Dr. Richard Voltz
EdLS Partner
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Dr. Richard Voltz has 48 years of educational experience, starting out as a high school teacher/coach, high school principal, unit district superintendent and Associate Director of the Illinois Association of School Administrators in charge of professional development and mentoring and coaching of Illinois superintendents. In addition, Dr. Voltz taught educational administration courses at Eastern Illinois University for 17 years as an Adjunct Professor. Dr. Voltz has been a determined advocate for the improvement of services for all students and he has provided professional development on timely topics to thousands of administrators and teachers. He has also been a member of numerous state level committees that have been responsible for the formation of education policy and practices. This extensive experience in the public education arena has resulted in Dr. Voltz being widely respected and known in all areas of Illinois.
Dr. Don White
EdLS Partner
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Dr. Don White worked as a public school educator for thirty-three years. His positions included classroom teacher, principal, district office administrator, and superintendent. Prior to entering the field of education, Don served as an Assistant Manager for Walgreen’s Drug Stores in Champaign, IL. In addition to serving as a superintendent for nineteen years, Don has been involved in many state and national projects. His work includes serving as a Co-Chair for the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA) School for Advanced Leadership. As one of the three lead designers and trainers for the Illinois Leadership and Technology for Change (ITLC) out of Illinois State University, Don provided training for administrators that focused on best practices in school leadership, systems leadership, and data driven decision making. His efforts have resulted in two IASA Exemplary Service to Education Awards and he was recognized by IASA as a 2020 Superintendent of Distinction. Recently retired, Dr. White’s focus continues to be providing professional development for all levels of school leadership, serving as a Partner for Educational Leadership Solutions, and working as a consultant with Forecast 5 Analytics.
Dr. Gary T. Zabilka
EdLS Partner
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Dr. Gary Zabilka is a seasoned educator with 42 years of experience as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and superintendent. He retired from the superintendency of Morton Grove School District 70 (IL) and also served as superintendent of Puffer-Hefty School District 69 in Downers Grove (IL), for a combined total of 13 years as a superintendent. He is currently a Field Service Director for the Illinois Association of School Administrators, responsible for coaching and mentoring new superintendents, as well as providing Professional Development in leadership for district administrators. He also taught educational administration courses for Loyola University, specializing in the areas of leadership and school finance. In 2012, Dr. Zabilka was named an Illinois Distinguished Superintendent. He has led or participated in over 50 executive searches. He holds degrees from Western Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, and a Doctorate from Loyola University. As one of the primary mentors of superintendents in the northern part of the state, Dr. Zabilka recognizes those key qualities and characteristics that make superintendents successful in their respective districts, and has a deep understanding of administrative structures and district organization.