Administration
District 126 Executive Administration
Phone: (847) 731-9792
Email:
jesse.rodriguez@zb126.org
Dr. Jesse J. Rodriguez, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Jesse J. Rodríguez is a lifelong educator, bringing over 23 years of experience to the position of Superintendent of Schools. He earned both a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and a doctorate with a focus on leadership, learning, research, and service at Cardinal Stritch University. Prior to accepting the position as Superintendent for Zion-Benton District 126, Dr. Rodriguez served as Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer for Proviso Township High Schools District 209, serving 10 diverse communities. His other professional experience includes being a high school teacher, assistant principal, principal, and regional superintendent of 26 K-8 schools and three high schools serving over 26,000 students. He served on multiple governing and executive boards as part of his service leadership platform and has been recognized for his contributions to education at the local, state, and national levels. Dr. Rodriguez has established performance standards and expectations based on a clear vision for success while creating professional learning environments that are inclusive, collaborative, focused on results, and driven by highly effective instruction. Dr. Rodriguez resides in the district with his wife and three children.
Dr. Matthew Wilkinson, Chief School Business Official
Dr. Wilkinson has been working in the field of education for over 20 years and joined District 126 in July 2019. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from DePaul University, a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Indianapolis, his Superintendent’s credentials from Northern Illinois University, and his doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Francis. Prior to joining District 126, Dr. Wilkinson was a elementary school Superintendent for six years and a Business Manager/CSBO for fifteen years in three other school districts. Dr. Wilkinson is a member of the Illinois Association of School Business Officials (IASBO) and the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). As the District’s CSBO, Dr. Wilkinson oversees all business and financial matters, transportation, technology, food service, building and grounds, and capital improvements for District 126.
Phone: 847-731-9796
Email:
cynthia.moreno@zb126.org
Ms. Cynthia Moreno, Chief Human Resources Officer
Cynthia Moreno has served ZBTHS D126 as the Chief Human Resources Officer since January 2021. She earned her Master's in Urban Planning and Policy with a concentration in community development from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Ms. Moreno has over 14 years of experience in education, working at the university, community college, and high school levels. Ms. Moreno has worked closely with Superintendents of Schools, the Board of Education, community/business partners, staff members, and administrative teams to seek innovation, creativity, and resources that support an interactive communication and outreach strategy for the community. She has successfully created a vision and brand and directed public relations programs and activities with internal and external constituents for several school districts. Her work has earned her two National School Public Relations Association Golden Achievement Awards.
Phone: (847) 731-9597
Email:
melissa.digangi@zb126.org
Dr. Melissa DiGangi, Executive Director of Academics
Dr. Melissa DiGangi has served District 126 since 2005, working as an English and Reading teacher from 2005-2011; Department Chair for English, Reading, ELL, and VPA from 2011-2014; and Executive Director of Teaching and Learning from 2014-2022. Prior to returning to District 126 in 2023 as the Executive Director of Academics, Dr. DiGangi served as the Director of Research and Interim Research and Evaluation Officer for the Illinois State Board of Education. Dr. DiGangi earned a Bachelor’s in English, with a minor in Secondary Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Master’s in Reading from Dominican University, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Aurora University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. As the Executive Director of Academic Excellence, Dr. DiGangi is committed to ensuring equitable access and outcomes that result in academic excellence for all students, overseeing the District’s curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning.
Phone: (847) 731-9356
Email:
jacob.carlson@zb126.org
Mr. Jacob Carlson, Executive Director of Student & Specialized Services
Mr. Jacob Carlson has served District 126 since 1999 and became the District’s Executive Director of Student Services in July of 2020. Prior to becoming an administrator, Mr. Carlson spent 18 years in the Social Science classroom while coaching Boy's and Girl's Volleyball along with Boy's Basketball. He served four years as the Division Chair of NJROTC, Social Science and World Language. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science from Carthage College and a Master’s Degree in Administrative Leadership from Aurora University. As the Director of Student Services, Mr. Carlson oversees all matters related to student registration and placement; local and state assessments; guidance, career, and college planning; credit recovery; student records; health services; and coordination of various student interventions.
Phone: (847) 731-9361
Email:
jack.niemi@zb126.org
Mr. Jack Niemi , Executive Director of Athletics
Mr. Jack Niemi has served District 126 since 2002 and became the District’s Executive Director of Athletics in June 2021. Prior to leading Zee-Bee Athletics, Mr. Jack Niemi served the District as Assistant Principal for 14 years and Dean of Students for 4 years, both at Zion-Benton Township High School. Prior to his years of service in District 126, Mr. Niemi served the students of Zion as a physical education teacher and coach at Zion Central Middle School. Mr. Niemi earned his Bachelor of Science from Illinois State University in 1991 and his Master's in Educational Leadership from Northern Illinois University in 2001. As a ZBTHS alumni, Mr. Niemi takes pride in leading our District's 22 athletic programs to create a positive high school experience for the students of District 126.
Mr. Arturo Hernandez, Executive Director of Safety and Security
Bio coming soon...
Phone: (847) 731-9302
Email:
chris.pawelczyk@zb126.org
Dr. Chris Pawelczyk, Executive Director of Leadership Support and Community Outreach
In his role as Executive Director of Leadership Support and Community Outreach, Dr. Pawelczyk ensures the district stays focused and accountable for its commitment to the strategic plan's goals. Included in his responsibilities, he organizes leadership development opportunities for the staff, represents the district throughout the various capital improvement processes, and oversees the district's Department of Technology. He has served as Principal of Zion-Benton Twp. High School from 2013 to 2021. Before this, Dr. Pawelczyk taught high school science and history in the south suburbs of Chicago and worked as an Assistant Principal in the Chicago Public Schools. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences with a concentration in History from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign, his certificate in Secondary Education from Chicago State University, his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Governors State University, and a Doctorate in Urban Educational Leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Phone: (847) 731-9770
Email: cheri.bridge@zb126.org
Dr. Cheri Bridge, Executive Director of Technology & Innovation
Dr. Cheri Bridge is the Executive Director of Technology and Innovation, overseeing the technology department and school libraries. Her career includes roles such as Instructional Technology Specialist, Curriculum Coordinator, and classroom teacher. Dr. Bridge has guided school districts through strategic improvements, integrating new technologies into instruction and enhancing students' 21st-century learning skills. She has contributed to national EdTech programs, including the NSA-funded GenCyber program and a USDA-funded project for K-6 instruction aligned with the NGSS. She holds a Doctorate in Curriculum and Teaching, a Master's in Educational Leadership, and a Master's in Educational Technology. Her certifications include Google Certified Educator, Certified Apple Teacher, and Apple Education Trainer. Dr. Bridge is committed to growing a culture of innovation, collaboration, and effective communication, fostering a culture of excellence and equitable access to educational technology.