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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 Leslie Torres-Rodriguez Senior Associate Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodríguez is a nationally recognized education leader, strategist, and advisor, known for transforming public education systems through innovation, student-centered design, and community-rooted leadership. A proud graduate of Hartford Public Schools, her journey from Puerto Rico to becoming Superintendent and CEO of the very district that shaped her reflects her deep belief in the transformative power of education. She recently completed an eight-year tenure—the longest of any woman in Hartford Public Schools’ history—leading one of the most inclusive school redesign efforts in the country. Through a co-created consolidation process, she expanded access to high-quality learning environments while improving long-term sustainability. In collaboration with school and district teams, she advanced integration, access, and system coherence through innovative programming and holistic student supports. Under her leadership, the district achieved record-breaking student outcomes, including a 10-point increase in graduation rates and a 17-point increase for students whose first language is not English. She launched early college and career pathways, expanded dual-enrollment and AP access, modernized school buildings, and more than doubled the number of full-service Community Schools. She also successfully mitigated multi-million-dollar deficits, reinvesting resources to expand student supports and upgrade facilities. She currently serves as President-Elect of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS), lectures at Yale University, and is a Trustee of Trinity College. Her board service also includes Connecticut Children’s Hospital, Social Impact Partners for Connecticut, and the American Heart Association. She was honored as the ALAS National Latino Superintendent of the Year, received Prospanica’s Brillante Award for Educational Excellence, and was named one of Education Week’s “Leaders to Learn From.” Dr. Torres-Rodríguez holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University and both a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut. She lives in Hartford with her husband and two sons and maintains strong ties to her family and community in Puerto Rico.

< Back Kimberly Banda Associate Dr. Kimberly Banda brings over 18 years of experience in education and consulting. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on digital literacy, and a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction specializing in literacy. Dr. Banda has an extensive background that includes roles such as classroom teacher, instructional coach, college and career consultant, university professor, education preparation program coordinator, field consultant and recruiter, curriculum and instruction designer, business owner, and education consultant. In addition, she has two published works titled The Kaleidoscope of Lived Curricula: Learning Through a Confluence of Crises and An Exploration of Latinx Generation Z Secondary Teachers’ Lived Experiences, Motivations, and Retention Factors to Teach in the Rio Grande Valley School District . She has conducted extensive research on teacher and administrator retention, as well as the dynamics of multigenerational workforces in school districts. Currently, Dr. Banda works as a professional development consultant, providing strategic services to school districts, colleges, universities, and other organizations nationwide. She is deeply passionate about coaching and empowering educators and administrators, driven by her belief in the transformative power of education. She is committed to delivering research-based strategies, designing effective curricula, reviewing educational policies, leading team-building workshops, providing mentorship, and offering innovative pedagogical approaches tailored to the needs of each district. Through collaborative planning sessions and reflective discussions with district administrators, she helps educators and leaders refine their skills, adapt to evolving teaching and leadership methodologies, and ultimately enhance their effectiveness in their roles. Dr. Banda’s work extends beyond providing expertise; it is about inspiring confidence and driving meaningful growth across districts, enhancing both personal and professional development for educators and leaders. Dr. Banda holds several certifications, including a Texas Educator Certificate in ELAR 8-12 and ESL 6-12, a Graduate Certificate in Online K-12 Instruction, Texas A&M Mentoring and Coaching Certification, Field Supervisor Observation Training for Teacher Candidates, and TCEA Certified Educator Social and Emotional Learning Certification.

Reimagining Learning Spaces Reimagining classroom and instructional spaces in schools is crucial to optimizing learning environments that truly benefit students. As education continues to evolve, traditional classroom layouts and instructional methods may no longer suffice in meeting the diverse needs and aspirations of today's learners. By embracing innovative design concepts and flexible learning environments, schools can create spaces that foster collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and personalized learning experiences. Such reimagined spaces empower educators to employ varied instructional strategies, leverage technology effectively, and accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Ultimately, by prioritizing the redesign of classroom and instructional spaces, schools can cultivate inclusive, engaging, and future-ready environments that inspire curiosity, resilience, and lifelong learning among students. A white paper released by Prakash Nair, AIA, and his colleagues in 2022 centered on the benefits of Biophilic Design, or learning spaces that are inspired by nature. In addition to the benefits associated with the presence of natural light and organic materials, other researchers have found that the color of walls, the arrangement of desks, and even the height of doorknobs can have a significant effect on the interactions that students and staff with their school environments. Our team can work with your school or district facility managers, interior designers, and/or architects to: Comprehensively assess the building and facility needs Provide recommendations for enhancing the physical environment of classrooms and learning spaces Improve instructional outcomes by attending to space and facility considerations We specialize in incorporating biophilic design principles into classroom and school building spaces, creating environments that enhance student well-being and academic performance. By integrating elements such as natural lighting, living green walls, and indoor plants, we can help schools foster a connection with nature, reduce stress levels, and promote creativity among children and adults. 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: Board Governance Training Function as a high-performing Board and Superintendent team Learn More Change Management Get on the balcony to identify the obstacles to change Learn More Strategic Communications Ensure your most important messages are received Learn More Subject Matter PD Contemporize your curriculum and teaching in all content areas Learn More

< Back Ray Fredrick Associate Dr. Ray Fredrick believes in the power of physical activity and sport to inspire personal growth and social change. As an educational and sport professional with over two decades of experience serving at the school, district, and university levels, Ray collaborates with community-focused individuals and organizations to provide innovative services and solutions for growth, performance, and cultural alignment & transformation. Ray is a co-founder and director of Directed Energy , a New York City-based educational organization dedicated to the development of youth in under-resourced communities. Directed Energy positively engages youth and their communities by designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating physical, character, and health education curricula and programs. Directed Energy partners with administrators, teachers, coaches, parents, and community members to empower young people and build positive cultures through physical activity and sport. Growing up in Chapel Hill-Durham, North Carolina, Ray was a member and youth leader of the world-renown Bouncing Bulldogs , a jump rope program that positively directed his life trajectory. Ray is a former two-time individual national champion in single rope freestyle and was the program’s first individual national champion. For several years, Ray directed the highly successful and popular jump rope program, Jumping Beyond the Ropes , at the 92NY and Nightingale-Bamford School in New York City. Ray’s scholarly research has investigated attitudinal influences on youth physical activity in addition to reflective and educational approaches to teaching character and health through sport. He is the author of numerous articles and book chapters and has presented nationally and internationally. His publications have appeared in peer-reviewed journals such as Journal of Teaching in Physical Education and Journal of Youth Development . Ray is an active member of several professional associations including the American Educational Research Association (AERA). Ray earned his Ed.D. and M.A. degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University. He earned his B.S. in Political Science from the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point. Prior to his work in education, Ray played and coached Division I basketball at West Point. Ray serves as an advisor to numerous groups and organizations on creating positive cultures and cultivating character growth through sport.

< 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 Dino Coronado Senior Associate Dr. Dino Coronado has more than 18 years of experience in public education. He started his educational career as a Substitute Teacher, then worked as a middle school Special Education teacher and head football coach. Dr. Coronado later became a High School Principal, Area Superintendent, Superintendent of Schools, and Monitor for the Texas Education Agency. Prior to his educational career, he served proudly as a combat arms soldier in the U.S. Army for nearly 22 years and retired as First Sergeant. Dr. Coronado earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from The University of Texas at El Paso; a Master of Arts in Business Management from Webster University; and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from The University of Northern Iowa. He is a graduate of the Superintendent Leadership Academy-Cohort VI, with the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) and has completed the Strategic Marketing Management for School Leaders program at Rice University as well as the Redesigning High Schools for Improved Instruction Institute at Harvard University.

< 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 Joe Corso Associate With over two decades of distinguished service in the military and 20 years in educational leadership, Joe brings a wealth of experience in education, leadership, discipline, and strategic thinking. His military background instilled in him a strong sense of duty and a commitment to service, qualities that have shaped his leadership philosophy. He believes in fostering a culture of discipline, teamwork, and success for every member of the team. This philosophy, coupled with his expertise in professional learning, teaching, and organizational effectiveness, makes him a valuable asset for any organization. Throughout his career, he has excelled in establishing high academic expectations, fostering positive relationships, and aligning organizational structures to achieve shared visions. As a seasoned coach, he has provided tailored leadership coaching to school and district leaders, supported decision-making processes, and facilitated strategic planning initiatives. His transformative approach to leadership has helped implement best practices, build collaborative school cultures, and drive significant student achievement gains. With a career spanning 23 years, and having spent time at every level of education - including roles as a school and district administrator - he possesses a deep understanding of the needs of urban, suburban, and rural school districts. From his tenure as a Physical Education Teacher to his leadership positions as Principal and Assistant Principal, he has remained dedicated to the development of quality teaching and learning environments. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his numerous honors and awards, including multiple Meritorious Service Medals and multiple Army Commendation Medals.

< Back Travis McGuire Senior Associate Dr. Travis McGuire is in his 25 th year in education with the previous 10 years serving as the Superintendent of Hinckley-Big Rock CUSD #429 . He currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Learning Resources at Community High School District 99 where he focuses on maximizing the learning opportunities of students using both building operations and technology as essential elements. Dr. McGuire is also an Adjunct Professor at Aurora University. He was honored to be the Horace Mann IPA Principal of the Year for the Northwest region in 2013. Dr. McGuire has been heavily involved in the work of the Illinois Personal Learning Network and has vast knowledge and experience with both school finances and the Illinois Postsecondary and Career Expectations (PaCE) Framework as the author of the ISAC’s PaCE Implementation Guide. Dr. McGuire has served in leadership roles professionally as a region President for the Illinois Association for School Administrators (IASA), Officer on the IASA Governmental Relations and Advocacy Committee, Chair for the Indian Valley Vocational Center Board of Controls, and Vice-Chair for Valley Education for Employment Systems; he has served in local capacities as a Guiding Elder at Village Bible Church and a former President for the Hinckley Lions Club. Dr. McGuire earned his Bachelor of Science from Illinois State University and his Master of Science in Education, Education Specialist, and Education Doctorate from Western Illinois University.

< Back Megan Bennett Senior Associate Megan Bennett joins the Zeal Education Group from the Phoenix, AZ area with educational experience in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Megan’s professional experience has allowed her to serve students in urban, rural and suburban areas. As a former Connecticut superintendent and current Arizona principal, Megan has led teams to create strategic plans as well as building systems to operationalize the action plans developed in the process. Megan uses her background in curriculum and instruction and as a school and district leader to design for the specific needs of the schools. As a systems thinker, Megan seeks synergies within departments and school functions to maximize school efficiencies. Megan has 22 years of experience in public school education. She has worked in Central and Western Connecticut schools as a transformative leader, bringing her schools to be recognized as Schools of Distinction and also the 2021 Top Rated Elementary School in Connecticut. Her passion for curriculum and instruction is particularly notable with her work with intervention systems. Her work led her to serve as a special education liaison to the House Majority leader in 2017. Megan has served as an educational mentor, coach, and consultant in the fields of educational leadership, curriculum, instruction, and assessment (CIA), as well as mathematics. Megan earned her M.A. and Ed. M from Central Connecticut State University and an M.A. from Sacred Heart University. She is a certified educator in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Arizona.

Subject Matter PD Hiring Zeal Education Group for subject matter professional development (PD) offers districts a tailored, expert-led approach to enhancing instructional quality and educator effectiveness. Leveraging our specialized expertise, we deliver targeted PD sessions designed to address specific curriculum areas, pedagogical strategies, and emerging educational trends. By partnering with us, districts can ensure that their educators receive high-quality, relevant training that fosters instructional excellence, promotes student engagement, and aligns with district goals and priorities. Our customized PD offerings empower educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to enhance student outcomes, foster continuous improvement, and cultivate a culture of excellence within the district. Retaining Zeal Education Group to facilitate curricula review and professional development presents a transformative opportunity for educational institutions aiming to enhance instructional quality, student engagement, and educator effectiveness. With a proven track record of excellence and a deep understanding of curricular best practices, Zeal Education Group brings a wealth of expertise and innovative solutions to guide schools and districts through comprehensive curricula evaluations and tailored professional development initiatives. By partnering with our team of thought-leaders, your school or district can ensure that their curricula are aligned with current standards, pedagogical trends, and student needs, fostering a more cohesive and impactful learning environment. One of the primary benefits of partnering with Zeal Education Group lies in our holistic approach to curricula review and professional development. Our team collaborates closely with educators, administrators, and stakeholders to conduct thorough curricula evaluations, identify areas for improvement, and develop targeted professional development programs that empower educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to enhance instructional delivery and student outcomes. Moreover, our commitment to ongoing support and collaboration ensures that schools and districts can navigate the complexities of curricular implementation with confidence and efficacy, ultimately fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Deliverables provided by Zeal Education Group include: Comprehensive Curricula Review: Conducting a thorough analysis of existing curricula to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for enhancement. Alignment with Standards and Best Practices: Ensuring curricula are aligned with current educational standards, pedagogical trends, and research-based practices. Customized Professional Development: Designing tailored professional development programs that address the unique needs and goals of educators, administrators, and support staff. Instructional Coaching and Support: Providing ongoing coaching, mentoring, and support to educators to enhance instructional effectiveness and student engagement. Resource Development and Implementation: Creating and implementing instructional resources, tools, and materials that align with curricular goals and objectives. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: Facilitating collaboration among educators, administrators, parents, and community stakeholders to foster a shared vision for curricular excellence and student success. By leveraging Zeal's expertise and resources, you can transform your curricula and professional development initiatives, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement that positively impacts student learning and achievement. 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: Change Management Get on the balcony to identify the obstacles to change Learn More Reimagining Learning Spaces Create contemporary learning spaces that will truly engage students Learn More Leadership Coaching Bespoke coaching for all levels of leadership Learn More