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< Back Christopher Nagy Senior Associate Dr. Christopher Nagy is a thought leader, educational futurist, and content creator with accomplishments across various leadership roles. For the past 10 years, Chris has served as the superintendent of schools in a high-performing school district in the Northeast. Beyond his work in K-12 schools, Chris teaches masters and doctoral-level courses on Innovation and Technology Integration, Strategic Marketing with Social Media and Branding, Educational Leadership, Diversity, and Multicultural Perspectives and Policy. He is also the author of a book, numerous articles, and a blog. Chris serves on the Board of Directors for one of the largest chambers of commerce in New Jersey where he is dedicated to building education and business partnerships, technology integration, leadership capacity, and support for diversity, equity and inclusion. Dr. Nagy has also served on the NJ State Board of Education Board of Examiners where he led the legal committee and served as a coach and mentor to many aspiring educators and administrators. As a lifelong learner, Chris earned his doctoral degree in administration and leadership from Widener University as well as Masters degrees in Educational Leadership and Theology respectively from Lehigh University and the St. Thomas Aquinas University in Rome, Italy. As an undergraduate, Chris earned degrees in Philosophy and Theology from St. John Lateran University in Rome, Italy, and he is also certified in Applied Positive Psychology from the Flourishing Center in New York City. Dr. Nagy was recently recognized as the Emerging Leader of the Year by the Burlington County Times and Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce, and received the Voice of Business Award for Personal Excellence. His district was recognized by the New Jersey Department of Education as a Lighthouse District for Equity.

< Back Bill de la Cruz Associate Bill de la Cruz, MBA, is an inspiring leader who has been guiding individuals and groups through the process of personal transformation as a mediator, presenter, keynote speaker and facilitator for 30 years. He delivers and facilitates leadership development, bias awareness, and bias deconstruction workshops across the country. Bill has developed his programs and workshops to help individuals, groups, and organizations to build self-awareness, enhance relationships and support to foster positive, sustainable personal and leadership growth. These steps lead to a more diverse, and inclusive organizational culture. Bill has been on his own personal growth journey for more than 40 years which inspired him to develop specific practices designed to help create positive, lasting change. Bill has published two books including, “Finding the Origination Point, Understanding Our Biases to Create a More Peaceful World.” Bill’s book supports people in working through blame, shame, and judgment through an acceptance of our shared humanity. By using self-awareness to normalize the bias conversation, we increase our understanding of the experiential and emotional origination point and narratives of personal bias. The origin point of our biases is the point of understanding and healing. Normalizing bias conversations allows us to talk about how our past experiences play a role in our personal interactions. Bill uses the processes in Finding the Origination Point conversations to talk about personal influence, the power of narratives and daily practices to disrupt life patterns that no longer serve us in our personal and professional lives. The Origination Point also explores the connection of how individual biased experiences are transferred into communities, organizations, schools, and human cultures. Bill’s second book, Flipping Failure: A Blueprint for Self-Growth and Transformation , is a book that is designed as a facilitated process to promote personal growth and sustainable change.

< Back Molly Ness Associate Dr. Molly Ness is a former classroom teacher, a reading researcher, and a teacher educator. She holds a doctorate in reading education from the University of Virginia, and she spent 16 years as an associate professor at Fordham University. She previously directed the University of Virginia’s McGuffey Reading Clinic. With five books and numerous peer-reviewed articles, her research focuses on reading comprehension, teachers’ instructional decisions, and dyslexia. Dr. Ness serves on the Board of Directors for the International Literacy Association, and is a founding member of the New York chapter of the Reading League. She currently serves as an adjunct professor for Brooklyn College’s Advanced Certification in the Science of Reading. She also serves on the New York City Mayor’s literacy advisory council.

< Back Joseph Micheller Senior Associate Dr. Joseph S. Micheller joins the Zeal Education Group from Cleveland Schools having served as the Executive Director: New School Development for the past 8 years. He passionately worked with CMSD staff and community partners to design, launch and support new and innovative school models (15 high schools and 16 K-8’s). Prior to coming to CMSD, Joe served as Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, and Director of Educational Services in Ohio districts. Joe began his career as a middle school social studies teacher with the East Cleveland City School District. Dr. Micheller’s work has focused on district wide transformation of learning and teaching. He has authored, co-authored and directed funded grant initiatives exceeding $10 million, including CMSD’s $6,000,000 Opportunity by Design awards from the Carnegie Corporation of NY. Dr. Micheller has an extensive background in educational leadership including participation in the Executive Leadership Program for Educators (EXEL), a collaboration between the Harvard Business School, Graduate School of Education and the Kennedy School of Government; the Leadership and the New Technologies Institute at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and the Ohio Leadership Institute conducted by the Center for Creative Leadership. His earned degrees include a BA in History, M.ED and an Ed.S. in Educational Administration from Cleveland State University, along with the Doctor of Education degree from the University of Akron. Dr. Micheller has authored articles and presented nationally and internationally on meaningful change and the leadership needed to make change meaningful. For the past 10 years he has also developed and taught graduate courses in educational leadership and the effects of technology in Education. Dr. Micheller was the recipient of John Carroll University’s Distinguished Educator award in 2012, and Cleveland State University College of Education’s 2009 Alumni Special Achievement award.

< Back Ed Pietrzak Associate Ed Pietrzak is a multifaceted STEM educator, data and innovation specialist, and achievement coach who has a passion for teaching, instructional coaching, and magic. Since receiving his Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship Education from the University of Pennsylvania, Ed has created and delivered numerous engaging and impactful professional development workshops for school districts. His work with data analysis in the classroom, along with assessment building and reassessment practices earned him the title of Teacher of the Year. With a background in education and years of experience in the field, Ed has honed his skills as both a teacher and an instructional coach, helping students and fellow educators achieve their full potential. Beyond the classroom, Ed is also an accomplished magician, captivating audiences with impressive illusions and sleight of hand. His love for magic extends beyond just entertainment, as he incorporates the art of magic into his classroom and professional development sessions, using it as a tool to engage and inspire his students and educators. Ed was selected by the State of NJ Department of Education to train as an achievement instructional coach, through which he has helped countless teachers improve their classroom management, increase student engagement, build standards-aligned assessments, and overall enhance their effectiveness as educators. Through thoughtful analysis, he is able to innovate in creative ways and provide solutions to outdated systems. Ed is known for his ability to connect with his peers and provide valuable feedback and support, all while making the process enjoyable and fun. With a passion for both education and magic, Ed is truly a unique and dynamic individual, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in both fields. Whether in the classroom or on stage, he is always striving to amaze and inspire those around him.

< Back Verdel Jones Associate Verdel A. Jones is a dedicated educator with over 30 years of experience in K-12 public education. In addition to her role as an educator, she is a business owner, experienced talk show host, and author. She is the author of the essential guide, The Parent Agent: How to Represent Your Child and Get Them Into the College of Their Choice . Her deep understanding of the college selection process, current educational trends, and the social and emotional challenges students face establishes her as a leading expert in her field. Verdel also co-founded the Black Authors Festival in Sag Harbor, leading the first two years of planning and execution to create a platform celebrating influential Black authors and the power of storytelling. While she is no longer actively involved with the festival, her commitment to advancing literacy and amplifying diverse voices within the Black community remains strong. In addition, Verdel serves as an advisor for The Horace & Amy Hagedorn Covid-19 Education Equity Relief Fund, which provides resources for intensive academic summer programs aimed at addressing the educational and emotional gaps exacerbated by the pandemic. This $1 million (per year) fund has positively impacted communities across Long Island over the past three years. She is also a member of the Molloy University ELA Advisory Board and the Gold Coast Book Fair Advisory Committee, further showcasing her dedication to educational and literary advancement. Verdel holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Massachusetts at Boston, a master's in secondary education from Hofstra University, and a master's in educational leadership from Long Island University.

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Organizational Effectiveness Audits Identifying areas for improvement within an organization can be challenging for internal leaders immersed in daily operations. Our team offers an unbiased evaluation, providing a fresh perspective to pinpoint inefficiencies or outdated practices. We then deliver clear, practical solutions tailored to your organization's unique needs and goals. By leveraging our objective insights and expertise, you can implement impactful changes that drive growth, efficiency, and long-term success, ensuring alignment with your mission and staying competitive in today's dynamic landscape. Renowned author and MIT professor, Peter Senge, has delved deeply into the concept of "systems thinking," famously asserting that systems are "perfectly designed to achieve the outcomes they produce." At Zeal Education Group, we harness this systemic perspective to meticulously assess various facets of your organization, offering strategic insights and recommendations aimed at catalyzing sustainable growth and enhancement. Our approach is both adaptable and tailored to align with your unique needs and budgetary parameters. Key components of our organizational effectiveness audit encompass: Leadership Collaboration: Engaging in comprehensive consultations with leadership to evaluate and understand organizational practices thoroughly. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with stakeholders to gain profound insights and ensure a holistic understanding of the organizational landscape. High-Impact Recommendations: Delivering actionable recommendations focused on high-leverage strategies to drive impactful outcomes. Empower your leadership team to adopt a broader perspective and gain invaluable insights into your organization's intricacies. Allow our seasoned professionals at Zeal Education Group to guide your journey towards systemic excellence and sustained success. 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 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 Chronic Absenteeism Increase student attendance and engagement Learn More Board Policy Still have policies from the 80's? We can help! Learn More

Superintendent of Schools | Vacancy Announcement Rock Hill, South Carolina Rock Hill Schools, located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, seek an innovative, visionary, and dedicated leader to serve as Superintendent of Schools. This is an exceptional opportunity to guide a dynamic district committed to academic excellence and the holistic development of every student. Located just 20 miles south of Charlotte, NC, Rock Hill is in one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing regions. Serving over 16,300 students, we are the second-largest district in York County and among the largest in the state. Our 24 campuses include 14 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, 3 high schools, a career and technology center, and specialized learning programs such as ASPIRE, Raven, ParentSmart, and Adult Education. Our highly qualified team of 2,400+ employees—including 1,340 teachers and 105 administrators—is dedicated to fostering a safe, nurturing environment that supports both academic and personal growth. Our diverse student body reflects the richness of our community: 40% African American, 39% Caucasian, 11% Hispanic, and 10% other ethnic backgrounds. Why Lead Rock Hill Schools? A culture of excellence with strong community and staff support. Student-centered innovation, from IB programs to career-readiness pathways A bustling community and a district positioned for growth Rock Hill Schools offers a unique leadership opportunity in a district that values innovation, collaboration, and student success. Join us in shaping the future of education! Compensation and Benefits: The district is offering a salary in the range of $300,000, reflective of the caliber of candidate desired for this role. Please note that the selected candidate must become a permanent resident of Rock Hill, SC. In addition to a generous compensation and benefits package, the Board is committed to building a strong, high-performing governance team in partnership with the superintendent. To ensure a smooth transition and long-term success, the Board has committed to providing the next superintendent with an executive coach from Zeal Education Group. This investment reflects the Board’s dedication to effective governance, strategic leadership, and a shared commitment to district success. Key Dates: March 7, 2025: Announcement of Vacancy March 20, 2025: Advertisement of Vacancy on National Job Platforms April 8, 2025: Presentation of Leadership Profile April 20, 2025: Application Deadline at 11:59 PM EST May 13, 2025: Semi-Final Interviews, In Person with the Board of Trustees May 15, 2025: Final Interviews, In Person with the Board (AM) and Community Forum (PM) May 28, 2025: Appointment of new Superintendent at Board of Education Meeting July 1, 2025: Ideal Start Date for the Selected Superintendent Application Process: Zeal Education Group has been retained by the Board to engage deeply with the community and develop a Leadership Profile. The Leadership Profile will serve to identify the key skills and dispositions expected of its next superintendent. The Leadership Profile will also serve as a standard by which each application will be evaluated. Please take note that the Leadership Profile will be available on/after April 8, 2025 at www.zeal-ed.com/rockhill . All serious candidates are strongly encouraged to review the Leadership Profile before finalizing and submitting their application. Interested candidates should submit the following documents: Completed application Cover letter detailing why you believe you are a fit for Rock Hill Current résumé or curriculum vitae Three current letters of recommendation Ability to obtain South Carolina Superintendent Certification All of these materials must be submitted in one single PDF to rockhill@zeal-ed.com no later than April 20, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST Questions: Please direct any questions regarding this unique opportunity to the search team at Zeal Education Group by emailing rockhill@zeal-ed.com . All inquiries will be treated with confidence and discretion. You may also visit www.zeal-ed.com for more information. DOWNLOAD LEADERSHIP PROFILE DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

< Back Gregory Stowell Senior Associate Dr. Greg Stowell is a seasoned educator with a rich background spanning over two decades in the field of education. His career includes extensive experience in elementary education as a special educator and later as an administrative leader both at the building and district level. As current Assistant Superintendent who has served both Putnam and Westchester County districts in New York, Dr. Stowell’s experience spans a diverse range of areas, including human resources, equity, inclusion and diversity, transportation, school finance, budget preparation, policy development, capital project supervision, Board of Education relations, and facilities and operations. For the past 20 years, Dr. Stowell has held pivotal leadership roles, demonstrating a profound commitment to enhancing educational institutions. In his capacity as both a building-level and central office administrator, he has overseen crucial district functions, including technology, pupil personnel, clinical services, nursing, intervention services, therapeutic programming, and district safety, and security. Additionally, Dr. Stowell has provided professional development for staff and administrators, focusing on key areas such as instruction, assessment, social-emotional learning, special education, and leadership. His passion is to provide unique, innovative, and comfortable learning environments that engage students and fosters social/emotional and academic growth, which is critical in educating the whole child. Dr. Stowell holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education from SUNY Geneseo, a Master of Science in School Administration and Supervision, and a Doctorate of Professional Studies in Informational Technology for Educational Leaders, both from Pace University.

< Back Ian Saltzman Senior Associate Dr. Ian Saltzman is a career educator with over 35 years experience serving public education. Currently he is superintendent of Everett Public Schools in Everett, Washington. Before joining Everett in 2019, he served for 30 years in the Palm Beach County School District in Florida where he was a teacher, principal, and superintendent. Ian’s passion is serving students from all backgrounds to learn and achieve results in all academia with a focus on special education and multilingual learning. Documented student achievement is evident throughout his career and is his highest priority, which has also earned him multiple Principal of the Year awards. Beyond his work in schools, Ian currently serves on Chiefs for Change, as well as the board of directors of Washington Alliance for Better Schools, YMCA Snohomish County, and United Way of Snohomish County. In 2020 he was named as one of 24 superintendents nationwide as an NSPRA Superintendent to Watch. Saltzman holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Special Education from Florida State University, a Specialist’s Degree and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

< Back Don Killingbeck Senior Associate Dr. Don Killingbeck is a tried and true educational leader with experiences ranging from President of the Teachers Union to Superintendent of Schools, a position he has held for a decade. Killingbeck, has expertise in educational technology, strategic planning, branding/communication, and school finance with a focus on resource allocation for improved student achievement, program development, school safety, and developing and coaching other leaders. He is passionate about supporting student success for all children and believes education is more than just a career; it's his life calling. Under Don’s leadership, his district received state and national attention including accolades such as Michigan’s Innovative District of the Year in 2022, the National Merit Award for Digital and Print Publications, and KIllingbeck was a finalist for the National EdTech Star Award for 2022. In concert with his passion for education, Don is the author of a children's book about teamwork and resilience, and has two other books in the pipeline: the first about school finance and the other about education and innovation. Don earned his undergraduate in secondary education from Southeastern University, a master's degree in educational technology and instruction design from Michigan State University, another master's degree in educational leadership from Grand Valley State University, and his educational specialist and a doctorate in educational leadership from Central Michigan University. His research includes the benefits of technology in the classroom, school safety, practices that work with at-risk youth, and resource allocation that make a difference. Killingbeck is a sought after public speaker, with recent speaking engagements, at the state and national level: 9 Strategies for a Better Budget for Kids (MSBO), Being a Brand Gladiator (NSPRA), DIY Strategic Gladiator (MASB), and 43 Ways to be Less Lame as an Educator (FETC).