District 126 Executive Administration
Dr. Jesse J. Rodriguez, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Jesse J. Rodríguez is a transformational leader and lifelong educator dedicated to a singular, powerful mission: ensuring every student has access to excellence. With more than 29 years of experience spanning roles from classroom teacher to Superintendent and CEO, Dr. Rodríguez has built high-performing educational ecosystems rooted in his core values of leadership, learning, research, and service.
Holding a Master’s in Educational Leadership and a Doctorate in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service from Cardinal Stritch University, Dr. Rodríguez believes that sustainable growth requires robust, deliberate systems for learning. He is deeply committed to designing and supporting organizational structures that guarantee high-quality learning systems for students and continuous, professional learning systems for staff, ensuring the entire district thrives together.
Dr. Rodríguez leads with a collaborative spirit, working in close, strategic alignment with the Board of Education and maintaining a relationship of mutual respect and open dialogue with collective bargaining units. Together, they ensure that labor, leadership, and governance stand united in the best interests of the entire district.
An inspiring vision requires a sustainable foundation. Dr. Rodríguez pairs his passion for student success with a commitment to fiscal responsibility and operational accountability, ensuring district resources are strategically optimized to maximize classroom impact and honor community trust.
At the heart of his leadership is a call to action: Elevating Excellence. By fostering a culture of high expectations, transparent communication, and systemic growth, Dr. Rodríguez is proud to partner with the District 126 community to build schools and programs where staff are empowered to lead and every student is inspired to discover their limitless potential.
Dr. Jim Woell, Chief School Business Official
Dr. Woell brings more than 35 years of experience in education and joined the ZB Nation in January 2025 with a deep commitment to service, stewardship, and student success. Throughout his career, he has remained grounded in the belief that strong systems, intentional leadership, and responsible planning create opportunities for students to thrive.
He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Concordia University–Ann Arbor, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, his Chief School Business Official endorsement from Northeastern Illinois University, and a Doctorate in Educational Administration and Leadership from Argosy University. His professional journey has included service as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent, experiences that shaped his comprehensive understanding of how every decision ultimately impacts students.
As Chief School Business Official for District 126, Dr. Woell leads the strategic management of business and financial operations, transportation, food service, facilities, operations, and capital improvements. His vision centers on building sustainable systems that elevate opportunities, strengthen organizational excellence, and ensure resources are aligned to student success. He believes that operational excellence is more than efficiency; it is creating environments where students and staff can do their best work every day.
A dedicated contributor to the profession, Dr. Woell is an active member of IASA, IASBO, and ASBO International and has shared his expertise at conferences across the state and nation. Through collaborative leadership and a future-focused mindset, he continues to advance work that strengthens schools and communities for generations to come.
Ms. Cynthia Moreno, Chief Human Resources Officer
Ms. Cynthia Moreno has served as Chief Human Resources Officer for Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 since January 2021 and has become a driving force behind building a culture where people feel connected, valued, and inspired to grow. Her leadership reflects the belief that exceptional schools are built by investing in exceptional people.
Ms. Moreno earned her Master’s Degree in Urban Planning and Policy with a concentration in Community Development from the University of Illinois at Chicago and brings more than 14 years of experience across higher education, community college, and K–12 settings. Throughout her career, she has partnered closely with Superintendents, Boards of Education, staff, and community leaders to develop innovative systems that strengthen organizations and expand opportunities.
At District 126, Ms. Moreno’s vision centers on creating an environment where employees feel supported, empowered, and connected to meaningful work. Through strategic talent development and initiatives focused on listening, action, and continuous improvement, including the Start–Stay–Succeed framework, District 126 has achieved a remarkable 91% employee retention rate, reflecting a culture where people choose to stay, lead, and grow together.
In addition to her leadership in human resources and organizational development, Ms. Moreno has led impactful communication and outreach efforts, creating compelling district branding and engagement strategies recognized nationally. Her work has earned two National School Public Relations Association Golden Achievement Awards, reflecting her commitment to building trust, strengthening relationships, and elevating the District’s connection with its community.
Dr. Melissa DiGangi, Chief Academic Officer
Dr. Melissa DiGangi is a dedicated educational leader whose work is grounded in the belief that every student can achieve at high levels when provided meaningful opportunities, intentional support, and multiple pathways to success. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence, equity, and creating systems that ensure every learner is prepared for college, career, and life.
Dr. DiGangi has served District 126 since 2005, beginning as an English and Reading teacher before advancing into leadership roles, including Department Chair for English, Reading, ELL, and Visual and Performing Arts, and later Executive Director of Teaching and Learning. Prior to returning to District 126 in 2023 as Executive Director of Academics, she served at the Illinois State Board of Education as Director of Research and Interim Research and Evaluation Officer, where she supported statewide improvement efforts through data, policy, and educational innovation. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English with a minor in Secondary Education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a Master’s Degree in Reading from Dominican University, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Aurora University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. As Chief Academic Officer, Dr. DiGangi leads the District’s work in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning with a vision centered on Pathway to Proficiency, a strategic approach rooted in data, responsive instruction, and the understanding that students learn in different ways and reach success through different journeys. Through this work, she is building systems that remove barriers, strengthen teaching and learning, and create multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate growth, discover their strengths, and achieve academic excellence. Her leadership continues to elevate expectations while ensuring every student is seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.Mr. Jacob Carlson, Executive Director of Student & Specialized Services
Mr. Jacob Carlson is a dedicated educational leader whose work is grounded in a powerful belief: success is not defined by graduation day, it is defined by what comes next. His leadership is centered on ensuring that every student leaves District 126 with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and support systems needed to thrive beyond high school.
Mr. Carlson has served District 126 since 1999 and was named Executive Director of Student and Specialized Services in July 2020. Before entering administration, he spent 18 years in the classroom teaching Social Science while also coaching Boys’ and Girls’ Volleyball and Boys’ Basketball. He later served four years as Division Chair for NJROTC, Social Science, and World Language, building strong systems of support for both students and staff.
He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science from Carthage College and a Master’s Degree in Administrative Leadership from Aurora University.
As Executive Director of Student and Specialized Services, Mr. Carlson leads district efforts related to student registration and placement, assessments, counseling, career and college readiness, credit recovery, student records, health services, and intervention systems. His vision is brought to life through the Day 721 Initiative, the belief that the true measure of a student’s success begins on the day after graduation. Through this work, he champions personalized pathways, meaningful supports, and intentional planning so that every student is prepared not only to earn a diploma but to confidently pursue college, careers, military service, and life beyond District 126. Mr. Carlson’s leadership reflects a commitment to ensuring that every student’s journey continues long after commencement, and that each graduate is equipped to succeed on Day 721 and beyond.Mr. Jack Niemi, Executive Director of Athletics
Mr. Jack Niemi is a proud Zee-Bee alumnus and dedicated educational leader whose work is driven by the belief that athletics create growth opportunities that extend far beyond competition. His vision is centered on building programs that develop character, strengthen connections, and create experiences that shape students for success in school, leadership opportunities, and life.
Mr. Niemi has served District 126 since 2002 and was named Executive Director of Athletics in June 2021. Prior to leading Zee-Bee Athletics, he served the District for 14 years as an Assistant Principal and four years as a Dean of Students at Zion-Benton Township High School. Before returning to District 126, he served the Zion community as a physical education teacher and coach at Zion Central Middle School. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Illinois State University and his Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Northern Illinois University. His deep connection to the community and firsthand understanding of the Zee-Bee experience guide his vision to create an atmosphere of pride for the students and community members in District 126. As Executive Director of Athletics, Mr. Niemi leads the continued growth and development of the District’s 23 athletic programs with a focus on expanding opportunities, increasing student involvement, and building a culture of excellence. He believes athletics are a powerful extension and support of the classroom, teaching teamwork, resilience, accountability, collaboration, and leadership while helping students discover purpose and belonging within the school community. Through intentional programming and high expectations, he is committed to ensuring every student-athlete has the opportunity to compete, connect, and become the best version of themselves through extracurricular participation.Mr. Arturo Hernandez, Executive Director of Safety and Security
Mr. Arturo Hernandez serves as Executive Director of Safety and Security for District 126 and brings more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement, public safety, and community engagement. His leadership is grounded in the belief that students achieve at their highest levels when they feel safe, connected, and supported.
Mr. Hernandez earned his undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University and later completed a Master of Science degree from Calumet College of St. Joseph. He began his career as a Juvenile Probation Officer in Lake County before joining the Chicago Police Department in 2002. Throughout his service, he worked in diverse communities, including North Lawndale and Little Village, served in specialized units focused on reducing crime, supported major crime investigations through forensic operations, and advanced to Sergeant, where he led community policing initiatives and mentored future officers at the Chicago Police Training Academy. At District 126, Mr. Hernandez leads with a vision that school safety extends beyond security; it is about creating environments where students and staff feel protected, valued, and empowered to learn. His work focuses on proactive prevention, strong relationships, emergency preparedness, and building trust through collaboration with students, families, staff, and community partners. Through strategic planning and a community-centered approach, he continues to strengthen systems that support both physical safety and a culture of belonging across the District.Dr. Chris Pawelczyk, Executive Director of Community Engagement & Student Success
Dr. Chris Pawelczyk serves as Executive Director of Community Engagement & Student Success and leads with the belief that lasting student success is achieved through strong relationships, shared accountability, and meaningful partnerships. His work centers on connecting people, aligning systems, and creating opportunities that strengthen outcomes for students and the broader community.
In his role, Dr. Pawelczyk helps ensure the District effectively implements and monitors a comprehensive Attendance Matters framework aligned with district goals and a laser focus on improving consistent attendance. To achieve this, he ensures systems are implemented with fidelity and that decisions and effectiveness are driven by data. Dr. Pawelczyk also spearheads extensive community engagement by coordinating partnerships with local businesses, agencies, and universities, while planning outreach programs to improve student outcomes and promote a culture of safety. Additionally, he leads the strategic creation of a District 126 foundation and Alumni Association with community partners who share a commitment to educational excellence for District 126.
Dr. Pawelczyk served as Principal of Zion-Benton Township High School from 2013 to 2021 and previously taught high school science and history in the south suburbs of Chicago before serving as an Assistant Principal in Chicago Public Schools. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences with a concentration in History from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, completed his Secondary Education certification through Chicago State University, earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Governors State University, and received a Doctorate in Urban Educational Leadership from the University of Illinois Chicago.
At the center of Dr. Pawelczyk’s leadership is a commitment to partnerships with purpose, bringing together schools, families, community organizations, and local stakeholders to expand opportunities for students. He believes student success is strengthened when communities work collectively, leadership is developed at every level, and systems remain focused on creating pathways that allow all students to thrive.
Dr. Cheri Bridge, Executive Director of Technology & Innovation
Dr. Cheri Bridge serves as Executive Director of Technology and Innovation and leads with the belief that innovation should remove barriers, expand possibilities, and create equitable opportunities for every learner. Her vision is centered on leveraging technology not as an end goal, but as a powerful tool to increase access, strengthen instruction, improve communication, and prepare students for success in an ever-changing world. A major focus of her leadership has been helping District 126 gain recognition for its distinction, innovation, and commitment to excellence through strategic communication, technology transformation, an expanded social media presence, and future-focused learning opportunities.
Throughout her career, Dr. Bridge has served as a classroom teacher, Instructional Technology Specialist, Curriculum Coordinator, and district leader, consistently guiding transformational work that connects emerging technologies with meaningful learning experiences. At District 126, she has led initiatives focused on instructional innovation, AI integration, digital communication systems, accessibility, school safety, and technology modernization. She currently leads the district’s Innovate 2030 technology vision and has helped expand instructional access through 1:1 learning environments, professional learning systems, and technology solutions that strengthen operational efficiency and student learning. She also frequently presents and speaks on topics related to artificial intelligence, educational innovation, digital transformation, and Apple learning environments while helping lead the district’s continued work toward Apple Distinguished School status. Her work extends beyond the district through participation in nationally recognized educational technology initiatives, including the NSA-funded GenCyber program and a USDA-funded instructional project aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards. Dr. Bridge is also the author of technology- and 6Cs-focused professional materials, educational articles focused on EdTech and innovation, and children’s books designed to teach young learners digital citizenship, creativity, and cybersecurity awareness. Dr. Bridge holds a Doctorate in Curriculum and Teaching, an Educational Specialist Degree in Superintendency Leadership, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology. She is also recognized as a Google Certified Educator, Certified Apple Teacher, and Apple Education Trainer. Through collaboration, thoughtful implementation, strategic grant development, and a commitment to continuous improvement, she continues to champion innovation with purpose while helping create learning environments where creativity flourishes, communication is strengthened, and every student has access to the tools and opportunities needed to succeed.