This strategic move aligns with GMSD's commitment to innovation, ensuring our facilities and operations continue to support the educational environment our community expects.
Percoski's journey with GMSD began in 2013, and he has been an integral part of our district's growth and success. His tenure at Forest Hill Elementary has been marked by exceptional leadership, maintaining strong test scores and the school's reward status. Percoski’s finest accomplishment, according to him, was opening Forest Hill Elementary in 2019, describing it as "the experience of a lifetime."
What sets Percoski apart is his unique blend of educational and operational expertise. Not only has he successfully managed instructional programs and teacher development, but he also brings hands-on experience in design and construction. Percoski was integral to the design and construction process of GMSD's Forest Hill Elementary, a project he knows backwards and forwards. His involvement ensured that the voices of teachers and staff were included in the design, and his contributions to the team helped ensure that the school was completed on time, on schedule, and done well. Percoski has completed several renovations and home repair projects alongside his father, a former director of operations in the legacy Shelby County system. This role allows Percoski to marry his love for education with his passion for seeing projects to fruition.
A Pivotal Time for GMSD
Percoski's appointment comes at a critical juncture as GMSD embarks on the Houston High School Master Plan, our most ambitious and exciting remodel to date. His expertise will be invaluable as we collaborate with city partners and the community to secure necessary funds and execute this project efficiently while the school is concurrently in session. Additionally, Percoski will oversee future expansions at Farmington and Dogwood Elementary Schools, among other initiatives outlined in our Facilities Master Plan. Since 2015, GMSD has invested over $100 million in its facilities, and Percoski is eager to "keep students and schools at the forefront when addressing operations issues."
Transition Timeline
Percoski will continue to lead Forest Hill Elementary through the first quarter, ensuring a smooth transition for students and staff. He will officially assume his new role as Executive Director of Operations when students return from Fall Break.
About Zac Percoski
Percoski holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Memphis and a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Tennessee, Martin. His professional journey includes roles as a principal and assistant principal in both Germantown Municipal School District and Shelby County Schools, where he garnered numerous accolades, including the STAR Award, Regional Finalist for Tennessee’s Principal of the Year, and the PTA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Deputy Superintendent Josh Cathey is looking forward to Percoski joining the team, “For 10 years, GMSD has had an excellent track record of building new facilities, improving existing facilities, and maintaining existing facilities. And for 10 years with GMSD, Mr. Percoski has had an excellent track record as the principal of Farmington Elementary and Forest Hill Elementary. Mr. Percoski’s leadership style as a principal has always been very systematic, strategic, process driven, and people oriented. His skill set makes him an excellent fit for this role. He will now have an opportunity to have a positive impact on all of our schools. We look forward to his leadership in this new role.”
Please join us in congratulating Zac Percoski on his new role. His vision, experience, and unique job skills will undoubtedly be an asset to the district as GMSD looks forward to the next ten years of building excellent facilities.