Additional Services

Resume Writing References

I am so pleased to write this letter to recommend District Wise Search Consultants. Working with Joann Kaplan on crafting my resume was such an extraordinary experience. We started by taking my old resume and delineating the essential from the unessential. Then, District Wise was able to ask questions to guide me in assessing what skills, experiences, education, and training would be most important to include on my resume. Throughout the process, Joann was methodical and meticulous in helping me to edit and compose my resume. This company has an unbelievable amount of knowledge about the education field and what skills and knowledge would be most appealing to a prospective employer.

I was also guided in writing a cover letter to accompany my resume. The experience of working with District Wise helped me to think about the strengths I possess as an educator. This helped build my confidence to begin sending out resumes to apply for a teaching position. If you are looking for honest feedback and guidance, District Wise Search Consultants is the firm to use.

Marie Shanahan,

Teacher

Interview Coaching References

I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend the leadership coaching services of Districtwise Search Consultants, specifically Joann Kaplan. Over the past year, Joann has been instrumental in guiding my journey towards becoming a superintendent.

From the start, Joann displayed an unmatched level of insight, experience, and dedication. Sheis not only a master of understanding individual strengths and potential but also exceptionally skilled at highlighting areas of improvement and providing actionable steps to achieve growth. Joann challenged me to rethink my approaches, broaden my horizons, and continuously learn, and I am undoubtedly a better leader as a result.

Her coaching style is a blend of patience, sincerity, and rigor, tailored to each individual's unique needs. Her ability to identify and draw upon my innate skills while cultivating new ones made the learning process not only enriching but also highly effective.

As a testament to her effectiveness, I have successfully stepped into my role as a superintendent with confidence and clarity. The techniques, perspectives, and tools Joann imparted have proven to be invaluable in my everyday work, and I continually benefit from the resilient leadership mindset she helped me develop.

To anyone aspiring to a leadership position in education or looking for personalized coaching to enhance their skills, I cannot recommend Joann enough. She provided a caliber of coaching that transcends conventional practices, ensuring you are well-equipped to face the ever-evolving challenges of leadership roles.

Working with Joann has been a rewarding experience and I am profoundly grateful for her guidance in my journey to becoming a successful superintendent.

Dr. Christine Criscione

Superintendent of Schools, Mount Sinai School District

I had the pleasure of working with Joann Kaplan from District Wise Consultant for assistance not only with my resume but also with interview coaching and school leadership job application coaching. Joann’s expertise and dedication were evident throughout the entire process.

When it came to my resume, Joann helped me dive into it to update and change the vocabulary, ensuring that it effectively showcased my skills and experiences. Her creative and smart suggestions made a significant impact on the overall quality of my resume. Joann’s attention to detail and commitment to transparency were truly commendable. She was always honest and transparent, providing valuable insights and feedback that helped me present myself in the best possible light.

In addition to resume assistance, Joann also provided interview coaching. Her friendly and supportive approach helped me feel more confident and prepared for my interviews. She shared valuable tips and strategies, and we even conducted mock interviews to practice and refine my responses. Joann’s guidance and feedback were invaluable in helping me navigate the interview process successfully.

Furthermore, Joann offered school leadership job application coaching. Her expertise in this area was evident, as she provided me with valuable advice on how to tailor my application materials specifically for leadership positions. Her guidance helped me highlight my relevant skills and experiences, making my applications more competitive.

I highly recommend Joann Kaplan and District Wise Consultant for anyone seeking resume assistance, interview coaching, or school leadership job application coaching. Joann’s friendly, creative, and smart approach, coupled with her honesty and transparency, truly sets her apart. Working with her was a pleasure, and I am grateful for her expertise and support. Thank you, Joann!"

Matthew Spern

GS Principal at MCC

DISTRICT SERVICES

GREAT NECK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

On behalf of the entire Board of Education, we wish to extend gratitude to your team. We engaged District Wise Search Consultants to facilitate the search for our superintendent of schools, knowing the decision to be of utmost importance to our entire district and all stakeholders. Thankfully, we are pleased by your process and the result.

Your team carefully put us at ease, then proceeded to gather input from multiple stakeholder groups during many scheduled focus groups, a presentation to the community, and a survey. Your team was available to answer questions throughout. District Wise's inclusive approach made the board, administration, staff, students, parents, and community residents all feel respected and heard in generating the attributes sought in a successful candidate.

Your team, also, assembled applicants of caliber, while insightfully supporting our Board during its interviews and selection process. That these, yielded a candidate whom we unanimously and enthusiastically welcome makes us especially grateful to District Wise!

Sincerely,
Rebecca Sassouni
Board President, Board of Education

Amityville Union Free School District

Our board selected the services of District Wise Search Firm to lead our district’s Superintendent search. For several board members, this was their first experience with a Superintendent search process. Joann, Bob, and Mark from District Wise proved to be thorough, professional, and accommodating throughout the process. Despite my role as the primary point of contact with District Wise, they made themselves available to communicate with any board member. Their expertise and experience in identifying the most suitable candidates for our district were achieved through their engagement with various stakeholders. They included the board of education, district stakeholders (students, parents, cabinet, administrators, bargaining units, community organizations, and community members), as well as through surveys. I feel this approach resulted in a pool of applicants for our board to consider. Throughout the process, the District Wise team provided advice that improved our understanding of the process. Their insights also brought clarity to our decision-making process. I feel that there were occasions when they went above and beyond their designated responsibilities. Working alongside them has been a pleasure, and I strongly recommend District Wise for a Superintendent search.

Lisa Johnson
President, Amityville Union Free School District

Connetquot Central School District

It gives me great pleasure to share my recommendation for District Wise Search Consultants. The Superintendent hiring process can seem intimidating for a Board, as it is one of their most important responsibilities. Joann, Bob, and Mark provided clear and consistent communication with the Board and expertly guided us through the entirety, from the organization stage to the candidate appointment. They were able to seamlessly navigate the often-differing opinions of the various stakeholders within our District and present us with an exceptional slate of candidates. In the end, the Board appointed a new Superintendent, and thanks to the dedication of Joann, Bob, and Mark, the Board and all stakeholders are confident going into this new chapter. Without hesitation, I highly recommend District Wise Search Consultants for your future hiring considerations.

Jaclyn Napolitano-Furno
President, Board of Education

Massapequa Union Free School District

District Wise Search Consultants exceeded our expectations in finding the Massapequa School District's new Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations. From start to finish, their professionalism, expertise, and dedication to our needs were exemplary.

District Wise Search Consultants embarked on this critical task with a clear understanding of our unique requirements and a commitment to identifying the perfect candidate for our school district. Their in-depth knowledge of the education sector, coupled with their extensive network and resources, allowed them to present us with an outstanding pool of candidates.

What truly set District Wise Search Consultants apart was their ability to not only find highly qualified candidates but also individuals who aligned with our district's values, culture, and vision for the future. Each candidate presented to us exhibited a remarkable combination of experience, skills, and a passion for education that made the selection process genuinely challenging – in the best way possible.

Throughout the entire search process, District Wise Search Consultants maintained open lines of communication, providing regular updates and guiding us through each step, from initial screenings to final interviews. Their professionalism and attention to detail gave us the confidence that they were as invested in our success as we were.

Ultimately, thanks to their work, District Wise Search Consultants, we were able to help us secure an Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations who not only met but exceeded our expectations. This individual has seamlessly integrated into our leadership team and has already made a significant positive impact on our district's financial operations.

Their commitment to excellence, their thoroughness, and their ability to deliver results have been instrumental in enhancing our district's leadership team. I wholeheartedly recommend District Wise Search Consultants to any school district seeking top-tier talent. They truly are experts at what they do, and we are incredibly fortunate to have partnered with them in our search for the perfect candidate. Thank you, District Wise Search Consultants, for your exceptional service and dedication to the success of our district.

Dr. William Brennan
Superintendent of Schools, Massapequa Union Free School District

East Meadow Union Free School District

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to provide an enthusiastic letter of reference for District Wise Search Consultants and their exceptional team who conducted a highly successful search on our behalf. Their expertise, professionalism, and commitment to delivering outstanding results have been nothing short of exemplary.

We engaged DWSC to assist us in a search for the key leadership position of Superintendent of Schools. From the outset, DWSC exhibited a desire to understand our district’s culture, values, and strategic objectives. This allowed them to not only identify candidates with the right qualifications but also those who were the best fit for our unique organizational environment.

DWSC demonstrated their dedication to our search by meticulously developing a comprehensive search strategy, which encompassed candidate sourcing, evaluation, and engagement. Their ability to identify and attract top-tier talent was impressive. They presented a diverse slate of highly qualified candidates, showcasing their commitment to diversity and inclusion in the hiring process.

Throughout the search process, DWSC maintained communication with our board. Their regular updates, timely feedback, and expert guidance ensured that we remained well-informed and confident in their progress. They also exhibited great skill in managing candidate expectations, which contributed significantly to a positive candidate experience.

The depth of DWSC’s expertise in interviewing, assessing, and evaluating candidates was evident throughout the selection process. Their rigorous evaluation criteria and insightful candidate assessments helped us make informed decisions and select the best candidate for the role.

I recommend DWSC to any district in need of their services.

Matthew G. Melnick
Board of Education Trustee,
East Meadow Union Free School District

NORTH BABYLON UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

On behalf of the entire Board of Education, we would like to express our sincere gratitude. Our Board's decision to have you, District Wise Services, conduct our Superintendent search, was the best decision we could have made. Your professionalism, experience, wisdom, and compassion, truly helped finding our Superintendent, a less daunting process. We are grateful to you all for your guidance through each part of the search process journey.

Your team carefully assessed the wants and needs of our community. The multiple opportunities for parents, staff, administration, parents, civic members, and community members was valued and appreciated. And of course, your close work with the Board of Education to assist us developing and quantifying the specific qualities we wanted to see our superintendent possess was invaluable.

You worked side by side with us. You collaborated and made sure that all of us understood every step of the search process.

Please know that we are grateful for your work and welcome the opportunity to recommend you to any school district planning to do a Superintendent search in the future. Thank you again for all helping us find the “perfect fit” for our school community.

Matthew Lucchetti
Board President, North Babylon UFSD

West Islip Board of Education

It is my please to wrtie a recommendation on behalf of District Wise Search Consultants. As a first time school board president for the West Islip School District, I was presented with an opportunity to hire a new superintendant. During what was an alredy difficult and challanging school year, the thought of such a incredibly important task weighed deeply on my shoulders. Fortulnately, our board met and fell in love with DWSC. Joann, Robert and Mark were such an incredible team. Through thier guidance and leadership we sailed through this process. What I thought would be difficult and stressful, they turned into fun and excitment. There was not one stone they did not turn over. Their ability to communicate and understand what not only the board wanted but the community as well played such a viatal role in this process. When all was said and done, Joann, Robert, and Mark felt like an extended family. We at West Islip Schools are forever grateful for allowing DWSC to help lead the way. It is without any doubt or hesittion I would reuse District Wise. I would ask anyone to reach out to me or any of the West Islip School Board for more if so desired. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you Joann, Robert and Mark.

Anthony Tussie
West Islip Board of Education

MASSAPEQUA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Thank you so much for your great work in finding our “perfect fit” superintendent.

It was such an incredible experience working with you, Bob and Mark to find the next leader of our school district. This was our board’s first experience undertaking this enormous task, which was made manageable with your help. You laid out your plan and timeline for us and were there every step of the way to keep us on track and to ensure we would have our new leader on schedule. You were always there to give us updates, help with sifting through the materials, composing questions and evaluating each candidate. You delivered to us several highly qualified candidates. After the interviews, we knew which candidate was the “perfect fit” just as you said we would.

I am especially grateful for the support you gave to me as I led the board through this process. I always felt supported, you were always there to answer questions, provide feedback and advice.

I miss our daily phone calls, and will be forever grateful for your professionalism, your friendship and your guidance.

I highly recommend District Wise Consulting to any school district looking to hire a superintendent or administrative staff.

Sincerely,
Kerry Wachter
President, Massapequa Board of Education

Eastchester Union Free School District

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to express my highest recommendation for District Wise Search regarding their exceptional work in the superintendent search for Eastchester Union Free School District . As search lead and liaison of the Eastchester School Board, I had the privilege of working closely with their team throughout the entire search process, and I can confidently attest to their professionalism, expertise, and dedication.

From the initial consultation, District Wise demonstrated a thorough understanding of our district's unique needs and challenges. They took the time to engage with various stakeholders, including board members, teachers, administrators, and community members, to develop a comprehensive profile of the qualities and experiences we sought in our next superintendent.

The firm's rigorous and transparent candidate screening process was particularly impressive. They presented us with a diverse pool of highly qualified candidates, each carefully vetted and matched to our specific requirements. Their detailed assessments and background information enabled our board to make informed decisions at every stage of the selection process.

What truly set District Wise apart was their commitment to ongoing communication. They provided regular updates, responded promptly to our inquiries, and offered valuable guidance when we faced difficult decisions. Their expertise in educational leadership and governance was evident throughout the process, and their insights helped us navigate complex considerations with confidence.

As a result of their efforts, we successfully appointed Dr. Alison Villanueva. The seamless process and excellent match between our needs and the selected candidate's capabilities speak volumes about District Wise's effectiveness.

I would not hesitate to engage District Wise for future executive searches and would strongly recommend their services to any school district seeking exceptional leadership. Their professionalism, integrity, and results-oriented approach make them an invaluable partner in educational executive recruitment.

Sincerely,

Matthew Fanelli
Eastchester Union Free School District
Board Officer

Herricks Board of Education

On behalf of the entire Herricks Board of Education may I express our most sincere thank you. Using District Wise to conduct our latest superintendent search was an easy decision based on the professionalism your company showed when we did our previous superintendent search in 2015. It was amazing to see how much “growth” there was with your company this time as opposed to last time. The time your team took compiling the “climate reports” to assess what our community expected in the qualities for our future superintendent, along with the Board of Education's expectations, were immeasurable. The “binders” you assembled for us for each candidate provided detailed and relevant information. The insight they provided allowed us to better understand each candidates’ qualities, and was far better than the typical snapshot a resume and writing sample provide. “You got us!-you clearly understood all our expectations and knew who would make the grade and who would not. Working side by side allowed us all to better understand where we were in the process. Using collaboration, compassion, and communication helped us to stay focused and on task. The process made our decision very difficult-which was one of the goals. In the end with your guidance we believe our selection will continue to move Herricks forward in the path our community stated, with our new superintendent at the helm.

In our opinion, there is no finer search firm than District Wise and we would whole heartedly and without reservation recommend your company to any school district planning to do a superintendent search in the future.

James Gounaris
President, Herricks Board of Education

Garrison Union Free School District Board of Trustees

To Whom it May Concern:

On behalf of District Wise, the Board of Trustees for the Garrison Union Free School District offers its strong recommendation and fully supportive reference.

District-wise has helped Garrison through multiple talent searches, including a principal search, and most recently, a district superintendent search in Winter, 2024.

Garrison was pleased at the results of both searches, with solid candidates oered that met our requirements and expectations. Additionally, the District Wise team did a great job in taking direction from the Garrison Board related to the amount of help needed through the process. While District Wise was able to provide whatever was needed, when Garrison asked to execute with more independence, District Wise listened, and when we asked for more help, they stepped up immediately.

Most importantly, the Garrison Board and community are pleased with the final candidates selected.

We would recommend District Wise to any district looking for the service District Wise offers.

Sincerely,
Garrison Union Free School District Board of Trustees

Blind Brook Board of Education

Thank you, District Wise Search Consultants!!The entire Blind Brook Board of Education is incredibly thankful for your help and support during our superintendent search process that finished in May.

No one on our board had ever been through a superintendent search. From day one, Joann, Bob and Hilarymade our jobs easy. Theydemystified the process and gave us an easy, step-by-step guide about what was happening and when. They gave us a timeline and lived up to each date in it. District Wise answered all of our questions, no matter how mundane or repetitive. And most importantly, they were always a calming influence when we got nervous.

The candidates we saw were top notch. Our board met four finalists and any of them would have been a fantastic superintendent. Joann told us from the beginning that the only tough part for us would be who to choose from such a great pool of talent – and she was right!

District Wise over delivered in every way and we can’t thank them enough. As former board of education members, they understand what we were up against and made our lives easier every step of the way.

If any of your clients would like to speak with me, I would be happy to provide a glowing reference for District Wise.

Jeffrey Mensch

President, Blind Brook Board of Education

Hewlett-Woodmere Board of Education

To Whom It May Concern,

On behalf of the Hewlett-Woodmere Board of Education, I am pleased to provide this letter of recommendation for District Wise Search Consultants. Engaging their team to lead our superintendent search proved to be one of the most thoughtful and effective decisions we have made in recent years.

From the very beginning, District Wise demonstrated an understanding of the importance and nuance of this process. They took the time to learn about our district—its values, goals, and challenges—ensuring that every step of the search was tailored to our community’s needs.

Their approach was inclusive, transparent, and thorough. The team coordinated multiple focus groups, community presentations, and surveys that welcomed feedback from every corner of our district: students, staff, families, and community members alike. Their efforts made everyone feel heard and valued.

District Wise maintained consistent and open communication with our board throughout the process, offering expert guidance, thoughtful insights, and a sense of reassurance at each stage. Their professionalism and responsiveness were unmatched, and they remained accessible to all board members, not just a single point of contact.

Most importantly, District Wise delivered a pool of strong, diverse candidates and helped us navigate each phase of the evaluation process with clarity and purpose. We are thrilled with the outcome of our search and are excited to welcome our new superintendent, a leader we are confident will move our district forward.

It is without hesitation that I recommend District Wise to any school district seeking leadership search support. Their dedication, integrity, and expertise make them a valuable partner in any superintendent search.

Sincerely,

Debra Sheinin

President, Hewlett-Woodmere Board of Education

Glen Cove City School District

Joann, Bob, and Mark assisted us with our search for a district Superintendent. Our district had secured DWSC's services to locate the superintendent who had served our district for 12 years. This was the first time the current board went through the process of hiring a superintendent. We were grateful for the diligent preparation and insight DWSC provided. They are extremely knowledgeable and were available to us at every stage of the process. We highly recommend them to any board seeking to identify talented candidates. The understanding and support they provided were invaluable.

Thank you. Let's keep in touch.

Best,

"Maria Venuto" Board of Education President, Glen Cove City School District.

Monroe-Woodbury School District

To Whom it May Concern,

I am writing to highly recommend District Wise Search Consultants for their exceptional work in leading the search for our new Superintendent at Monroe-Woodbury. Their professionalism, dedication, and expertise were instrumental in the successful completion of this crucial Board of Education responsibility.

From the outset, the team demonstrated a thorough understanding of our district's needs and priorities. They took the time to engage with our board members, staff, and community stakeholders, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the qualities and skills we sought in our next Superintendent. This thorough approach laid a solid foundation for a highly effective search process.

Throughout the search, Joann and Robert (Bob) exhibited remarkable organizational skills and attention to detail. They managed a complex and rigorous recruitment process with ease, from crafting the job description and advertising the position to screening candidates and coordinating interviews. Their ability to identify and attract a diverse pool of highly qualified candidates was

particularly impressive.

Moreover, they provided invaluable support and guidance to our School Board at every stage of the process. They were always available to answer questions, address concerns, and offer insightful advice. Their transparent communication and consistent updates ensured that we were well-informed and confident in our decision-making.

One of the most notable aspects of their work was their commitment to finding a candidate who not only met the professional qualifications but also aligned with our district's values and vision.

Their careful consideration of both the technical and cultural fit was key to identifying a candidate who we believe will be an excellent leader for our schools.

In conclusion, the District Wise teams’ stellar work was pivotal to the success of our Superintendent search. Their professionalism, expertise, and dedication exceeded our expectations and resulted in the selection of an outstanding candidate for our district. I highly recommend them to any organization seeking top-tier recruitment services.