Lindsay Malanga

Lindsay Malanga is a veteran educator in New York City with more than twenty years of experience in public education. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health and Science Charter School, where she leads efforts to enhance academic achievement and strengthen school operations in the South Bronx.

Her career began in New Jersey, where she worked as a HEAD START teacher. In 2001, she joined the New York City Department of Education as an elementary school teacher in Brooklyn. The school she joined was undergoing significant reform, which inspired her to pursue a career in school leadership. She went on to earn a master’s degree in School Leadership from Harvard University in 2004.

Over the years, she has held various leadership positions within charter schools across New York City. She has served as a teacher, Dean, School Director, and later, as a Superintendent. One of her most notable achievements came in 2011 when she led the transformation of a struggling charter school in Harlem. Under her leadership, the school moved from the bottom tier in performance rankings to one of the highest, serving 270 students with a staff of 40.

In 2021, she took on the role of Executive Director for a charter network serving nearly 1,000 students, including many with special needs. She oversaw the organization’s instructional and operational planning and managed a $32 million budget, ensuring high standards across the board.

Lindsay was the first member of her family to attend college. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from New York University and received the Founder’s Day Award for her academic accomplishments. Her personal and educational experiences continue to shape her thoughtful and student-centered approach to leadership.

Currently, Lindsay Malanga continues to lead with purpose and clarity at the Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health and Science Charter School. She lives in East Harlem with her two teenage sons. In her free time, she enjoys writing poetry, performing improv, and telling stories—activities that reflect her creative spirit and connection to the community.