Dr. Karen (KZ) Zaleski

Weston Public Schools is led by Dr. Karen (KZ) Zaleski, a highly accomplished educational leader and licensed mental health professional with more than two decades of expertise across public education, clinical care, and private practice. She brings a strategic, student-centered approach to overseeing the district’s five schools, grounded in a whole-child philosophy, guided by data-informed decision-making, and strengthened through meaningful family and community partnerships.

Soon after becoming superintendent in 2023, Dr. KZ developed an Entry Plan and spent months listening and learning from students, staff, families, administration, and community members. That work resulted in an Entry Findings Report that shaped her early priorities. Building on that foundation, she led the development of Weston Public Schools’ new Strategic Plan, which sets the district’s direction through 2031.

Connect with Dr. KZ

  • Read her quarterly email newsletter, sent in late August, November, January, April, and June, which shares her priorities and provides updates on initiatives and happenings, along with other topical emails she sends throughout the year, all archived on the District Announcements page.
  • Review her Report to the School Committee, published before each Committee meeting, which shares student and staff highlights, updates on district initiatives, and opportunities for community engagement.
  • Follow Dr. KZ on Instagram to see what she’s up to across the district.
  • Reach out to Dr. KZ with suggestions and questions.

Dr. KZ’s Entry Findings, Translated

Chinese (simplified) Spanish Russian

Dr. KZ’s Experience

Before joining the Weston community in 2023, Dr. KZ served for eight years as Director of Student Services in the Hopkinton Public Schools, where she led transformative initiatives in special education, mental health services, and student support systems. Her leadership is distinguished by a strong track record of improving outcomes, building capacity, and aligning resources with district priorities.

Dr. KZ’s career reflects deep expertise across diverse settings. She has held key roles, including Director of Pupil Services, Assistant Principal, Behavior Interventionist, and Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the graduate level. She is a licensed mental health and substance abuse clinician, a certified school adjustment counselor, and has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in both hospital and private practice environments. Her clinical background brings exceptional insight into the intersection of mental health and learning.

With a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Boston College—focused on Superintendent Leadership—and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Assumption College, Dr. KZ combines academic excellence with operational expertise. Her experience in the private sector further refined her skills in fiscal oversight, organizational management, and delivering high-quality, client-centered care—ensuring that services are responsive, efficient, and tailored to individual needs. She seamlessly applies these capabilities to district leadership, bringing a strategic, service-oriented mindset to public education. This enables her to align resources with priorities, streamline operations, and foster a culture of care, responsiveness, and accountability across the district.