Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS), a national nonprofit dedicated to expanding and diversifying enrollment in advanced courses, has appointed Dr. Darryl Adams, an esteemed school innovation expert and former award-winning superintendent, as Vice President of Partnership Development. Following an extensive nationwide search, Dr. Adams was chosen for the role, which he assumed full-time on May 15.
“I’m excited to join this passionate team at Equal Opportunity Schools and continue their work of impacting student success,” says Adams. “All students should have access to opportunities that prepare them for college and careers. I look forward to establishing relationships with schools and school district communities nationwide to foster broader systemic change and create more equitable learning environments.”
As Vice President of Partnership Development, Adams will spearhead efforts to expand EOS’s partnerships with school districts across the country. This endeavor includes engaging in dialogue with superintendents to gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges they face regarding access, enrollment, and inclusivity. Over the past decade, EOS has collaborated with more than 800 schools in 250 school districts, including six of the largest districts in the United States, spanning 33 states. Through a unique research-based approach, EOS has effectively narrowed the opportunity gaps for students who are historically underrepresented in advanced courses, leading to increased interest and enrollment among high school students of color and those from low-income backgrounds.
With a career spanning over 35 years in education, Dr. Adams previously served as the Superintendent of Schools at Coachella Valley Unified School District in California, where he garnered numerous awards and recognition. During his tenure, Dr. Adams made significant contributions to the education technology landscape by initiating the groundbreaking distribution of iPads to all 20,000 students, from pre-K to high school. Recognizing the digital divide, he implemented a district-wide initiative involving the installation of Wi-Fi routers on school buses, which were parked overnight in underserved areas, providing students with access to Wi-Fi at home. These innovative efforts captured the attention of the U.S. Department of Education, President Barack Obama, and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, earning Dr. Adams recognition as one of the country’s 100 Most Innovative Superintendents. Prior to joining EOS, Dr. Adams served as a highly sought-after keynote speaker and superintendent search consultant.
“Darryl stood out as a candidate due to his national presence, extensive relationships with superintendents across the country, and his firm belief in the limitless potential of young people when provided with the right opportunities,” says Eddie Lincoln, CEO of Equal Opportunity Schools.
Dr. Adams holds a doctorate from Azusa Pacific University, with his dissertation focusing on “A Multiple-Site Case Study of Instructional Leadership in Low-Performing High Improvement Schools.” He also earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from California State University, Los Angeles, and a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Memphis. In addition, Dr. Adams completed the Urban Superintendents Academy Program Certificate at the University of Southern California.
Equal Opportunity Schools is a national organization dedicated to assisting school districts of all sizes. Their mission is to enhance educators’ capacity to serve students of color and those from low-income households, thereby closing opportunity gaps in advanced courses.
