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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 | Available at zeal-ed.com/rockhill April 20, 2025: Application Deadline at 11:59 PM EST May 13, 2025: Semi-Final Interviews, In Person with the Board of Trustees May 15-17, 2025: Final Interviews, In Person with the Board and Community Forum June 2, 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

Zeal Education Group is a national consulting firm dedicated to providing audits and services. We offer leadership coaching, security audits, professional development, etc. We help schools & districts meet exceed their goals. & Insights Audits As a full-service consulting firm consisting exclusively of school and district leaders, our audits leverage an outsiders' view with an insiders' perspective. Chronic Absenteeism Fine Arts Special Education & MTSS Safety & Security Financial & HR Technology Cyber Security Organizational Effectiveness Board Policy Behavior Intervention Outside view Inside perspective Community Engagement Superintendent Searches Board Governance Training Change Management Reimagining Learning Spaces Strategic Communications Team Building Subject Matter PD Strategic Planning Leadership Coaching Services & Supports Our team possesses the knowledge and knowhow to help your organization identify and solve any problem, no matter the size or scale. What our clients are saying: We contracted with Zeal Education Group to conduct our district-wide security audit. While in district, the Zeal team was professional, thorough, and focused. The final report is well-formatted, incredibly detailed, driven by national standards, and very useful to my Board of Education, district staff, and for myself. Dr. Anthony Gasper Superintendent of Schools Meet our Team

Diverse, experienced, national wide team of educational consultants. Superintendents, professors, authors, thought leaders, educational leaders, principals. Zeal Education Group’s engine is fueled by a diverse, nationwide team with decades of experience as superintendents, commissioners, principals, teachers, professors, authors, and industry thought-leaders. Our Team Jeff Melendez Founder & CEO Read More David Pinder Senior Associate Read More Coretta Martin Associate Read More Lori McEwen Associate Read More Tom McMorran Senior Associate Read More Stephanie Bell Associate Read More Ian Saltzman Senior Associate Read More Marie Hubley Alcock Strategic Partner Read More Victor Ramsey Associate Read More Kim Marshall Associate Read More Verdel Jones Associate Read More Erik Weenink Project Manager Read More Prakash Nair, AIA Strategic Partner Read More Joelle Magyar Senior Associate Read More Maria Suttmeier Senior Associate Read More Ebony Lanford-Brown Associate Read More David Miyashiro Senior Associate Read More Tim Goree Associate Read More Jennifer Rasmussen Associate Read More Ray Fredrick Associate Read More Julia Drake Associate Read More Jack Mitchell Associate Read More Priya Darbari Senior Associate Read More Paul Castro Senior Associate Read More Wheatley Moylan Associate Read More Elissa Klein Associate Read More Zac Robbins Senior Associate Read More Ed Pietrzak Associate Read More Molly Ness Associate Read More Michael O'Guin Senior Associate Read More Christopher Nagy Senior Associate Read More Michelle Brantner Senior Associate Read More Lory Morrow Senior Associate Read More Michael Zarchin Associate Read More Joanne Panopoulos Associate Read More Dan Rector Associate Read More Ryan Foor Associate Read More Sharon Bradley Associate Read More Mark Pompano Associate Read More Anita Foor Associate Read More Anna Wamack Associate Read More Rafael Mercado Associate Read More Richard Henderson Associate Read More Bill de la Cruz Associate Read More Thomas Dillon Associate Read More Jack Zamary Senior Associate Read More Travis McGuire Senior Associate Read More Jennifer Walsh-Rurak Associate Read More Daniel Erickson Senior Associate Read More Elizabeth Clain Associate Read More Cliff Claflin Associate Read More Megan Bennett Senior Associate Read More Stephen Tracy Senior Associate Read More Joseph Micheller Senior Associate Read More Mike Redmond Senior Associate Read More Paul Rasmussen Associate Read More Brian Czapla Senior Associate Read More Chris Malone Senior Associate Read More Sarper Turker Associate Read More Nicole Elliott Associate Read More Alyssa Sabbatino Associate Read More Joe Corso Associate Read More Kevin Eberle Associate Read More Gregory Stowell Senior Associate Read More Gabrielle Morquecho Associate Read More Chris Wester Associate Read More Lee Gaul Associate Read More Dino Coronado Senior Associate Read More Jordin Williams Associate Read More Michael Brownstein Associate Read More Carrie Grimes Associate Read More Brian Colomban Associate Read More Kimberly Banda Associate Read More Robert Tremblay Senior Associate Read More Chris Carlone Associate Read More Kimberly Organek Associate Read More Tom Hakes Director of Growth Read More Scott Lindsey Associate Read More Katherine Stahl Associate Read More Gregory Rodriguez Associate Read More Michael Barcadepone Senior Associate Read More Dawn Lucarelli Associate Read More Mark Toback Senior Associate Read More April Lewis Associate Read More Don Killingbeck Senior Associate Read More Kris Cosca Senior Associate Read More Mark Burnette Senior Associate Read More Elizabeth Van Tassel Associate Read More Ed Finney Associate Read More Paul Gausman Senior Associate Read More

< Back Lori McEwen Associate Dr. Lori McEwen is a change agent committed to the belief that all students can learn deeply and joyfully. Over the span of her career, Lori has held roles including Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Chief of Instruction, Leadership, and Equity for the Providence Public School Department, and Director of Academics for Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy, a network of intentionally diverse charter schools in Rhode Island. In those capacities, Lori led the creation of three personalized, mastery-based high schools, oversaw curriculum development and instructional initiatives, developed a USDOE grant-funded principal pipeline, established principal and teacher leadership opportunities, and crafted policy. McEwen currently serves as a consultant to school districts across the country, supporting strategic planning and implementation for student-centered, equity-focused change. In addition, she teaches graduate courses in Instructional Leadership at Boston College. Some of Lori’s past achievements include selection as a Distinguished Fellow with the Students at the Center Research Collaborative and service as an elected school board member in East Greenwich, RI. Lori received her BA in Secondary Education and English from Boston College, her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Massachusetts, and her Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Boston College.

< 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 Katherine Stahl Associate Dr. Katherine A. Dougherty Stahl is a literacy consultant who focuses on translating research into practice. Before entering academia, Dr. Stahl taught in public elementary school classrooms for over 25 years. She was Clinical Professor of Reading at New York University (2006-2021), where she taught graduate courses and served as Director of both the Literacy Program and NYU Literacy Clinic. As a consortium member of the NYS RTI/MTSS Demonstration School Projects (K-5 2010-2015; Middle School 2015-2020)., Dr. Stahl worked with school reform efforts across the state of New York. She is the author or coauthor of many articles, chapters, and books, including the widely used “ Assessment for Reading Instruction .” Dr. Stahl is a recipient of the Jeanne Chall Visiting Researcher Award from Harvard University and the Teaching Excellence Award from the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New York University.

< Back Elizabeth Van Tassel Associate Elizabeth Anne Van Tassel is an accomplished literacy specialist and educator with extensive experience in curriculum design and pedagogical innovation. With a robust background spanning from graduate-level teaching at Teachers College, Columbia University to national educational organizations such as Advancing Literacy, Teach For America, and various charter networks, she has dedicated her career to advancing literacy education. As an author of narrative writing units and a staff developer who has consulted with schools nationwide, Elizabeth has demonstrated exceptional skills in crafting comprehensive writing curricula and providing targeted professional development.

< Back Thomas Dillon Associate Lt. Tom Dillon is a decorated law enforcement officer, a renowned school security consultant, and a former public school Director of Safety and Security where he oversaw the development of safety and security plans, and conducted vulnerability assessments that conform to the All Hazard Plan that was instituted as a result of the Sandy Hook tragedy. Over the previous 25 years, Tom served as a Police Officer and various other law enforcement roles. This included the regional SWAT Team for approximately five years where he was promoted to the rank of Detective. As a Detective, Tom was a founding member of the Mid-State Narcotics Task Force, and a member of a regional Major Crime Unit before being promoted to the rank of Sergeant. As a Sergeant, Tom was assigned as a Patrol Shift Supervisor. After approximately five years as a Sergeant, Tom was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assigned as the Commander of the Detective Division where he directly supervised seven detectives. At the same time, Tom was placed in command of the Mid-State Narcotics Task Force and the Capitol Region Emergency Services Task Force Search & Rescue Dive Team. Both task forces placed Tom in command of numerous police officers for Hartford CT area police departments. Tom remained the Detective Division commander until his retirement from the Wethersfield Police Department in September 2010. As a member of the Wethersfield Police Department, Tom received numerous commendations for his investigative abilities and numerous self-initiated felony investigations. These self-initiated investigations resulted in the arrests and conviction of numerous individuals for major felonies such as homicide, bank robbery, large-scale bank frauds, narcotic violations and burglary. Through the use of confidential informants for twenty years, Tom solved dozens of felony cases not only for Wethersfield PD but for other Hartford area Police Departments where no suspect existed. During Tom’s 25-year career with the Wethersfield Police Department, Tom has been awarded numerous commendations from the FBI and DEA for his work in narcotics enforcement and bank robbery. Tom was also elected as the Town of Wethersfield Public Safety Officer of the Year, and the Wethersfield Police Department’s Medal of Merit on three occasions and the police department’s Medal of Valor.

< 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 Paul Castro Senior Associate Paul Castro is an advocate for merging the art and science of leadership through impactful learning and coaching. With a 29-year career, Paul has demonstrated his commitment to education in various roles. He served as both a teacher and principal within a traditional school system, provided management and coaching within a nationwide charter system, coached district and school leaders through a non-profit organization, and orchestrated the design and launch of an inner-city Houston charter school focused on delivering a premium education without cost barriers. Paul's skill as an executive leadership coach for the KIPP Foundation stands out, as he assisted leaders across the United States in crafting comprehensive school launch plans and refining their management and leadership proficiencies. At Houston A+ Challenge, he developed tailored content for various school districts in the Houston region, catering to the unique needs of each client. Paul knows that effective educational leadership necessitates personal growth and adept interpersonal skills, which is why he focuses on nurturing the soft skills that elevate managers into true leaders. Throughout his career, Paul has studied classroom instructional and assessment practices. His expertise has led him to be a presenter on classroom practices and secured his appointment as a commissioner for the Texas Commission on Next Generation Assessments and Accountability, selected by the state's Lieutenant Governor in 2016. As a seasoned startup leader, Paul has undertaken pivotal roles in launching schools. He served as an associate dean for the opening of a high school, was selected to be the founding principal role for a middle school in Houston ISD, and orchestrated the conception and launch of a charter school as both founder and superintendent. During his tenure at KIPP Houston, he effectively managed and guided two founders in successfully opening new high schools. In 2013, he led a team to design a free public charter school in Houston, earning approval by the state board of education and the state education agency. Paul's contributions have garnered substantial recognition and support for his charter school endeavors. His school secured funding from esteemed organizations such as the Walton Family Foundation, NewSchools Venture Fund, The Brown Foundation, and the Elkins Family Foundation. These backers acknowledge the importance of fostering inclusive and empowering school cultures, a vision that Paul has realized through his efforts at A+UP. Educationally, Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Texas A&M University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Houston. He further honed his expertise through completion of the KIPP School Leadership Program in New York, a milestone that led to his selection as a member of the Fisher Foundation Selection Committee.

< Back Richard Henderson Associate Richard Henderson has been in education for nearly 30 years with a focus on supporting students with disabilities and special population programs. Richard started as a middle and high school teacher before moving on to serve as a Principal and District Director of Special Education. From there, he went to work as a Special Education Regional Coordinator at the Idaho State Department of Education with a focus on supporting EL students with disabilities, SLD Identification, Disability Law and Policy, and Compliance Monitoring. This work eventually led Richard to become the State Director of Special Education and State 504 Coordinator at the department. Outside of public education, Richard has served as the National Director of Special Populations for a private education company with campuses all over the globe. Richard has also worked as a professor teaching undergrad and graduate education courses for general and special education teachers, administrators, and school psychologists. During his time, Richard has been involved with and presented at the National Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), National Association of School Psychologist (NASP), and the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) where he also served on the executive board and committees with the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS). Richard has also been involved with the National Center on Learning Disabilities (NCLD) RTI Action Network as a SLD Identification Toolkit Roundtable Participant and Editorial Advisor, the National Center on Assessment and Accountability for Special Education (NCAASE), and the National Alignment Task Force for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and Americans with Disability Act (ADA).

< Back Paul Rasmussen Associate Dr. Paul Rasmussen has served the education field for more than 25 years as a distinguished teacher and administrator. For the past 12 years, Paul has held a district-wide position leading systemic initiatives that have resulted in improved mathematics teaching and learning, and increased the capacity of building-level leaders to use data to drive instructional improvements. Beyond his work at the district level, Paul leverages his statistical expertise as an Adjunct Professor at the University of San Diego and Sacred Heart University teaching courses geared to school administrators who desire to learn strategies to effectively use data to drive instructional and system-wide improvements, with a focus on equity for all learners. Paul’s passion for using data to drive instructional improvement has illustrated how focused strategies of professionals can lead to improved learning for all students in the classroom. Paul earned his BA in Physics and Mathematics Education from Western Washington University, a MS in Mathematics from Fairfield University, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a specialization in Educational Technology from the University of Phoenix.