Dom Ricks
Middleton,USA
Summary
Dynamic school leader with a proven record in guiding large and diverse teams, managing complex projects, and driving objectives to successful completion. Expertise in developing processes that uphold high standards while aligning team efforts with school and district goals. Recognized for dynamic communication skills, collaborative approach and commitment to excellence, fostering an environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement. Passionate about empowering teams to achieve their fullest potential and deliver exceptional results.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Board Member
WayForward Resources
Middleton, WI
02.2021 - Current
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance organizational effectiveness and stakeholder engagement.
- Serves on nominations committee monitoring for collective board competencies and skillsets. Interviewing and nominating candidates for board candidacy.
- Serves as a liaison to various stakeholders.
- Aids in community engagement efforts and stakeholder education opportunities.
Principal
Kromrey Middle School
Middleton, WI
07.2019 - Current
- Directed all school operations including curriculum development, staff management, student affairs, and community relations for over 1,200 students and 150 staff members
- Managed and allocated school budget exceeding $300,000 to ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with strategic educational goals
- Fostered a positive, collaborative professional learning community (PLC) that promoted staff growth and retention
- Coordinated and delivered targeted professional development on instructional best practices, technology integration, and equitable grading practices
- Served as primary liaison between school and community, engaging parents, local businesses, and stakeholder groups to support student success
- Handles complex staff, student and parental concerns in compliance with state laws and district policy
- Leads initiatives to foster a culture of equity and inclusion, ensuring all students felt valued and supported
- Co-lead joint school effort to improve disciplinary literacy strategies across all core and encore content areas
- Facilitates vertical content professional development within and outside of the curriculum renewal process
- Recreated the master schedule of class offerings to increase literacy and math instruction time and embed academic and career readiness within courses grades 6-8th.
- Navigated instructional transitions to virtual and blended formats during the Coronavirus Pandemic (2020–2021)
Dean of Students
Middleton Cross Plains Area School District
Middleton, WI
01.2018 - 06.2019
- Collaborated with administrative team to implement effective behavior interventions and proactively support student development
- Supported teachers in building capacity to effectively serve diverse types of learners
- Applied culturally responsive practices when working with diverse student populations
- Led the Building Equity Leadership Team (BELT) to advance equitable practices throughout the school
- Served as liaison between administration and staff regarding student achievement, social, and personal development
8th Grade Language Arts Teacher
Verona Area School District
Verona, WI
08.2016 - 01.2018
- Designed and implemented lesson plans that successfully propelled students toward proficiency goals
- Met with team members to coordinate efforts in improving educational attainment
- Devised and implemented seminar-style lesson plans for Black male students to address educational roadblocks, foster relationships, and improve academic attainment
Secondary English Teacher
Iberville Parish School District
Plaquemine, LA
08.2014 - 07.2016
- Designed and implemented lesson plans that moved students toward Student Learning Target Goals
- Interpreted and unpacked Common Core standards to inform curriculum and instruction
- Collaborated with faculty, students, and staff to achieve educational and professional goals
Education
Master of Arts - K–12 Administration, Focus on Social Justice
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Madison, WI08-2018
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Madison, WI05-2014
Skills
- Operational oversight
- Long-term planning
- Background in nonprofit sector
- Proven leadership skills
- Regulatory compliance oversight
- Community engagement
- Effective verbal communication
- Measurable goal planning
- Management of team dynamics
- Policy and procedure management
Accomplishments
The Dr. Hazel Symone Award for Expanding Provocative Possibilities in Academics, Arts, and Activism (2024)
Wisconsin's 50 Most Influential Black Leaders (2023)
Teacher of the Year, Iberville Parish School District (2015)
Louisiana American Graduate (2015)
Awards and Accolades
The Dr. Hazel Symone Award for Expanding Provocative Possibilities in Academics, Arts, and Activism (2024), Wisconsin's 50 Most Influential Black Leaders (2023), Teacher of the Year, Iberville Parish School District (2015), Louisiana American Graduate (2015), First Wave Hip Hop Arts and Activism Scholarship, 2010 Cohort
Timeline
Board Member
WayForward Resources
02.2021 - Current
Principal
Kromrey Middle School
07.2019 - Current
Dean of Students
Middleton Cross Plains Area School District
01.2018 - 06.2019
8th Grade Language Arts Teacher
Verona Area School District
08.2016 - 01.2018
Secondary English Teacher
Iberville Parish School District
08.2014 - 07.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Master of Arts - K–12 Administration, Focus on Social Justice
University of Wisconsin–Madison