Steven Bliss

Academic Administrator

Managing staff, operations, and finance in private and public schools

I am a seasoned school Academic Administrator, with extensive experience in all academic and operational aspects of school administration, including direct experience in both private and public schools. My two-decade career also involves private day and boarding schools.

Academic As a senior administrator I have been responsible for the supervision and evaluation of as many as 300 employees and managed multi-million dollar budgets. I have served on and led leadership teams at complex, well-resourced high-performing schools, as well as at schools facing daunting economic and performance challenges. I have designed recognized best-in-class evaluation systems, monitored and evaluated programs using defined metrics, studied and evaluated new instructional materials and methods, and analyzed test data to detect trends and identify areas for improvement.

I have a great deal of experience in not just the academic aspects of school administration, but have overseen all areas of finance and operations including budget development, contract negotiation, supervision and evaluation, procurement, capital project management, pension-benefit plan administration, and financial modeling.

I am unwavering in my commitment to define and implement transformative organizational practices. I am squarely focused on effective program development and implementation using measurable outcomes. Additionally, I have demonstrated the highest standard of care and compassion in working with students and families from all socio-economic backgrounds.

Skills & Accomplishments

  • Lead high-performing school organizations
  • Developed and managed multi-million dollar budgets
  • Developed programs with measurable outcomes
  • Responsible for fundraising and capital campaign stewardship
  • Implemented best organizational practices
  • Thorough fluency with labor and employment law
  • Responsible for collective bargaining and contract negotiation
  • Extensive experience working with diverse populations
  • Provided targeted staff development opportunities
  • Managed capital projects
  • Superior oral, written, and presentation skills

See what collegues have to say:

Laura Dayal

Steve negotiated a new three-year contract over many weekends with the union. It is notable that his relationship with union members remained strong throughout the negotiation process, and with his legal acumen he added protections for both parties. That document is testament to the unrivaled time and attention Steve gives to his work.  READ MORE

Denise Lonergan

Mr. Bliss assumed the responsibility for managing all grants. This is a time consuming task, since there are three distinct school districts. It was, however, a vital step to ensure effective management. I have worked closely with him on many committees. Steven’s communication skills are excellent, and he has displayed outstanding organizational and leadership skills.  READ MORE

Lauren Doherty

Steve has my complete respect and admiration for his exceptional interpersonal skills, professionalism and leadership qualities. He leaves our school district in an appreciably better position than when he started, leaving behind a strong management team and improved processes…  READ MORE

Keith Kaplan, NBCT and Association President

(Steve’s) humanity has also been evident even when he has had to let an employee go. Even when a member of our union has had issues, he has treated the employee with respect and made sure that I knew that he knew the strengths of that employee and the devotion of that employee to the job and the individual children.  READ MORE

Claire Jackson 

Steven’s sense of accountability or responsibility is highly refined; he does whatever is required to meet deadlines, to offer professional assistance to colleagues and to be available to parents, teachers and the community. In short, he is willing and able to be accountable for all he manages. He goes over and above to help others.  READ MORE

Tanstasqua Art Department

Stephen Bliss is an effective communicator. When we talk with him, we recognize that he listens and makes an effort to understand our ideas and concerns. With timely weekend updates Mr. Bliss routinely shared with students, staff and community over the phone, the Internet and in public speaking. Stephen Bliss is a quick learner.  READ MORE

Interested in learning more about how I could help you?

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