or we will start over. OUR PROMISE We understand that our clients are not just districts and schools, but ultimately the students that they are designed to serve. As fellow educators, we are committed to acting with integrity, honesty, and transparency. Zeal is unlike any other consulting firm because we guarantee complete and total satisfaction on any service we provide, or we will start over.

Superintendent of Schools South Portland School Department South Portland, Maine Start Date: July 1, 2026 About the South Portland Board of Education The South Portland Board of Education is a dedicated, student centered governing body committed to providing high quality public education for all learners in a diverse and growing coastal community. The Board works collaboratively with district leadership to set a clear vision, establish sound policy, and ensure fiscal responsibility while remaining deeply attentive to community values and student outcomes. Board members value transparency, respectful dialogue, and thoughtful decision making, and they approach their work with a strong sense of stewardship for the district’s future. Why Lead the South Portland School Department The South Portland School Department presents a compelling leadership opportunity for an experienced, forward thinking superintendent who is energized by innovation, community engagement, and continuous improvement. Serving a vibrant and diverse student population, the district is known for its commitment to academic excellence, inclusive practices, and preparing students for success in an increasingly complex world. The next superintendent will join a supportive community that values education, collaboration, and progress, and will have the opportunity to shape the next chapter of the district’s growth while building strong partnerships with staff, families, and the broader South Portland community. Leadership Profile The South Portland School Department has asked Zeal Education Group to conduct a comprehensive engagement with all stakeholders throughout the South Portland community. Once complete, we will share the Leadership Profile. All serious applicants should review the Leadership Profile in consideration of this role. Key Dates January 14, 2026 — Announcement of Vacancy January 26-30, 2026 — Community Engagement February 24, 2026 — Presentation of Leadership Profile to School Committee March 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST — Application Deadline April 8, 2026 — Presentation of State of Candidates April 17, 2026 — In Person Semi-Finalist Interviews with the School Committee April 27, 2026 — Finalist Interviews May 11, 2026 — Anticipated Appointment of New Superintendent July 1, 2026 — Start Date of New Superintendent Application Process This will be a confidential search process. Interested candidates must submit the following materials in one PDF : Completed application form Cover letter detailing your fit for this position and alignment with the Leadership Profile Current résumé or curriculum vitae Three current letters of recommendation Proof of, or eligibility for state-specific Superintendent Certification Unofficial copy of educational transcripts The successful candidate will be offered a salary of no less than $165,000 plus benefits. Please email the completed application packet to southportland@zeal-ed.com no later than March 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. Questions All inquiries will be treated with full confidentiality and discretion. Please contact the Zeal search team at southportland@zeal-ed.com .

Superintendent of Schools Stamford Public Schools Stamford, Connecticut Start Date: July 1, 2026 About Stamford Public Schools Stamford Public Schools (SPS) is a vibrant, diverse, and future-focused district serving more than 15,000 students in PreK-12. As a district committed to the mission of cultivating productive habits of mind, body, and heart, Stamford offers a broad range of academic opportunities to help prepare all students for post-secondary success. SPS is the 5th largest public school system in Connecticut, employing more than 2,400 staff, including more than 1,500 certified educators. The district’s 23 program sites include more than 3 million square feet of instructional space on more than 300 acres. SPS proudly reflects the diversity of the Stamford community. SPS students speak more than 75 world languages at home and our diverse student body represents a wide range of cultural and religious backgrounds and significant socioeconomic diversity. Why Lead Stamford Public Schools This is an exciting time to assume leadership of the Stamford Public Schools. The district is nearing completion of a three-year PreK–12 curriculum redevelopment effort that will ensure vertically aligned and high-quality curriculum in all content areas across all grade levels. The curriculum modernization effort is supported by a strong focus on instructional practice, data-informed decision making, and robust professional learning opportunities. SPS facilities are also undergoing modernization as part of a 20-year Long-Term Facilities Plan to upgrade or replace all 23 of the district’s program sites. Construction is set to begin in 2026 on the new Westhill High School and the new Roxbury K-8 School in Stamford’s Westover Neighborhood. By 2028, construction also will be underway on a new two-campus K-8 school in the City’s Cove Neighborhood. All four of these projects are backed by state grant funding of 60 to 80 percent. SPS is a state leader in the number of Advanced Placement and UConn Early College Experience Courses taught in its high schools, and the three schools offer students a wide array of academic opportunities including the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, the Stamford Regional FFA (Agriscience) Program, Project Lead the Way Biomedical and Engineering Programs, the Early College Studies Program with CT State, the Academy of Finance, and the High School of Business. SPS has also collaborated with the State of Connecticut to develop a robust career pathways program at its two comprehensive high schools with more than a dozen offerings including construction, manufacturing, public safety, and a CNA program. SPS has greatly expanded its programming for students with disabilities, who comprise 18 percent of district enrollment. SPS has more than 50 specialized classrooms for students with disabilities, and the new Oakwood Collaborative School in partnership with CES has ensured that even more students with disabilities can meet their educational goals within the district. Our multilingual learner program includes ESL, native language support, sheltered instruction, bilingual anchor programs, and new arrival centers that collectively serve 19 percent of the K-12 population. Leadership Profile The Stamford Board of Education has asked Zeal Education Group to conduct a comprehensive engagement with all stakeholders throughout the SPS community. Once complete, we will share the Leadership Profile. All serious applicants should review the Leadership Profile in consideration of this role. Key Dates February 4, 2026 — Posting of Position and Release of Leadership Profile Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST — Application Deadline March 28-29, 2026 — In Person Semi-Finalist Interviews with the Board April 14, 2026 — Finalist Interviews April 28, 2026 — Anticipated Appointment of New Superintendent July 1, 2026 — Start Date of New Superintendent Application Process The Board has committed to a fully confidential search . Interested candidates must submit the following materials in one PDF: Completed application form Cover letter detailing your fit for Stamford and alignment with the Leadership Profile Current résumé or curriculum vitae Three current letters of recommendation Proof of, or eligibility for, Connecticut Superintendent Certification Unofficial copy of educational transcripts Questions All inquiries will be treated with full confidentiality and discretion. Please contact the Zeal search team at stamford@zeal-ed.com .

Executive search services for school boards and school committees looking to hire a new superintendent and other leadership positions Helping Boards find the right candidate. "A successful superintendent, an effective Board, and a thriving district need more than just a firm that brings you candidates." Search Process Superintendent Personas Leadership Profile Search Timeline Schedule Your FREE Confidential Consultation Most Search Firms Will: Listen to understand the leadership needs of the Board, staff, and community Develop a clear, compelling posting that reflects the qualities you desire in a leader Leverage a national network to attract top-tier candidates Facilitate a structured, criteria-based interview and selection process for the Board Most Firms Stop Here. Our Search Service Goes Further to Include: 1. Deep Stakeholder Engagement : Zeal doesn’t just check the box—we engage with purpose. Our experienced team meets in person with your community and uses tools like ThoughtExchange to gather real-time, inclusive input from all stakeholders. We meet people where they are, honor their values, and ensure the community’s voice shapes the search—building trust and clarity around the kind of leader your district truly needs. 2. Superintendent Personas that Fit : While superintendents are expected to be experts across many areas of education, the reality is that each leader brings unique strengths. Zeal has identified six Superintendent Personas that bring a candidate’s skills and dispositions into focus: We work closely with Boards to identify the leadership profile that best aligns with their district’s culture and needs—then recruit candidates who are not only strong on paper, but the right fit in practice. 3. Leadership Support Beyond the Hire : At Zeal, we know a successful superintendent starts with a strong, trust-based relationship with the Board. We facilitate your first retreat—grounded in insights from our community engagement process—to build alignment, trust, and a cohesive leadership team. We also develop a personalized Entry Plan and provide 12 months of leadership coaching to ensure your new leader is supported, connected, and ready to thrive. The Community Builder The Visionary Change Agent The Instructional Leader The Operational Strategist The Student Champion The Crisis Manager Our search process is clear, comprehensive, and rooted in transparency, ensuring every step—from stakeholder engagement to candidate evaluation—is thoughtfully executed. We provide weekly updates to keep the board and community informed and aligned throughout the entire process. Superintendent personas help the board align candidates with district needs and community priorities. They offer a clear lens for making a strategic, informed selection about the candidate you need at this time. The leadership profile serves as both a beacon and a filter—attracting candidates who align with the district’s vision while helping the board evaluate each applicant’s fit with community priorities. It ensures a values-based, mission-aligned approach to identifying the right leader. We reverse-engineer our timeline from the preferred start date so that your superintendent will begin on time. We are clear about what responsibilities belong to Zeal alone, the Board alone, and what tasks we do together. Schedule Your FREE Confidential Consultation

< Back Peter Light Senior Associate Peter Light is an accomplished educational leader and consultant with more than 25 years of experience spanning the classroom, school, and district levels. His career is defined by a commitment to equity, innovation, and cultivating collaborative leadership cultures that enable all students to thrive. As Superintendent, Peter provides executive leadership in strategic planning, inclusion, fiscal stewardship, and large-scale capital projects, including the design of one of the first triple-net-zero schools in the state. He has guided districts through multi-year strategic plans, expanded social-emotional learning and mental health supports, and led efforts to ensure that all students are seen and valued in schools and curricula. Previously, Peter served for eight years as a high school principal, where he led the opening of a new state-of-the-art facility, expanded advanced academic opportunities, and introduced technology-rich, student-centered learning models. Earlier in his career, he served as an assistant superintendent, assistant principal, district arts director, and teacher, giving him a comprehensive perspective on K–12 education . A dedicated mentor, Peter has coached aspiring superintendents, principals, and district leaders, helping them develop the skills needed to navigate complex governance, lead with empathy, and foster high-performing teams. He holds a Master of Music in Performance from Yale University, a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire, and additional advanced coursework in Educational Leadership through Endicott College. As a consultant, Peter focuses on strengthening governance, building leadership capacity, and bringing communities together to solve complex problems on behalf of students.

< Back Mark Pompano Associate Mark Pompano currently serves as the Director of Security for the Newtown Public Schools in Newton, CT. The tragedy at Sandy Hook that toop place in 2012 affected Mark on both a professional and personal level, as the School’s Principal, Dawn Hotchsprung, was his longtime hometown friend and high school classmate. As a result of the Sandy Hook tragedy, Mark now supervises a staff of 20 school security officers whose primary mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of children, students, faculty, and staff members throughout the Newtown School District. Prior to his position in Newtown, Mr. Pompano has served in various law enforcement roles on both coasts of the United States. Mark was a key member of the Statewide Narcotics Task Force (SNTF) where he served as an undercover operative and narcotics investigator. During his 3 year assignment to SNTF, Mark also served as an undercover operative with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Upon the successful completion of his assignment with SNTF, Mark returned to the Naugatuck Police Department where he worked as a Detective, Youth Officer, Patrol Officer, and quickly promoted to the rank of Sergeant, where he performed the duties and responsibilities of Shift Supervisor. As a member of the Los Angels Police Deptartment, Central Division, Mark’s preliminary investigation and his discovery of crucial evidence at a gruesome downtown LA murder scene led to the subsequent identification, arrest, and conviction of Chester Turner, who remains to this day, LA’s most prolific serial killer. It also led to the release of a man who was wrongly convicted and imprisoned for a murder actually committed by Chester Turner. During his time with the LAPD, Mark worked with many different divisions and specialized units. Mark was later promoted to the rank of Sergeant, where he served as a Field Supervisor, Assistant Watch Commander, Officer-in-Charge of the Pacific Division Career Criminal Detail, Internal Affairs Investigator, Internal Affairs Advocate, Consent Decree Coordinator, and as Officer-in-Charge of the Pacific Division Senior Lead/Community Relations Office.

Services Leadership Coaching In today's complex educational landscape, school superintendents and leaders face multifaceted challenges that demand strategic acumen and resilience. Executive coaching emerges as a pivotal tool, empowering these leaders to refine their skills, enhance decision-making, and drive organizational excellence. By offering personalized guidance, coaching helps address unique challenges, foster inclusive environments, and navigate policy reforms effectively. In essence, executive coaching serves as a catalyst, enabling school leaders to transcend barriers, inspire change, and achieve enduring success within their institutions and communities. Choosing Zeal Education Group for executive coaching offers a distinct advantage rooted in our team's unparalleled expertise and firsthand experience as practicing and former superintendents. Here's why our service stands out: Relevant Experience: Our team comprises seasoned superintendents who have navigated the complexities of educational leadership firsthand. This firsthand experience ensures that our coaching is grounded in practical wisdom, real-world insights, and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities unique to superintendent roles. Empathetic Understanding: Having walked in the shoes of superintendents, our coaches bring a level of empathy, understanding, and relatability that resonates with leaders grappling with complex decisions, stakeholder dynamics, and organizational challenges. This shared experience fosters a trusting and supportive coaching relationship, enabling open dialogue, reflection, and growth. Strategic Guidance: Leveraging their extensive experience, our former superintendents provide strategic guidance tailored to the nuances of educational leadership. They offer actionable insights, best practices, and proven strategies to navigate governance, policy reforms, stakeholder engagement, and organizational dynamics effectively. Stakeholder Trust: Our team's credibility and track record as former superintendents foster trust and confidence among leaders, stakeholders, and communities. This trust enables more meaningful engagement, collaboration, and alignment around shared goals and priorities. Customized Approach: Recognizing that every leadership journey is unique, our experienced superintendents provide customized coaching solutions tailored to individual needs, challenges, and aspirations. They leverage their diverse experiences and expertise to offer personalized guidance, resources, and strategies that resonate with each leader's context and objectives. Our executive coaching can support leaders at all levels in your district, including specialized roles such as finance, human resources. Your leaders will receive guidance rooted in practical wisdom, empathy, strategic insight, and a deep understanding of the realities of educational leadership, empowering them to navigate challenges, inspire excellence, and achieve enduring success within their institutions and communities. Schedule Your FREE Confidential Consultation OUR PROMISE We understand that our clients are not just districts and schools, but ultimately the students that they are designed to serve. As fellow educators, we are committed to acting with integrity, honesty, a nd transp arency. Zeal is unlike any other consulting firm because we guarantee complete and total satisfaction on any service we provide, or we will start over. Learn more about our other services: Superintendent Searches Attract the most ideal candidates for those key positions Learn More Board Governance Training Function as a high-performing Board and Superintendent team Learn More Team Building Bring the best out of your team for optimal performance Learn More Subject Matter PD Contemporize your curriculum and teaching in all content areas Learn More

Technology Audits Now more than ever, technology is an integral aspect of curricula and instruction. Zeal Education Group has experts who can help your district to develop a technology plan that will ensure your IT infrastructure is future-ready and that you have access to the best solutions for your school or district's needs. No matter how large or small the project, our team can help. In the rapidly evolving educational landscape, integrating technology is essential for fostering enriched learning environments and administrative efficiency. We offer technical expertise, guiding schools and districts in crafting forward-thinking technology strategies tailored to their distinct needs. Our seasoned team of superintendents and technology directors appreciate the intricacies of educational technology, ensuring institutions are equipped with innovative tools for effective teaching, streamlined administrative processes, and equitable resource access. Our tailored approach includes: Comprehensive needs assessment: Evaluate your school or district's current technological capabilities and pinpoint areas for improvement. Strategic technology roadmap: Align technology plans with your school or district's educational aspirations and objectives. Infrastructure design and implementation: Create scalable and adaptable solutions supporting future growth. Vendor and solution evaluation: Guide selection based on performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Professional development: Empower educators with skills and knowledge to integrate technology effectively. Ongoing support and maintenance: Ensure uninterrupted functionality of technology systems and solutions. With Zeal Education Group's holistic approach, educational entities can confidently navigate technology complexities, fostering improved outcomes and equipping students for success in our digital age. Schedule Your FREE Confidential Consultation OUR PROMISE We understand that our clients are not just districts and schools, but ultimately the students that they are designed to serve. As fellow educators, we are committed to acting with integrity, honesty, and transparency. Zeal is unlike any other consulting firm because we guarantee complete and total satisfaction on any service we provide, or we will start over. Learn more about our other services: Behavior Intervention Learn More Safety & Security Ensure your staff and students are safe and secure Learn More Financial & HR Optimize your human and fiscal resources at the school and district levels Learn More Cyber Security Reduce or eliminate the likelihood of a cyber-attack Learn More Organizational Effectiveness Clarify roles and responsibilities to promote a stronger organization Learn More

< Back Kevin Eberle Associate Dr. Eberle is a passionate and driven school educator who has focused on creating a school culture for all to be successful. He has served four Western New York school districts over the past thirty-two years with the last eighteen in the Buffalo Public School District. As building principal, Dr. Eberle's vision has always focused on enriching the school building environment through cooperative initiatives that are conducive to learning and strive towards the highest student performance. He has redesigned schools by empowering faculties to become true educational leaders within their own classrooms. As an organizational leader, Dr. Eberle believes excellent communication and implementing a total team approach in creating a collegial, trusting, caring, and safe atmosphere, is essential for organizational change. He understands that change is inevitable and must continue to be visionaries for effective change. Dr. Eberle received his Doctor of Education from The State University of New York at Buffalo concentrating on Educational Leadership and Policy. With a master’s degree in counseling education, and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Dr. Eberle has focused on the social/emotional effects of schools and how to create positive relationships that develop positive learning environments. As Chief Operations Officer for the Buffalo Public Schools, Dr. Eberle was responsible for Facilities management of eight million square feet of school space, Food/nutrition, Transportation, Safety, and Security for 32,000 students. Within these years as COO, he gained a systemic thought process at a macro level of management and developed vital relationships within the business, district, and municipal communities to focus on collaborative efforts to support our educational mission for academic growth. Dr. Eberle’s present vision is to assist school personnel with changing the culture and fabric of schools where students are beginning to perform at a higher level. Creating an inviting and safe school environment is essential for academic success. Building relationships is the essence of success for every student and teacher to create a learning environment that is conducive for all students to be academically proficient. Dr. Eberle has attended many professional development and post-graduate seminars including Harvard University Summer Leadership Institutes. He believes we must continue to be lifelong learners to assist the next generation of educators. Dr. Eberle is presently an adjunct professor at Empire State University focusing on School Leadership and Policy. Dr. Eberle’s foundation for leading people began over forty years ago when he started his professional career in law enforcement. Before entering the field of education, he studied Criminal Justice and was hired as a police officer in Hampton Virginia. Over seven years as an officer, he aspired to be a special weapon and tactical (SWAT) officer along with becoming an instructor in the regional police academy. It was during these years that he developed his teaching, counseling, and leadership skills which were transferable attributes entering the field of education. Dr. Eberle presently advises Technology companies with school safety and solutions throughout the country. He is committed to the continued focus on the correlation between safe schools and academic success. His passion for civic duties is evident in his continued work as a current or past board member with the Buffalo, NY Police Athletic League, OLV Human Services, and the Family Justice Center of Buffalo, NY.

Board Policy Audits One of the primiary responsibilities of a Board of Education is to create and approve policies that govern the district. Our experienced team conducts thorough research and benchmarking to ensure that school districts' policies reflect best practices in the education field. By staying current with emerging trends and innovative approaches, we help school boards create policies that address evolving needs and support the district's goals and vision. This is crucial for school boards as modern policies enhance educational effectiveness, adaptability, and responsiveness to changing student and community needs. Our firm specializes in conducting comprehensive policy audits for schools and districts, ensuring that outdated policies are identified and assessed for relevance and compliance. This is crucial for school boards to do as outdated policies can lead to inconsistencies, legal risks, and ineffective decision-making, hindering a district's ability to provide a safe and equitable learning environment. If retained to conduct your district's policy audit, we offer the following: Policy Analysis: Detailed evaluation of current policies to identify necessary adjustments in line with state-specific regulations. Policy Revision Consultation: Collaborative guidance with school boards to craft clear, concise, and modernized policies that reflect current educational standards and legal mandates. Training & Support: Comprehensive assistance and training for school boards and district staff throughout the policy revision process, ensuring effective implementation and understanding of updated policies. With our support, we believe your district will promote a shared understanding and ownership of the policies, leading to improved compliance, stakeholder engagement, and the successful implementation of district-wide initiatives. Schedule Your FREE Confidential Consultation OUR PROMISE We understand that our clients are not just districts and schools, but ultimately the students that they are designed to serve. As fellow educators, we are committed to acting with integrity, honesty, and transparency. Zeal is unlike any other consulting firm because we guarantee complete and total satisfaction on any service we provide, or we will start over. Learn more about our other services: Financial & HR Optimize your human and fiscal resources at the school and district levels Learn More Special Education & MTSS Identify the strengths and opportunities that will improve your programs Learn More Cyber Security Reduce or eliminate the likelihood of a cyber-attack Learn More Organizational Effectiveness Clarify roles and responsibilities to promote a stronger organization Learn More

< Back Prakash Nair, AIA Strategic Partner Prakash Nair is a futurist, a visionary architect and the Founding President & CEO of Education Design International (EDI). Prakash established EDI as an umbrella organization that brings together the best school architecture with research-driven innovations in a number of other industries including education, environmental science, neurology, psychology and child development. Prior to starting EDI, Prakash served for 16 years as the Founding President & CEO of Fielding Nair International – a Company he helped build into one of the world’s leading change agents in school design with consultations in 52 countries on six continents. He is the recipient of many international awards including the A4LE MacConnell Award, the highest honor worldwide for school design. He has written extensively in leading international journals about school design. He is the author of three books including the new landmark publication, Learning by Design: Live | Play | Engage | Create , The Language of School Design now in it’s 3rd edition, and Blueprint for Tomorrow: Redesigning Schools for Student-Centered Learning published by the Harvard Education Press. Prakash served as an instructor for Harvard X “Leaders of Learning ”, an online course which lets you explore and understand your own theories of learning and leadership. Led by Harvard’s Dr. Richard Elmore, Leaders of Learning helps identify and develop educators’ personal theory of learning, and explore how it fits into the shifting landscape of learning. In 2020, Leaders of Learning had over 159,000 registrants worldwide. Prior to co-founding Fielding Nair International, Prakash worked for 10 years as Director of Operations for a multibillion-dollar school construction program for New York City. Prakash Serves as a Managing Principal on several projects scattered around the world. He has served as a school planning and design consultant, presenter and/or keynote speaker for clients in Australia (five states), Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, Germany, India (six states), Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, The Netherlands, Turkey, U.A.E., U.K. the United States (23 states) and Venezuela. By staying current with the research as well as national and international social, economic and cultural trends, Prakash is able to bring best practice thinking from many disciplines and fields to bear on education-related problems and projects. This approach has helped education clients save millions of dollars while still achieving or exceeding their schedule and quality expectations. He is widely considered to be the world’s leading authority on Innovative School Design. He lectures frequently, conducts various Webinars for educators and design professionals and authors a blog on school design. He is a regular keynote speaker at international events and has delivered a TedX talk. Prakash’s signature talent lies in his ability to communicate his passion for a new approach to education across the globe. He forges strong partnerships with local firms, helps client communities visualize their future, builds consensus for uniquely tailored solutions, and helps execute them successfully.

< Back Priya Darbari Senior Associate Priya Darbari brings over 25 years of diverse experience in education, from Montessori teaching to leadership roles as assistant principal, principal, director, and assistant superintendent before becoming Superintendent. Darbari has successfully implemented programs for underserved students, developed a NASA internship for high school seniors, and introduced innovative initiatives like Project Lead the Way (PLTW) and renowned literacy programs. Priya’s efforts have focused on fostering positive school climates, designing state-of-the-art classrooms, and strengthening English Learner programs. As Superintendent, she has spearheaded early literacy initiatives and is leading her district through strategic planning, ensuring a clear vision for student success. She continues to drive meaningful change by fostering innovation, closing achievement gaps, and ensuring equitable education for all students.