Dr. Adrian C. Manuel
Wappingers Falls,NY
Summary
Seasoned executive school leader with 21 years of experience guiding and improving student performance outcomes across district, charter, and boarding schools serving underserved populations. Proven track record of success in transforming school outcomes across K-12 environments. Expert at developing successful staff, school culture, systems, and instructional quality. Well-rounded history of leading diverse and inclusive communities focused on the success of every student and leveraging the partnership of the community.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-Founder/CEO
CoLAB Education Inc.
New York, NY
08.2022 - Current
- Founded a non-profit charter management organization to design, open, and operate charter high schools in the Northeast, focused on a redefinition of college and career readiness.
- Designed pedagogical and educational programs focused on inquiry, design thinking, creative arts, and service learning.
- Partnered with Arizona State University's innovation alliance of schools to provide college access to high school students and personalized supports through artificial intelligence and culturally relevant curriculum.
- Led community engagement strategies in Connecticut, New York, and Philadelphia to develop community school models and apply for new charter high schools that reflect community needs and aspirations.
- Provide strategic planning support and professional development for school leaders and teams in the areas of: artificial intelligence in schools, inquiry and design thinking skills, college access programs and school redesign for the "fourth Industrial Revolution"
Executive Director (Moved to Interim as of 7/24)
Merrick Academy
Queens, NY
10.2021 - Current
- Returned to previous role at Merrick in order to lead expansion project to middle school. Moved into interim role in July 2024 as the board has not yet found a replacement.
- Leading the accreditation process and plans for the International Baccalaureate Primary and Middle Years programs.
- Revised the strategic plan to address the learning loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthened school program model for holistic student and family supports.
- Established a long term STEAM vision aligned to ISTE standards for teachers, students and leaders that includes: STEAM courses for all students K-8, after school enrichment, virtual programming, and summer school programs.
- Collaborated with the school leadership team to revise the Merrick Model of practice in the following areas: school culture, student intervention, data practices and family partnerships.
Superintendent
Wonderful College Prep Academy
Delano, CA
07.2020 - 09.2021
- Oversaw WCPA school district with 280 staff and 2,300 students across four schools in grades TK-12 with a $45 million operating budget.
- Achieved a 98% graduation rate with 77% of graduates entering 4 year colleges
- Developed sustainable operational processes and new evaluation systems for all faculty/staff.
- Devised an in-person summer program for the district to address learning loss, student trauma, equity gaps, credit recovery, and reading development in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Mobilized the school community to address issues of equity, distance/in-person learning, student wellness, family support and the impact of trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Established a three-year board approved strategic plan focused on expanding early college pathways, positive youth development and a revamped TK-8 teaching and learning framework centered on equity.
Executive Director
Merrick Academy Charter School, Laurelton
Queens , NY
01.2019 - 07.2020
- Managed the senior leadership team on a daily basis to ensure instructional quality, operational execution and continuous improvement of outcomes across the organization.
- Designed school programs around inquiry based practices for teaching and leading.
- Led a strategic planning process that included the Board of Trustees, school community, and partners in producing a 5-year plan and vision achievement, holistic performance, and expansion (6-8).
- Implemented a development strategy that led to over $900,000 in new grant funding and philanthropic support as well as corporate partnerships aligned to the vision of expanding STEAM programming.
- Secured a 5-year renewal with SUNY Charter School Institute leading Merrick into its 20th year of operation.
- Led the negotiations for a successful new collective bargaining agreement with the UFT for the new charter term.
Principal
Alverta B. Gray Schultz Middle School
Hempstead, NY
07.2017 - 12.2018
- Recruited under reform efforts of new superintendent to transform a district under NYSED Receivership by serving as turnaround principal for Alverta B. Gray Schultz Middle School; serving 1500 students in grades 6-8.
- Led the conversion of the campus from a comprehensive program to four thematic based small learning communities.
- Created a robust assessment program for all core subjects and introduced data analysis cycles for teachers and leaders.
- Implemented a innovative community school model with the aid of the NYS Community Schools Grant.
- Led the negotiation process with the teachers union for the annual MOA for the middle school as part of the Receivership process.
- Double digit gains in ELA proficiency, 30% increase in 8th grade students passing NYS science Regents Exams.
- Collaborated with various community partners to develop rich programs in students’ support services, STEM, college awareness, mentoring, peer mediation, performing arts and more.
Head of School
The SEED School of Washington DC
Washington, DC
07.2014 - 01.2017
- Developed the school-wide strategic vision for a 24 boarding school environment in grades 6-12 centered on college readiness, character development, STEM and the arts.
- Facilitated a school-wide culture around data driven performance and high quality instructional practice that resulted in a Tier 1 High School Status for the 2017-18 school year.
- Decreased suspensions by 70% and student dismissals by 50% through introduction and implementation of a restorative justice program.
- Managed and supported the development team to consistently implement successful campaigns to reach annual fundraising goals ranging between $350,000-$450,000 per year.
- Designed and launched innovative programmatic initiatives such as: micro-credentialing, STEAMED learning program, restorative practices, arts program expansion, a Family and Community Engagement Office, and the launch of a 1:1 technology environment.
- Established gender based and holistic programming for the boarding program that focused on college awareness and social/emotional development.
Principal
Kingston High School
Kingston, NY
08.2011 - 07.2014
- Led a faculty of 147 teachers, 5 administrators, and a supporting staff of over 115 employees to ensure high quality educational programs on a campus of 2400 students.
- Graduation rates dramatically increased from 67% to 82% (37%-68% for Special Needs Students) based on the intensive student-based support programs enacted.
- Envisioned and implemented a 9th grade Scholar's Academy and an Early College program accessible to all students.
- Transitioned staff to new evaluation process focused on evidence-based instructional practice.
- Cultivated a school wide data culture focused on achievement and individualized multi dimensional performance.
- Collaborated with local community leaders, higher education institutions, and the chamber of commerce to coordinate internship opportunities and expand job placement.
Principal
ACCÌON Academy Middle School
Bronx, NY
07.2007 - 08.2011
- Instituted extensive systems for collaborative inquiry, lesson study programs, action research and distributed leadership structures that empowered teachers and led to multiple years of “A” ratings on the NYC Progress Reports.
- Designed and facilitated professional learning programs that focused on individualized goal setting, peer review, collaborative inquiry, leadership development, and digital portfolios.
- Devised an innovative middle school schedule that included: multidisciplinary courses, team teaching across all grades, service learning, school-wide literature circles, gender-based leadership courses, and a full day of collaborative planning per week.
Co-Principal/Leadership Fellow
Jordan L. Mott Middle School
Bronx, NY
09.2006 - 06.2007
Adjunct Instructor
Mercy College
Bronx, NY
09.2006 - 06.2007
Social Studies Teacher
Middle School
Bronx, N.Y.
09.2001 - 06.2006
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History
New York University
New York, NYMaster of Science - Secondary Social Studies Education
Lehman College
New York, NY Master of Science - Educational/Public Administration
Baruch College
New York, NY Doctor of Education - Educational And Organizational Leadership
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PASkills
- Instructional leadership
- Child/Adolescent development K-12
- Restorative practice
- Community relations
- Curricular and Program Design
- Generative AI
- Diverse and inclusive culture
- Evidence based decision making
- Team leadership, training and development
- Communications strategy
- Executive leadership
- Relationship management
- Operating budgets
- Strategic planning
Websites
Professional Activities
- Presented at national, regional and local conferences since from 2009-present on such topics as: school turnaround, data driven leadership practices, instructional innovations, social and emotional learning, strategic planning, equity, small learning communities, teacher development, lesson study process and more.
- Consultant and thought partner for Sapience Leadership in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania to provide leadership support for non profits, school systems, and independent schools
- Strategic planning and executive coaching consulting work independently with school leaders
- Head of School training in the International Baccalaureate Primary and Middle Years Program
- Board Member at Poughkeepsie Day School, Poughkeepsie NY
- Former Board member at YMCA and Home Health Care in Kingston, New York
- NYC Leadership Academy (2006)
- Multiple Harvard School Leader Institutes (School Turnaround, Data Wise, Urban School Leadership)
- Senior fellow at the Center for Evidence Base Education (CEBE) in Princeton, New Jersey (2006-2012)
Publications
Organizational inquiry teams: Capturing the work of a newly formed inquiry team and its influence on organizational learning and professional practice. (2013, Univ. of Pennsylvania) Adrian Manuel, Ed.D
Timeline
Co-Founder/CEO
CoLAB Education Inc.
08.2022 - Current
Executive Director (Moved to Interim as of 7/24)
Merrick Academy
10.2021 - Current
Superintendent
Wonderful College Prep Academy
07.2020 - 09.2021
Executive Director
Merrick Academy Charter School, Laurelton
01.2019 - 07.2020
Principal
Alverta B. Gray Schultz Middle School
07.2017 - 12.2018
Head of School
The SEED School of Washington DC
07.2014 - 01.2017
Principal
Kingston High School
08.2011 - 07.2014
Principal
ACCÌON Academy Middle School
07.2007 - 08.2011
Co-Principal/Leadership Fellow
Jordan L. Mott Middle School
09.2006 - 06.2007
Adjunct Instructor
Mercy College
09.2006 - 06.2007
Social Studies Teacher
Middle School
09.2001 - 06.2006
Bachelor of Arts - History
New York University
Master of Science - Secondary Social Studies Education
Lehman College
Master of Science - Educational/Public Administration
Baruch College
Doctor of Education - Educational And Organizational Leadership
University of Pennsylvania
Similar Profiles
Laurie J. CousseauLaurie J. Cousseau
Consultant and Trainer at The Southport CoLABConsultant and Trainer at The Southport CoLAB
Alexa EmchAlexa Emch
Front Desk at A CoLab SalonFront Desk at A CoLab Salon
Jeremy KeithJeremy Keith
Leadhand Carpenter at Colab GroupLeadhand Carpenter at Colab Group