SPS hires former Missouri school leader as next deputy superintendent 

Doug Van Zyl, who has been a superintendent in three states including Missouri, is joining the top leadership of Springfield Public Schools. 

SPS picked Van Zyl as the next deputy superintendent of operations. He will start July 1, following the retirement of Travis Shaw.  

The role is vast, with oversight of financial and business services, transportation, facilities and construction, custodial and food services, plus human resources. His annual pay is set at $215,000. 

Superintendent Grenita Lathan said the job opening prompted strong interest from candidates across the U.S.  

“We were immediately impressed with Dr. Van Zyl’s breadth of leadership experience, his high standards for operational and academic excellence, and his deep commitment to serving all students,” Lathan said, as part of today’s announcement. “He has strong ties to Missouri and will be a great asset to Team SPS. We look forward to welcoming him to Springfield.” 

Van Zyl, 57, has more than 30 years of experience in public education, including 17 as a superintendent. In addition to two Missouri districts, he was the top school leader in Fort Dodge, Iowa and Lakeville, Minnesota. 

A look at Van Zyl’s experience in Missouri:  

• Superintendent, St. Joseph School District, four years; St. Joseph  

• Assistant superintendent and superintendent in Harrison Public Schools, a total of five years 

• Elementary principal, Independence School district, seven years  

According to his LinkedIn profile, Van Zyl was most recently a senior education consultant for a facilities planning, design and management company that partners with schools, cities and organizations to improve their buildings. 

Van Zyl’s education career began in Texas, where he taught elementary school before serving as an assistant principal. 

“I was particularly drawn to SPS because of its reputation for innovation and its commitment to meeting the diverse needs of its students. I am confident in the ability of our operations team to emphasize efficiency and long-term sustainability,” said Van Zyl, who has a doctorate from the University of Missouri-Columbia. 

“From overseeing budgets and large-scale facility projects to aligning all resources with our strategic plan, we will demonstrate a shared commitment to ensuring every decision supports student success. I am eager to begin this important work.”