Consulting Firm Selected In Stamford Superintendent Search

STAMFORD, CT — The Stamford Board of Education (BOE) this week announced the selection of national consulting firm Zeal Education Group to support the board in identifying and hiring the next Superintendent of Stamford Public Schools.

The BOE said the selection was a culmination of "a rigorous, multi-step process" led by the 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 in a news release. "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 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 BOE said. "The process ensured a consistent and transparent comparison of each firm’s qualifications, approach, and alignment with Stamford’s values and goals."

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 BOE said.

"The entire committee was impressed by Zeal’s depth of experience and the way their process centers community voice," said BOE Vice President and SFC Chair Versha Munshi-South. "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."

Zeal Education Group noted it is "eager" to begin supporting the school district in its search for a new leader.

"We look forward to engaging the Stamford community throughout this partnership," said Zeal Education Group Founder and CEO Jeff Melendez.

The BOE noted it 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.

Hyman has designated BOE member Andy George, the longest-serving member on the board who has experienced past superintendent searches, as the primary contact for Zeal engagement.

Mayor Caroline Simmons will serve on the Personnel Search Committee in her role as a non-voting member of the BOE.

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

Superintendent of SPS Dr. Tamy Lucero, who has been superintendent of SPS since April 2019, announced last summer she will not seek a contract extension and will leave the school district at the conclusion of her current deal.

Lucero accepted an offer to serve as the director and head of school at a private, PreK-12 international school in Africa effective July 1, 2026.

Her current contract with SPS expires on June 30, 2026.