Lyn D. Rantz, EdD
School Leadership
Topeka,KS
Summary
Dynamic school leader with extensive experience across all grade levels in both public and independent schools. Passionate about education, fostering high expectations, and inspiring a love for learning. Known for calm, decisive leadership, empowering teams through trust and mentorship. Skilled in relationship-building, organizational management, and driving educational excellence. Seeking a leadership role that aligns with a school's mission and values.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Head of School
Topeka Collegiate School
07.2016 - Current
- Led a comprehensive review of the Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8 curriculum, developing a school-wide scope and sequence that included grade-level philosophy statements and thematic content progressions.
- Serve as the institution’s chief executive, overseeing all educational, operational, and strategic functions to ensure mission alignment and institutional success.
- Managed and executed fundraising strategies for the school’s capital campaign, driving donor engagement and achieving a total of $7.1 million raised.
- Directed all phases of facility construction and remodeling, ensuring alignment with district needs, safety regulations, and budgetary constraints.
- Secured a $700,000 grant from the Redbud Foundation and $1.4 Million grant from Ripple labs for school's Endowment to support school initiatives and program development.
- Serve as a visible and approachable leader, cultivating strong relationships within the school community and with external education stakeholders and local partners.
- Collaborate with the Board of Trustees to implement policies, establish strategic goals, provide regular updates, and ensure the school’s priorities are met.
- Lead faculty and staff management, including recruitment, performance evaluations, and terminations.
- Facilitated professional development sessions on topics such as Executive Functioning, Writing, John Hattie’s Meta-Analysis, Virtual Learning, and Balanced Assessment.
- Achieved nearly 100% faculty and staff retention, excluding retirements, by fostering a supportive, collaborative, and growth-oriented work environment.
- Directed the development and management of the annual budget and long-term financial strategy to ensure fiscal health and sustainability.
- Championed initiatives to maintain and elevate academic excellence, developing innovative programs to address evolving student needs.
- Fostered a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for students, families, and staff.
Superintendent of Schools
Tonganoxie USD 464
07.2014 - 07.2016
- Developed and implemented a strategic vision for the district, setting goals for academic achievement and operational success.
- Responsible for the general instructional, business, and operational functions for 2,000 students, a $14 Million budget, 315 employees, and three schools.
- Worked collaboratively with teachers and administrators on curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices to develop a rigorous K-12 curriculum aligned to state and national standards.
- Responsible for all functions of various capital planning and improvements including the successful construction and opening Tonganoxie Elementary school ($24 Million, 145,000 square feet).
- Implemented system curriculum, assessment and instructional strategies with researched based, adult learning strategies with an emphasis on professional learning communities.
- Built relationships with parents, teachers, board members, and the community to foster transparency and collaboration.
- Enforced district policies, ensured legal and regulatory compliance, and worked with the school board to develop effective policies.
Principal, Prairie Star Middle School
Blue Valley USD 229
07.2005 - 06.2014
- Led the school for nine years as principal, driving academic excellence and continuous improvement.
- Achieved outstanding academic results, earning eight Kansas Governor Achievement Awards (top 5% in state).
- Led initiatives that increased the percentage of students scoring in the Exemplary range on state assessments by 190% in reading and 52% in math over seven years
- Led initiatives that reduced the percentage of students scoring below Standard by 83% in math and 87% in reading over seven years.
- School’s success highlighted in published books showcasing its innovative programs, leadership, and impact on education.
- Developed annual professional development plans based on building goals, district goals and state initiatives.
- Successfully oversaw the implemention of center based program for students with severe to moderate learning needs.
Assistant Principal for Curriculum & Instruction, Blue Valley High School
Blue Valley USD 229
07.2002 - 06.2005
- Developed and managed the master schedule including balancing course restrictions, singletons, and student enrollment to optimize instructional time and resources.
- Led technical review for all Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses analyzing data, evaluating course details, and collaborating with faculty to enhance program effectiveness resulting in full accreditation by State Department of Education.
- Responsible for all programming including Advanced Placement, AVID, College Now, and CTE programs.
Assistant Middle School Principal
Blue Valley USD 229
07.2001 - 06.2002
Elementary and Middle School Assistant Principal
Columbus USD 493
07.1998 - 06.2001
Middle School Social Studies Teacher and Coach
El Dorado Unified School District
01.1998 - 06.1998
High School Social Studies Teacher and Coach
Carl Junction Unified School District
08.1994 - 06.1997
Education
Doctor in Education -
St. Louis University
St. Louis, MO01.2003
Master of Science - Educational Administration
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KS01.1998
Bachelor of Arts - History, Business Administration
Graceland College
Lamoni, IA01.1994
Skills
- Build rapport and engage stakeholders to drive successful outcomes
- Adapt communication style to tailor messaging for diverse audiences and mediums
- Facilitate creative and impactful professional learning experiences
- Plan, coordinate, and execute programs with cross-functional teams
- Analyze complex issues and develop data-driven, student-centered solutions
Educational Philosophy
My educational philosophy is built on three core principles: a laser-like focus on student learning, the belief that students and educators don't care what you know until they know you care, and the understanding that teamwork drives success.
Student achievement is at the heart of every decision, ensuring academic, social, and emotional growth. Building strong relationships fosters trust and engagement, creating a supportive learning environment. Collaboration among educators, students, and families fuels innovation and lasting impact.
By prioritizing learning, relationships, and teamwork, I strive to create a school culture where excellence thrives, and every student reaches their full potential.
Certification
- Missouri Administrative Certification in Progress
- Kansas, Professional License, Building and District Leadership
Higher Education Teaching Experience
- Baker University, School of Education, Graduate Studies, Adjunct Instructor, System School Improvement and Evaluation, 08/01/11, 05/01/16
- Mid America Nazarene University, School of Education, Adjunct Instructor, Principles of Assessment, 08/01/08, 05/01/11
Published Recognition
- Community Collaborations, TK Magazine, 2022
- Leading by Design by Cassandra Erkens, Eric Twadell, Solution Tree, 2012
- Learning Forward National Conference presenter, 12/04/12, Boston, MA
- Raising the Bar and Closing the Gap: Whatever it Takes by Richard DuFour, Rebecca DuFour, Robert Eaker, Gayle Karhanek, 2010
- The Principal as Assessment Leader, by Thomas Guskey, editor, Solution Tree, 2009
Organizational Memberships Board Service Honors
- Greater Topeka Partnership Equity Advisory Board, 2023-present
- Stormont Vail Health Systems Foundation Advisory Board, 2023-present
- Women of Excellence Award, YWCA, 2021
- Topeka South Rotary, 2016-present
- Lisa's Legacy, Head for the Cure, Team Captain, 2008-present
- Leadership Greater Topeka, project leader, 2018-2020
- Momentum 2022: College and Career Pathway Task Group, 2017-2021
- Momentum 2022 Task Force Committee, 2016-2020
- Leadership Kansas Nominee, 2016
- Leadership Greater Topeka, 2018
- Stormont Vail Health Systems Foundation Board Trustees, 2017-2023
- Momentum 2022: Talent Development Work Group, 2016-2018
- Leadership for Tomorrow, KASB, 2014-2016
- Chamber of Commerce, Secretary, Tonganoxie, KS, 2014-2016
- E.A.S.T. Vice President, Tonganoxie, KS, 2014-2016
- Kansas Association of School Boards, Leadership Academy, 2014-2015
- District Leadership, Greenbush Educational Service Center, 2014-2015
- Governor's Achievement Award, Prairie Star Middle School Principal, 2006-2014
- AASA Education Administrator Scholarship nominee, St. Louis University, 2001
- Leadership Academy, Greenbush Educational Service Center, 2000
- Leadership Columbus, KS, 1999-2000
- Carl Junction R-1 High School Gold Apple Teaching Award, 1995
Current Employment References
- Mr. Sean Frost, Board of Trustees President, Topeka Collegiate School, 407-719-2225, SFrost@PoloCustomProducts.com
- Mrs. Bridget Elmer, Board of Trustees Vice President, Topeka Collegiate School, 347-489-3493, BridgetElmer@gmail.com
- Mrs. Karen Linn, Board of Trustees Past President, Topeka Collegiate School, 785-230-0725, KLinn@btco.cpa
Past Employment References
- Dr. Anna Stubblefield, Superintendent, Kansas City Kansas School District USD 500, 816-678-7376, AStubblefield7@gmail.com
- Ms. Tina Reynolds, Counselor, Prairie Star Middle School, USD 464, 913-244-8425, TinaReynolds@att.net
- Ms. Tonya Phillips, Assistant Superintendent, Tonganoxie USD 464 School District, 913-433-4729, tphillips@tong464.org
Publications
- Collegiate Life: Two Years in Review, 06/01/24
- FRISK: A Human Resource tool for all organizations, 04/01/24
- Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), 02/01/18
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 04/01/17
- Mastering the Common Core Standards through Assessment, 12/01/12
- Learning Forward National Conference presenter, 12/04/12, Boston, MA
- School Improvement Consultant, Kansas Learning Network, 08/01/09, 05/01/11
- Identify and Sharing Best Practices in K-12 Professional Development and Learning, 09/01/08
Timeline
Head of School
Topeka Collegiate School
07.2016 - Current
Superintendent of Schools
Tonganoxie USD 464
07.2014 - 07.2016
Principal, Prairie Star Middle School
Blue Valley USD 229
07.2005 - 06.2014
Assistant Principal for Curriculum & Instruction, Blue Valley High School
Blue Valley USD 229
07.2002 - 06.2005
Assistant Middle School Principal
Blue Valley USD 229
07.2001 - 06.2002
Elementary and Middle School Assistant Principal
Columbus USD 493
07.1998 - 06.2001
Middle School Social Studies Teacher and Coach
El Dorado Unified School District
01.1998 - 06.1998
High School Social Studies Teacher and Coach
Carl Junction Unified School District
08.1994 - 06.1997
Doctor in Education -
St. Louis University
Master of Science - Educational Administration
Pittsburg State University
Bachelor of Arts - History, Business Administration
Graceland College
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