J D. Fergus
Boston,MA
Summary
Senior education leader with 20+ years of experience advancing equity, restorative justice, and student success across charter, district, and higher education–affiliated organizations. Proven executive with deep expertise in designing and leading network-wide restorative justice systems, equity initiatives, professional development, and adult learning. Adept at coaching senior leaders, managing cross-functional teams, and translating restorative philosophy into sustainable policy, practice, and culture. Recognized for building trust, strengthening accountability, and improving outcomes for students, educators, and communities.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Director, Equity
Phoenix Charter Academy Network
Chelsea & Boston, MA
07.2023 - Current
- Lead network-wide equity strategy across multiple campuses, aligning restorative justice, student support, and adult culture with organizational mission and accountability goals
- Advise executive leadership and campus administrators on equity-centered discipline, staff re-entry, and response to harm
- Oversee development and facilitation of professional learning for leaders and staff focused on bias, race, power, and restorative leadership
- Guide system-level responses to complex student and staff concerns using restorative frameworks grounded in dignity, accountability, and repair
Managing Director, Equity & Restorative Justice Practices
Phoenix Charter Academy Network
Chelsea & Boston, MA
06.2021 - 08.2023
- Directed the integration of restorative justice practices across the Phoenix Charter Academy Network, supporting consistent implementation across campuses
- Designed and led restorative discipline systems, staff training, and leadership coaching to improve school culture and reduce exclusionary discipline
- Partnered with senior leaders to align restorative approaches with academic, operational, and compliance priorities
- Served as network expert during sensitive disciplinary and equity-related matters
Managing Director, Restorative Justice Practices
Phoenix Charter Academy Network
Chelsea & Boston, MA
07.2019 - 06.2021
- Built and scaled a network-wide restorative justice infrastructure, including protocols, referral systems, and implementation benchmarks
- Supervised restorative justice staff and coached campus leaders in restorative conferencing, circles, and re-entry practices
- Facilitated complex restorative processes involving students, families, and staff
Manager of Scholar Success / Restorative Justice Practices Network Coach
Phoenix Charter Academy Network
Chelsea & Boston, MA
07.2018 - 07.2019
- Provided direct coaching to campuses on scholar success, restorative discipline, and student re-engagement
- Supported the transition from punitive discipline models to restorative, relationship-centered approaches
Independent Contractor / Lead Trainer
Center for Restorative Justice (Suffolk University)
Boston, MA
08.2017 - Current
- Co-designed and delivered professional development and coaching for middle and high schools implementing restorative practices through a National Institute of Justice–funded grant with Boston Public Schools
- Trained educators, administrators, and practitioners across public, charter, private, and parochial schools
- Contributed to the development of whole-school restorative justice implementation models and trainer support systems
Restorative Justice Coordinator
Prospect Hill Academy Charter School
Cambridge, MA
08.2015 - 06.2018
- Served as senior advisor and resident expert on restorative practices for school leadership, faculty, students, and families
- Designed and facilitated professional development on restorative philosophy, tiered discipline, classroom management, and re-entry processes
- Managed the Student Support Center, supervised staff and interns, and coordinated school-wide culture initiatives
- Developed advisory and elective curricula (including Sankofa) centered on SEL, cultural identity, and strengths-based engagement
- Partnered with Human Capital leadership to facilitate faculty circles addressing race, bias, and institutional inequity
Education
Master of Arts - Teaching
Tufts University
Bachelor of Arts - History
Wheaton College
Skills
- Executive leadership in equity & restorative justice
- Network-wide systems design & implementation
- Restorative discipline, circles, conferencing, and re-entry
- Adult learning, professional development, and coaching
- School culture transformation & student support systems
- Community engagement & cross-sector collaboration
- Curriculum design, data-informed practice, and staff supervision
Timeline
Managing Director, Equity
Phoenix Charter Academy Network
07.2023 - Current
Managing Director, Equity & Restorative Justice Practices
Phoenix Charter Academy Network
06.2021 - 08.2023
Managing Director, Restorative Justice Practices
Phoenix Charter Academy Network
07.2019 - 06.2021
Manager of Scholar Success / Restorative Justice Practices Network Coach
Phoenix Charter Academy Network
07.2018 - 07.2019
Independent Contractor / Lead Trainer
Center for Restorative Justice (Suffolk University)
08.2017 - Current
Restorative Justice Coordinator
Prospect Hill Academy Charter School
08.2015 - 06.2018
Bachelor of Arts - History
Wheaton College
Master of Arts - Teaching
Tufts University