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 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. 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 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.  

Cynthia Moreno has served ZBTHS D126 as the Executive Director of Human Resources and Communications 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.

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.

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.

In his role as Executive Director of Leadership Support and Strategic Planning, Dr. Pawelczyk ensures the district stays focused and accountable to its commitment to the goals of the strategic plan.  Included in his responsibilities, he organiizes leadership development opportunities for the staff, represents the district thoughout the various capital improvement processes, and oversees the district's Department of Technology.  He has served as Principal of Zion-Benton Twp. High School friom 2013 to 2021.  Prior to 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. 

Zackary Livingston is the son of Derick and Iris Alisha Livingston. Born and raised in Lake County, Illinois, he attended Beach Park and Zion schools. He graduated from Zion Benton Township High School, where he credits his interest and desire to work with youth in the surrounding community. After earning a Bachelor's degree at Southern Adventist University, he came back to be a teacher at Zion Central Middle School district 6 while leading the "Young Men of Vision" student leadership organization.

He served as an Assistant Principal of Teaching and Learning at North Chicago District 187 and Assistant Principal of Operations at ZBTHS.

Bonnie Felske has served District 126 since 2010, serving both as Dean of Students at the Horizon Campus and Assistant Principal at New Tech High @Zion-Benton East. Prior to her role as Assistant Principal, Mrs. Felske taught 7th and 8th grade social science for 15 years in the Zion community.

She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in History and Secondary Education from Lake Forest College and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and School Leadership credentials from Concordia University, River Forest, Illinois.