Spotlight: Lee Ziegler Takes the Lead in North River
August 14, 2025 –When Lee Ziegler stepped into his new role as Community Superintendent for the North River Learning Community, he knew it would be a big change from being a principal. Still, nothing could quite prepare him for the speed of the job.
“I was told a lot about the job, but it wasn’t until I actually started working in this position that I really understood the magnitude of it,” Ziegler said. “Elaine Harper, who used to be my boss, told me it would come at me fast. She was right.”
As a principal, Ziegler was used to a steady rhythm in his day. In his new role, he said, “The pace is faster, and I’m making decisions while keeping several things moving at once.”
One thing he already misses? “I miss being around the students. I went over to a high school today, and just being out in the hallway speaking to students reminded me I’m not around that a whole lot anymore.”
Still, his first week was filled with good moments. He hit the ground running, visiting every North River school, some more than once. “Being able to get back into elementary schools and see the excitement of the little kids in the building was really good,” he said.
For Ziegler, valuing and supporting his staff is key.
“I want them to know I’m their thought partner and they’re free to call me anytime. We’re going to work through this together.”
His own career growth has been shaped by mentors. He remembers when Wendy Young, his principal at Tyler Middle Academy, encouraged him to move beyond the classroom. “She told me I could do other things besides teaching, and that encouragement meant a lot,” he said. He also credits Dr. Martha Young as a major influence. “She was incredible to work for. She spent time teaching me what it means to be a principal and walked me through so many scenarios.”
That guidance and mentorship shaped how Ziegler approaches challenges and growth throughout his career. Each step in Hamilton County Schools—from teaching 8th-grade math, to working as an elementary math coach, serving as assistant principal at East Brainerd Elementary, and leading Daisy Elementary before becoming principal at Hixson High School—was supported by leaders who invested time in helping him understand new responsibilities and build confidence. Those experiences prepared him to step into this superintendent role with a clear sense of purpose.
Now, in his first year leading North River, he has clear goals. He wants to strengthen instructional leadership teams in schools, support coaches across the community, and start a book study with principals on Switch, a book about working through change. He carries forward the appreciation he has for the mentorship he received, making sure staff feel supported in their own growth as they take on new challenges.
“We want schools to feel like they’re part of a community, not just isolated buildings,” he said. “We want them to have the resources and support they need to be successful.”
When it comes to measuring success, Ziegler looks beyond test scores. “Of course, we look at data, but we also want to see gap closure between different groups of students,” he explained. “If we can make progress there, that’s exciting for North River.”
At the end of the year, Ziegler hopes his staff will say one thing about him: “That I was supportive and a great listener. I’m working on my listening skills, and I want them to know I’m listening and acting on their requests.”
Even though the role came as a surprise, Ziegler is grateful for the opportunity. “I didn’t envision myself in this position last year or even at the end of the summer,” he said. “The opportunity came, and I’m just excited to continue working and supporting people here in Hamilton County Schools.”
The North River Learning Community is lucky to have Ziegler at the helm. His energy, experience, and genuine care for people are already making a difference, and the school year has only just begun.
