Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross

Presents to boards of education nationwide to secure new business, resulting in multiple exclusive contracts as the executive search firm for national superintendent placements.

Leads comprehensive search processes, including reviewing applications, administering community surveys, conducting stakeholder interviews and focus groups, and analyzing data to develop candidate profiles; evaluates applicants and provides client recommendations in collaboration with a team of associates.

Established cross-sector committees to strengthen district leadership and responsiveness, including a District-Wide Safety Team (with local police and administrators), a Mental Health Advisory Committee (with university faculty, psychologists, psychiatrists, and parents), and a High School Advisory Committee that met monthly with the superintendent.

Managed a $63M budget through an in-depth prioritization and planning process that engaged both the Board of Education and district administrators.

Implemented districtwide strategic initiatives, carrying out all components of the 2017–18 strategic plan, facilitating stakeholder committees to shape the 2019 bond proposal, and advancing equity through the district’s Equity Plan and a community forum with the Cultural Diversity Advisory Committee.

Strengthened leadership capacity by providing monthly professional development to the district Leadership Team focused on Culturally Responsive Leadership.

Supervised and evaluated principals across five elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and one alternative center in a district of 4,800 students (86% free and reduced lunch), while restructuring the Office of Curriculum and Instruction to strengthen program implementation and support at both district and school levels.

Directed the development and implementation of the district’s ELA curriculum, engaging administrators and teachers to emphasize tiered intervention strategies; oversaw PK–12 instructional programs, school improvement initiatives, monthly professional development, and teacher training.

Managed federal and state funding, including the School Improvement Grant, Title I, Title IIA, Title IID, Title III, Section 31A, and ARRA, by coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective support of grant-funded programs.

Leveraged data to drive decisions by analyzing student performance metrics and principal feedback on culture, needs, and communication; reallocated funds to prioritize staff development over additional staffing expenses.

Advanced district goals through strategic leadership, including negotiating employment contracts with employee associations (e.g., teachers’ union) and establishing the Closing the Achievement Gap (CTAG) Committee to eliminate barriers and improve academic achievement.

Improved school performance by developing curriculum-based programs, analyzing student data, and implementing success strategies in partnership with the Intermediate School District—raising the State of Michigan school grade from a D to a B during tenure.

Directed school operations and staff for a building of 1,200 middle school students, supervising an assistant principal, school counselor, two social workers, and 60+ teachers, while designing and delivering professional development on instructional innovation and learning.

Redesigned instructional systems by introducing block scheduling, Saturday school, and summer intervention programs, leading to consistent academic gains, including meeting Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) five of six years and removing the school from Phase 5 Alert Status.

Directed school improvement efforts for a K–6 Title I school of 300 students, leading the transition to a schoolwide Comprehensive Needs Assessment while implementing positive behavior supports, staff communication plans, and achievement-focused programs.

Strengthened instructional systems by developing PLCs, curriculum maps, pacing guides, and PBIS programs in collaboration with staff—raising the State of Michigan school grade from a C to a B in just one year.

Aligned resources with strategic goals by collaborating with central office, school staff, and stakeholders to execute the district strategic plan, manage the school’s operating budget, and allocate grant funding effectively.

Delivered specialized support for a caseload of 30 middle and high school students each semester by developing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and implementing academic and behavioral interventions based on student needs and data.

Enhanced instructional capacity by co-teaching across core subjects, providing coaching and guidance to general education teachers, and supporting students with diverse academic needs.

Advanced student well-being through collaboration with students and families in behavioral group therapy sessions, while conducting psychological and emotional assessments for the entire district.

Developed and implemented districtwide crisis intervention plans for traumatic events, serving on the high school crisis team and providing grief counseling across schools in collaboration with a team of 10 psychologists.

Provided comprehensive counseling and assessment services by partnering with teachers, administrators, parents, and community organizations to deliver student support, referrals, and psychological evaluations.

• Educational Leadership

• School Psychologist Certification

• Endorsements: Cognitive Impairment and Emotional Impairment
• Honors: Honor’s Program Graduate
• Current Alumni Board of Directors Member (2-Terms)