Board of Education Announces New Superintendent of Schools

Feb. 6, 2024

The Brentwood School District Board of Education voted on Jan. 30 to hire Dr. Amy Zielinski as the district’s next superintendent of schools, effective July 1, 2024. Dr. Zielinski currently serves as the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction in the Ladue School District.

“Dr. Zielinski was a clear frontrunner in an excellent pool of applicants, with a proven track record as the instructional leader of a well-respected school district,” said Lindsay Spencer, Brentwood Board of Education president. “Dr. Zielinski’s enthusiasm and commitment to excellence is evident, and we are confident in her strong leadership abilities that will continue to place Brentwood as one of the top performing school districts in Missouri.”

Dr. Zielinski brings 22 years of educational experience to her new role at Brentwood, including 12 years in school administration. She began her career as a middle school and high school social studies teacher, and later served as dean of students and instruction at Brittany Woods Middle School in the School District of University City, and director of professional development in the Fox C-6 School District.

As assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction in Ladue, Dr. Zielinski oversees the district’s teaching and learning efforts, including curriculum development, instructional design and coaching, data analysis, assessment and professional learning. She led the creation of the district’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan and worked closely with school and district administrators to develop an instructional framework that provides meaningful feedback to teachers on classroom best practices.

Dr. Zielinski also facilitated districtwide diversity, equity and inclusion work and led the creation of the Catalyst program, a collaborative effort between the Brentwood, Clayton, Ladue and University City school districts that offers innovative programming to help high school students find their passions, develop their skills and explore postsecondary pathways.

“I am extremely passionate about education and helping all students succeed academically, socially and emotionally,” said Dr. Zielinski. “I love meeting new people, building relationships and developing community partnerships that enhance the academic and extracurricular opportunities available for our students. Together, we can celebrate our achievements and take pride in the positive impact we are creating in the Brentwood community and beyond.”

Dr. Zielinski earned her doctorate in educational leadership from Maryville University. She also holds a master’s degree in educational administration from Southwest Baptist University, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Kansas, and a bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education from Rockhurst University. She and her husband, Rob, have three children - Dominic, Cecilia and Benjamin.

District leaders are currently organizing opportunities for the community to engage with Dr. Zielinski as she prepares for her role as the new superintendent of schools. More information will be shared in the coming weeks.

Brentwood Superintendent Search Background

The Brentwood School District Board of Education began its superintendent search last fall, hiring Ray and Associates, Inc. to facilitate the process.

Before conducting interviews, the board closely analyzed community feedback from various stakeholder groups, including students, staff, families and community members. This feedback was gathered during nine in-person and virtual focus groups and an online survey.

More than 30 individuals applied for the position, and the board conducted its interviews in January.

Leadership Characteristics for Our Next Superintendent

Oct. 30, 2023

The Brentwood School District Board of Education has partnered with Ray and Associates to assist in conducting a comprehensive search for our next superintendent of schools. The search process is already underway, with the anticipated announcement of our new superintendent in February 2024.

Earlier this month, Ray and Associates facilitated nine in-person and virtual focus groups, as well as an online survey, to gather thoughts and feedback from students, staff, families and community members. This process identified 12 leadership characteristics that our community believes are most important for candidates interested in becoming our next superintendent, including:

• Promotes a positive and professional environment that includes mutual trust and respect among teachers, support staff, administrators and the Board of Education.
• Is a strong communicator in speaking, listening and writing.
• Possesses excellent interpersonal skills, presents a positive image of the district, listens to input and is a decision-maker.
• Has a strong moral compass that is rooted in justice and equality.
• Is strongly committed to a student-centered philosophy in all decisions.
• Promotes positive and inclusive student behavior conducive to a healthy and safe learning environment.
• Possesses the leadership skills, knowledge and sensitivity required to respond to the opportunities and challenges presented by a diverse student body and community.
• Can develop and communicate a vision of quality education for the future to the board, staff and community.
• Is able to build consensus and commitment among individuals and groups.
• Is able to delegate and oversee the work of staff, lead by example and appropriately maintain accountability.
• Is committed to the importance of both academic and extracurricular programs.
• Demonstrates commitment to community visibility and is actively engaged in a broad range of community groups and organizations.

Ray and Associates opened the application process on Wednesday, Oct. 25. The deadline to complete the application process is Jan. 1, 2024. The Board of Education will work closely with Ray and Associates to review all applications and conduct interviews with candidates that best reflect the values and aspirations of our district. This process will involve careful consideration of each candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as their commitment to student learning, growth and achievement.

We appreciate the valuable input and engagement of our community members in shaping the criteria for our next superintendent. Thank you for your continued support and involvement as we work to find the best candidate to lead our district into the future.

Finding the Next Leader of Brentwood Schools

Oct. 16, 2023

Dear Brentwood Community,

As we, the members of the Brentwood School District Board of Education, embark on the process of selecting our next superintendent of schools, we do so with a profound sense of purpose, guided by our unwavering commitment to student learning, growth and achievement.

Our district is at a pivotal moment, and your input is essential in shaping the future of public education in our community. To ensure your voices are heard, we have partnered with Ray and Associates to conduct a comprehensive search that embraces the diverse perspectives that make our district exceptional.

The search process is already underway, and we anticipate announcing our new superintendent in February 2024. Your active involvement is crucial in making this decision, and we have organized several opportunities for you to participate in the process this week.

Superintendent Search Focus Groups

Ray and Associates will facilitate a total of nine in-person and virtual focus groups on Tuesday, Oct. 17 and Wednesday, Oct. 18. These sessions will provide you with a platform to share your thoughts, concerns and aspirations directly with the search team. You can find detailed information about the focus group times, locations and virtual meeting links on our website in the Superintendent Search section.

Superintendent Search Survey

For those who cannot attend the focus groups, we encourage you to share your thoughts and feedback through our Superintendent Search Survey. The survey is now open and will remain available until Thursday, Oct. 19 at 5 p.m.

Thank you for being an integral part of our school community. We look forward to your participation in the superintendent search process, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we can make a difference in the future of education for our students.

Sincerely,

Lindsay Spencer
Board of Education President

Superintendent Search Focus Group Opportunities

Oct. 10, 2023

The Brentwood School District Board of Education has partnered with Ray and Associates to assist in conducting a comprehensive search for our next superintendent of schools. The search process is already underway, with the anticipated announcement of our new superintendent in February 2024.

Ray and Associates will facilitate a total of four in-person and virtual focus groups for parents and community members on Tuesday, Oct. 17 and Wednesday, Oct. 18. The calendar below has been carefully developed to accommodate the diverse schedules and preferences of our school community.

In-Person Focus Groups: Tuesday, Oct. 17

• In-Person Focus Group with Community Members
  • Time: 10 a.m.
  • Location: Administrative Office (1201 Hanley Industrial Ct.)

• In-Person Focus Group with Parents
  • Time: 6:30 p.m.
  • Location: BHS-BMS Library (2225 High School Dr.)

Virtual Focus Groups: Wednesday, Oct. 18

• Virtual Focus Group with Parents and Community Members
  • Time: 12 p.m.
  • Join Zoom Meeting
  • Passcode: 920548
  • Meeting ID: 832 9295 1200

• Virtual Focus Group with Parents
  • Time: 6:30 p.m.
  • Join Zoom Meeting
  • Passcode: 897227
  • Meeting ID: 847 8633 4265

For those unable to attend in-person or virtual focus groups, we encourage you to share your thoughts and feedback via an online survey. The survey is now open and will be available until Thursday, Oct. 19 at 5 p.m.

• Superintendent Search Survey

Your feedback and active participation are vital in helping us select the best candidate to lead our district into the future. Please take a moment to complete the online survey and consider joining one of our focus groups to share your valuable insights. Together, we can shape the future of our district and ensure it aligns with the expectations and aspirations of our community.

Board of Education Begins Search for Next Superintendent

Oct. 4, 2023

The Brentwood School District Board of Education has officially begun its search for a new superintendent of schools, voting on Sept. 26 to hire Ray and Associates, Inc. to assist in conducting a comprehensive search. Ray and Associates specializes in school executive leadership searches and has a reputation for recruiting outstanding candidates that match the expectations of the board and community.

The board will begin the search process immediately, with the anticipated announcement of our next superintendent in February 2024. Community engagement is an essential part of the search process, and we encourage all members of our community - students, staff, families and community members - to share their thoughts and feedback during in-person and virtual focus groups, as well as an online survey in the coming weeks.

Superintendent Search Survey

The online survey asks participants to review 31 leadership characteristics and select the top 10 traits they believe are most important for candidates interested in becoming our district’s next superintendent. The survey is now open and will be available until Thursday, Oct. 19 at 5 p.m.

• Superintendent Search Survey (English)
• Superintendent Search Survey (Spanish)
• Superintendent Search Survey (Japanese)
• Superintendent Search Survey (Chinese)
• Superintendent Search Survey (Urdu)
• Superintendent Search Survey (Bosnian)

In-Person and Virtual Focus Groups

Ray and Associates will also facilitate a total of nine in-person and virtual focus groups on Tuesday, Oct. 17 and Wednesday, Oct. 18. More information, including times, locations and virtual meeting links, will be shared early next week.

Your feedback and active participation are vital in helping us select the best candidate to lead our district into the future. Please take a moment to complete the online survey and consider joining one of our focus groups to share your valuable insights. Together, we can shape the future of our district and ensure it aligns with the expectations and aspirations of our community.