Dr. Zachary Robbins

Dr Zachary Robbins is former superintendent of the Marysville School District in Washington . An educational leader, author, and restorative justice advocate with nearly three decades of experience transforming schools and districts. As a former superintendent, principal, and thought leader in educator wellness, Dr. Zachary Robbins creates equitable, sustainable learning environments where students and educators thrive.

Leadership Experience

Dr. Zachary Robbins began as a principal in 2003 and has held leadership positions in Boston Public Schools, Las Vegas Public Schools, and most recently as superintendent of Marysville School District in Washington.

Superintendent of Marysville School District

Dr. Zachary Robbins was brought in to stabilize the district during critical leadership turnover—three superintendents had served in the year prior—along with budget strain and community anxiety. The $17 million deficit predated his tenure, but under his leadership, the district erased it and restored a positive fund balance within one year.

During his superintendency, Dr. Zachary Robbins achieved measurable improvements:

• Reduced behavioral referrals and suspensions by 15% through restorative justice
• Increased student attendance by 7%
• Boosted graduation rates from 81% to 83.2%
• Improved statewide assessment scores
• Expanded Advanced Placement and career-based learning opportunities
• Managed a $197 million annual budget
• Launched a data platform supporting evidence-based decision making
• Oversaw school consolidation while protecting essential programming

Published Works

Dr. Zachary Robbins is the author of widely-used professional development resources:

• The Teachers Black Students Need - Used nationwide in teacher preparation programs, examining practices that create equitable learning environments
• Becoming a Social Justice Educator - Practical guide for equity-focused teaching
• The Educator Burnout Recovery Toolkit - Evidence-based strategies for teacher wellness
• The Educator Emotional Resilience Toolkit - Neuroscience-informed practices for managing stress in education

Expertise

Dr. Zachary Robbins specializes in:

• Restorative justice implementation
• District financial stabilization
• Educator wellness and burnout prevention
• Equity-centered leadership
• Data-driven decision making
• Community trust building during transition

His leadership philosophy emphasizes that student success and educator wellness are interconnected—schools cannot sustainably serve students when educators are overwhelmed or unsupported.

Impact

Dr. Zachary Robbins' work has impacted thousands of students and educators across multiple states. His leadership during Marysville's crisis demonstrated that fiscal stability and improved student outcomes can be achieved simultaneously. His books continue to shape professional development programs nationwide, offering practical strategies grounded in research and real-world experience.

Dr. Zachary Robbins remains committed to advancing educational equity, supporting educator wellness, and promoting restorative practices that create safer, more inclusive schools.

Learn more about Dr. Zachary Robbins' work and access his professional development resources at https://www.drzacharyrobbins.com/