Board of Education Selects Zeal Education Group to Support Superintendent Search

The Stamford Board of Education (BOE) has selected national consulting firm Zeal Education Group to support the BOE in identifying and hiring the next Superintendent of Stamford Public Schools. This selection was the culmination of a rigorous, multi-step review process led by the Board’s ad hoc Superintendent Search Firm Committee (SFC).

“The Board extends its sincere thanks to the ad hoc Committee for its leadership and for establishing a strong foundation of unity and solidarity throughout this process,” said BOE President Michael Hyman. “As the ad hoc phase of this search closes tonight, we share the Board’s deepest appreciation and gratitude for each member’s contribution.” 

The SFC received proposals from eight search firms in response to a Request for Proposals (RFP) that was released in mid-September. Working collaboratively, committee members developed and applied a comprehensive evaluation rubric to review written submissions, assess presentations, and rate interviews with each prospective firm. The process ensured a consistent and transparent comparison of each firm’s qualifications, approach, and alignment with Stamford’s values and goals.

Why the Committee Recommended Zeal Education Group

Zeal Education Group emerged as the committee’s unanimous choice for its intensive community engagement model, innovative search design, and strong record of supporting districts through leadership transitions.

“The entire committee was impressed by Zeal’s depth of experience and the way their process centers community voice,” said Versha Munshi-South, Board Vice President and Chair of the Superintendent Search Firm Committee. “Zeal’s use of multilingual tools and creative engagement strategies ensures that every Stamford resident, regardless of language or background, can help shape the vision for our next superintendent.”

“Our search team is eager to begin supporting Stamford Public Schools in their search for an exemplary leader,” said Jeff Melendez, Ed.D., Founder & CEO, Zeal Education Group. “We look forward to engaging the Stamford community throughout this partnership.”

The SFC’s recommendation was based on key strengths noted in Zeal’s proposal:

• Inclusive Engagement: Zeal’s use of ThoughtExchange, a multilingual platform that gathers ideas and feedback in over 100 languages, will ensure authentic participation from Stamford’s diverse community.

• Comprehensive, Transparent Process: Zeal’s 12-step search model emphasizes stakeholder input, data-informed decision-making, and open communication throughout the process.

• Long-Term Support: Beyond recruitment, Zeal offers governance training for the Board and executive coaching for the incoming superintendent to ensure a successful transition.

Next Steps in the Superintendent Search

The BOE anticipates beginning its work with Zeal Education Group in December and launching the community engagement phase of the superintendent search in January 2026. As part of its contract, Zeal will facilitate listening sessions, surveys, and focus groups with students, families, educators, staff, and community members to gather input that will shape a Superintendent Leadership Profile reflecting Stamford’s shared values and priorities. 

To maintain momentum and focus on the superintendent search during the transition to the next BOE, including the election of officers and assignments to committees, President Hyman has designated Andy George as the primary contact for the Zeal engagement, effective immediately. Mr. George is the Board’s longest-serving member and is the only current member to have served on the Board during other superintendent searches. 

Mayor Caroline Simmons has also expressed her enthusiasm and will actively participate in the next phase of the search for Stamford’s next educational leader. The Board is pleased to announce that Mayor Simmons will serve on the Personnel Search Committee in her role as a non-voting member of the BOE. Having the city’s chief executive in a central role strengthens the partnership between the City and the District from the outset and supports the best interests of the entire Stamford community.

The Board expects to begin candidate interviews in early 2026 with the goal of having a new superintendent in place on July 1, 2026. 

What Committee Members are Saying about Zeal

“I was encouraged by Zeal’s commitment to focus on SPS current needs in our search for the next superintendent.”—Jennienne Burke, Former BOE President

“I am pleased to partner with Zeal, whose work reflects a deep understanding that effective leadership begins with listening. Their comprehensive approach engages our community and supports our Board as we prepare to welcome the next superintendent with a strong and unified foundation”—Julienne Foy, BOE Member

“This is a crucial time for Stamford Public Schools. Zeal will engage all interested stakeholders (January-February), search for superintendent candidates (February-April), and work with the Board to conduct interviews and help a finalist take the helm (April-June). Zeal also follows up with the District for one year. Teaching and learning matters deeply to Stamford and Zeal understands this.”—Dr. Rebecca Hamman, BOE Member

“I was impressed by Zeal’s disciplined approach to the search process as well as their commitment to transparency. Selecting a superintendent of schools who can build on Stamford’s strengths while facing our challenges head-on will be critical to the future of Stamford Public Schools, and I am confident that Zeal is the right partner for this process.”—Duane E. Hill, Partner at TSG Ventures, LP

“Zeal’s commitment to engaging educators, staff, families and the BOE  will help us select a superintendent who can provide stable, student-centered learning and leadership and partner effectively with those who work in our schools and care about our schools every day.”—Eileen Swerdlick , retired educator and district administrator

About the Ad Hoc Superintendent Search Firm Committee

The Superintendent Search Firm Committee was chaired by Ms. Munshi-South and included current BOE members Julienne Foy and Dr. Rebecca Hamman, along with community representatives Jennienne Burke, Joshua Essess, Duane E. Hill, Eileen Swerdlick, and Edith Targonski. BOE President Michael Hyman served as an ex-officio member.

The committee collaborated with Stamford Public Schools’ Chief Financial Officer Ryan Fealey to design the RFP process, develop the evaluation rubric, and oversee firm interviews and scoring.

About Zeal Education Group

Zeal Education Group is a national consulting firm specializing in superintendent searches, leadership development, and strategic planning for school systems. With a team of more than 100 education leaders, Zeal Education Group provides concierge-level support, stakeholder engagement expertise, and executive coaching to help districts achieve sustainable success. Learn more at www.zeal-ed.com.

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