Tag Archives: superintendent search

WISD board to interview candidates for superintendent’s post

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UPDATE, March 21, 2011: The pool of candidates for the Washtenaw Intermediate School District Board of Education superintendent was reduced by one today, when Big Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Thomas M. Langdon withdrew from the running and accepted the superintendent’s job in the Sturgis Public Schools. The interview scheduled has also been revised as noted below.

From the Washtenaw Intermediate School District

At a special meeting on March 15, the Washtenaw Intermediate Board of Education selected six candidates to interview for the position of superintendent.

The candidates are:

  • Christine Beardsley – She is in her 10th year as superintendent of the Oscoda Area Schools.  She received her bachelor’s degree from Ferris State University in business administration, her master’s degree in educational administration from Central Michigan University and is scheduled to receive her doctorate in educational leadership in May, also from Central Michigan.
  • David J. Campbell – He is in his eleventh year as superintendent of the Olivet Community Schools.  He received his undergraduate degree in education at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater and his master’s degree in educational administration at Illinois State University.
  • Thomas L. Goodney – He is in his sixth year as deputy superintendent and chief of staff at the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio  in Columbus, Ohio.  He received his bachelor’s degree in mass communications at Northern Michigan University, his master’s degree in speech at Miami University and his doctorate in educational leadership, also at Miami University.
  • Beverly A. Knox-Pipes – She is in her ninth year as assistant superintendent for Technology and Media Services at the Genesee Intermediate School District.  She received her undergraduate degree in elementary education at the University of Texas at El Paso, her master’s degree at Lesley College  in Cambridge, Mass. focusing on computers in education and is currently completing requirements for her doctorate in instructional technology and distance education from Nova Southeastern University in Miami, Fla.
  • Thomas M. Langdon – He is in his seventh year as superintendent of the Big Rapids Public Schools.  He received a bachelor’s degree from Cornerstone University in biology and physical science and a second bachelor’s degree from Calvin College in education.  His master’s in educational leadership is from Western Michigan University and his doctorate in educational leadership is from Central Michigan University.
  • Scott A. Menzel – He is in his fourth year as superintendent of the Livingston Educational Service Agency.  He received his bachelor’s degree in religion from Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, Calif., his master’s degree in philosophy and social policy from the American University  in Washington, D.C. and is completing work on his doctorate from Eastern Michigan University.

Interviews are scheduled is as follows:
Monday, March 21, 2011
6:30 p.m. – Scott Menzel
8 p.m. –  Beverly Knox-Pipes
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
6:30 p.m. – David Campbell
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
6:30 p.m. –   Thomas Langdon
6:30 p.m.  –  Christine Beardsley
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
6:30 p.m. – Thomas Goodney

All interviews will be held at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, 1819 S. Wagner Road, Scio Township and are open to the public.

The Board is selecting a new superintendent to succeed Dr. William C. Miller who retired in December 2010. The WISD board is being assisted in the search by the Michigan Association of School Boards. The WISD is the intermediate district serving 10 public school districts in Washtenaw County, including Ann Arbor.

Pennsylvania’s Patricia Green chosen as new Ann Arbor superintendent

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From AAPSNews Service

Patricia Green, superintendent of North Allegheny School District in Pennsylvania, has been selected to lead the Ann Arbor Public Schools.

Ann Arbor Board of Education trustees met on Saturday following final interviews that morning and a community forum on Friday evening, during which the community was able to hear the candidates and submit questions to hear their responses. Following several hours of afternoon deliberation, the board voted 6-1 to offer the superintendent’s position to Green and enter into negotiations with her; Trustee Susan Baskett voted no on the measure.

Patricia Green

Patricia Green, selected as the new Ann Arbor superintendent on March 5, 2011.

The other finalist considered during the final two-day process was Michael Muñoz, chief academic officer of Des Moines Public Schools in Iowa. Another finalist, Shelley Redinger, withdrew as a candidate earlier this week after accepting another position.

During Friday’s session, Green answered submitted questions from the public, which were asked by officials from Ray & Associates, the firm that assisted the board in its search and selection process.  She spoke about parent involvement, leadership, diversity and her philosophy on education.

Green said she advocates strong parent involvement and said that in her current role, she hosts a series of superintendent-parent committee meetings. “They set the agenda,” she said. “We’ve changed things based on the passion of the community. Sometimes as leaders we have to sit down and listen.”

She notes that a good superintendent needs input from a variety of sources to be successful. “You don’t do things in isolation,” she added. “You reach out for partnerships.” Green said in her current role, she has a variety of advisory committees in place, including ones with local police and ministerial groups. She also hosts a regular dinner for student leaders.

In the area of equity, diversity and global awareness, Green said a school district must celebrate each student and community member and what they bring to the system and must prepare students to be citizens of the world. “It has to come from the leadership of the school district and it has to be valued,” she said. “We must celebrate what you are, what you bring to the table. And we have to prepare students for their world of the future – not our world of the past.”

She said good leaders should have “kaleidoscopic vision,” including many opinions and viewpoints. A good leader also needs to know when to step forward and when to step back and allow others to take the lead, she said. “Some pieces look different depending on how you turn the lens,” Green said of her philosophy. “It looks different with new information.”

When asked for her definition of an exemplary school, Green said it is one that is “child-centered and has a high expectation for success” and one that brings arts, athletics and academics together for a well-rounded experience. “I’ve always focused on what’s best for the child with academics to match,” she said.

In terms of budget issues, she said those are the toughest things for a superintendent to tackle. “It’s a challenge across America,” she said. Green noted that she always puts academics and children first and advocates “using a scalpel, not a machete” in making cuts. She also said she advocates cutting, not eliminating programs, because “once you eliminate good programs, they rarely, if ever, come back.”

Green has served in her current post in the North Allegheny School District since May 2002. She has experience on national, state and local levels in the areas of instructional leadership, administrative and organizational management, labor management,  instructional improvement and issues of diversity and multiculturalism. A main focus in North Allegheny under her leadership has been work on the district’s Strategic Plan.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland, a Master of Education degree in Human Development Education from the University of Maryland’s Institute for Child Study, and a doctorate in Education Policy, Planning, and Administration from the University of Maryland.

Prior to her time in North Allegheny, she served as Acting Deputy Superintendent for Instruction for the Prince George’s County Public Schools, a large district in Maryland. She has worked as a teacher, principal, elementary administrator, assistant superintendent and served an administrative role in special education and pupil services during her educational career.

Green has been married for 35 years to Dr. Stephen I. Green, a periodontist.

She said she enjoyed her visits to some of the Ann Arbor schools during a district tour on Friday. “The best part of today was talking to the kids,” she said. “That’s what it’s all about, folks. It’s about the kids. They have so much to offer … having their voice spoken often.”

The new superintendent will replace Todd Roberts, who resigned his post last fall for an executive education position in North Carolina. Robert Allen, the district’s Deputy Superintendent for Operations, has served as interim superintendent since Roberts departed and was not a candidate for the position.

Community forum set for March 4 to introduce superintendent candidates

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From AAPSNews Service

A public forum and interviews with candidate finalists for Ann Arbor Public Schools superintendent post are scheduled from 6-8:30 p.m., Friday, March 4 at Pioneer High School’s cafeteria annex. Pioneer High School is at 601 W. Stadium Blvd. at the corner of Main Street.

Dr. Shelley Redinger has withdrawn from consideration; candidates are Patricia Green and Michael Muñoz.

The Ann Arbor Board of Education will conduct final candidate interviews beginning at at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, March 5, in the main conference room at the Balas Administration Building, 2555 S. State St. The board will begin deliberating at noon to consider appointment of a new superintendent.

Biographies of the candidates are posted on the school district website under the “Board” section. PDFs of finalists’ resumés may also be downloaded there and the most up-to-date information about the search process is also posted here.

The chosen candidate will replace Todd Roberts, who resigned last fall. Robert Allen, the district’s Deputy Superintendent for Operations, has served as interim superintendent since Roberts departed and was not a candidate for the position. The board was assisted in its search by Ray & Associates, the consulting firm hired to take applications and guide the process.

3 chosen as AAPS superintendent finalists

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UPDATE: Times are being scheduled for a public forum, allowing residents to meet finalist candidates. The date/time of board final interviews and deliberation on a new school chief has not bee finalized.

The Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education has selected three finalists for the post of superintendent and is expected to choose a candidate  on March 6. sometime this weekend.

Following interviews this week with six semi-finalists, the following three finalists were chosen to return for interviews in the district:

Patricia Green

Patricia Green

Shelley Redinger

Shelley Redinger

Michael Muñoz

Michael Muñoz

  • Patricia Green – superintendent of North Allegheny School District;, a Pennsylvania district with 8,100 students.
  • Michael Muñoz –  chief academic officer of Des Moines Public Schools, an Iowa district with approximately 31,900 students.
  • Shelley Redinger –  superintendent of the Oregon Trail School District, an Oregon district with approximately 3,900 students.

Full biographies can be found on the Board of Education page on the district’s website and resumés of the finalists can be downloaded at the site.

A board committee comprised of trustees Susan Baskett, Glenn Nelson and Christine Stead are assigned to conduct site visits to the home communities of the finalists the week of Feb. 21. The public is being invited to submit questions for the team to ask during their site visits. Send those suggestions to Amy Osinski at osinski@aaps.k12.mi.us.

Final interviews at community forums are being scheduled for early March with times and place to be determined. The board is tentatively scheduled to make a decision about a new superintendent shortly after the forums, at a yet-to-be-determined time and place. On Sunday, March 6, the Board is scheduled to conduct a final interview, review surveys from the forums and select a candidate.

The chosen candidate will replace Todd Roberts, who resigned last fall. Interim Superintendent Robert Allen, the district’s Deputy Superintendent for Operations, has served in the lead role since Roberts departed and was not a candidate for the post.

The board has been assisted in the search by Ray & Associates, the consulting firm hired to take applications and guide the process.

Superintendent semi-finalist interviews are this week

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Note: Full biographies and resumés of each candidate can be found on the district website.

From AAPSNews Service

The Ann Arbor Board of Education will interview six semi-finalist candidates this week for the position of superintendent, the district’s top administrative post.

All selected candidates have recent experience as top executives in public school districts across the country. The board was assisted in the search by Ray & Associates, the consulting firm hired to take applications and guide the process.

Interviews before the school board are scheduled to take over three days and will be done at the Courtyard Marriott, 3205 Boardwalk, Ann Arbor. They are open to the public and scheduled in two-hour blocks.  There will be no public participation in the sessions.

The board is expected to meet after the final interview on Friday to deliberate and select finalists so that site visits the week of Feb. 21 and open forum interviews can be scheduled the week of Feb. 28.

Semi-finalist nterviews are scheduled for:

Tuesday, Feb. 15:

  • 1-3  p.m. – Patricia Green, superintendent of North Allegheny School District;, a Pennsylvania district with 8,100 students.

Wednesday, Feb. 16:

  • 1-3 p.m. – Manuel Rodriguez – assistant superintendent of the Baltimore County Public Schools, a Maryland district with approximately 104,000 students
  • 3:15-5:15 p.m. – William DeFrance – superintendent of the Eaton Rapids Public Schools, a mid-Michigan district with 3,000 students
  • 6-8 p.m. – Shelley Redinger – superintendent of the Oregon Trail School District, an Oregon district with approximately 3,900 students

Friday, Feb. 18:

  • 1-3 p.m. – Paul Long – chief executive officer of Pennsbury School District, a Pennsylvania district with 11,200 students
  • 3:15-5:15 p.m. – Michael Muñoz – chief academic officer of Des Moines Public Schools, an Iowa district with approximately 31,900 students

The chosen candidate will replace Todd Roberts, who resigned last fall. Robert Allen, the district’s Deputy Superintendent for Operations, has served as interim superintendent since Roberts departed and was not a candidate for the post.

Patricia Green

Patricia Green

Manuel Rodriguez

Manuel Rodriguez

William DeFrance

William DeFrance

Shelley Redinger

Shelley Redinger

Paul Long

Paul Long

Michael Muñoz

Michael Muñoz

School Bells: Superintendent interview questions accepted

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The Ann Arbor Public Schools is accepting questions from the public to use as part of the superintendent search process.  Questions may submitted via e-mail to Amy Osinksi at osinski@aaps.k12.mi.us

Interview questions are being accepted through Jan. 31. Interviews are being scheduled and may take place as early as mid-February.

A link is also available at the district website, where additional information can be found about the search, the search firm hired and results from a community survey about what the public would like to see in a new superintendent.

The district is hiring a new superintendent to replace Todd Roberts who resigned last year. Deputy Superintendent for Finance and Operations Robert Allen is serving as interim superintendent until the post is filled.

Ann Arbor schools moving to Google

Ann Arbor Public Schools is moving to Google products for web-based e-mail service and other applications including calendars, documents, sites and groups. The changes will be powered by Google, but will be administered by the AAPS informational technology staff.

The change will have AAPS employees and staff operating “in the cloud.”  District e-mail addresses will remain the same.

The rollout for the A2SchoolsGoogle project began on Jan. 13 and will continue through mid-February until all employees are on the new service. Director of Instructional Technology Monique Uzelac said the move will save the district $100,000 and will continue to allow the proper archiving of e-mail as required by law.

The change will also give staff access to free Google consumer products including: iGoogle, Gmail, Google Groups, Picasa, Web History and others, Uzelac said. Staff members are being trained for the change and will receive self-directed instruction and technical support during the 6-week rollout.

WISD begins supertintendent search

The Washtenaw Intermediate School District will work with the Michigan Association of School Boards to help recruit and select the district’s next superintendent to succeed Dr. William C. Miller, who retired on Dec. 31.

Candidate applications will be taken until March 10, 2011.  Interviews will be held in mid-to-late March with a goal of having the successful candidate identified by mid April.

The MASB will create a candidate profile describing professional and personal characteristics. They are seeking public feedback through an anonymous web-based survey and small group meetings. Visit www.wash.k12.mi.us, to complete the survey through Thursday, Jan. 20. For more information about the search, call (734) 657-2425.

Richard Leyshock is serving as interim WISD superintendent through the end of this school year or until a new superintendent is hired. Leyshock has said he is not a candidate; he plans to retire in August.

PTOC Enrichment Forum slated for Jan. 24

The Ann Arbor PTOC will host its semi-annual Enrichment Sharing Session, in the Main Conference Room at the Balas Administration Building 7-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 24. Participation is encouraged from all schools and all levels.

The format for this year will be similar to a information fair.  Each PTO will have a station with two representatives.  For 20 minutes , one representative will man the table and the other will explore the tables of interest to them.  At the 20-minute mark, reps will switch and offer 20 final minutes of sharing.

“We feel that this format will allow schools to investigate the programs of interest to them and maintain a lively sharing atmosphere,” said PTOC Vice Chairwoman Donna Lasinski.

In addition, an information table will be available.  If you are a PTO rep with information and resources to share, please bring them.

Participating PTOs must RSVP. Enrichment ideas garnered from the meeting will be posted on the PTO Council website. RSVP to Donna Lasinski  at lasinski@mac.com. Schools signed up to attend and bring ideas include: Angell Elementary, Ann Arbor Open @ Mack, Burns Park Elementary, Dicken Elementary, Haisley Elementary and Wines Elementary.

The PTOC also sponsors Officer Leadership Training at the NEW Center at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday Feb. 8, with RSVP required. Cost is $25 per officer, unless using a “get-in-free” dues slot. To RSVP visit the PTOC website, click on Latest News, and Updated Meeting Schedule to find the RSVP link for the event you want.  Include name, position and school, and which event to which you are replying.)

DECA teams showcase business knowledge, talent

Ann Arbor Pioneer High School DECA chapter identified themselves as one of
the best chapters of the business and professional clubs in Michigan Jan. 6 at District IV competition at Eastern Michigan University.  They set a new school record by winning 118 total medals and qualifying 55 students for the state competition in March in Grand Rapids.

This also marks the first year that Pioneer DECA has won the overall district trophy. The students chose to dedicate the trophy to Mr. John Baublit, who retired last year after serving Ann Arbor Public Schools as a teacher and DECA advisor for 37 years.

DECA is a co-curricular program for high school marketing and business students.  These activities are integrated into the Marketing, Accounting and Entrepreneurship classes at Pioneer to help teach the skills and standards to be successful in business today.  DECA’s competitive events program uses interviews, tests, role-plays, case studies and written projects to evaluate marketing and management skills. At Pioneer, the program is advised by Kara Schulz, Craig Jobe and John Baublit.

Students and their achievements include:

TEST Medal – Top 5 highest test score in event – Jessica D’Alfonso, Amanda Scull, Darren Austin, Eric Miller, Alicia Herrera, Jennifer Gu, Joaquin de la Cerda-Harlow, Mani Herring, Hailey Rishoi, Isaac Ahuvia, Eric Furlong, Javon Williams, Sabina Aghasivayli, Ryan Murphy, Kristy Aidoo, Conrad Stoerker, Megan Fearday, Benjamin Brenner, Taylor Jahnke, Deirdre Cline, Casey Warner, Nate Medd, Tim Schroeder, Zubin Chandra, Grace Hwang, Nichole Alton, Amanda Wylie, Allison Criscenti, Jay Lapinski and Greg Kim.

CASE STUDY Medal – 1st place finish in event – Sam Beck, Amanda Scull, Darren Austin, Casey Binder, Eric Miller, Ismail Husain, Cameron Inniss, Matt Paqui, Jeno Draganescu, Mani Herring, Nicholas Gorski, Justice Kwak, Deirdre Cline, Kevin Groupe, Leila Sousou, Holly Wilson, Casey Warner, Tim Schroeder, Callaghan Wise, Gabe Vanhorssen, Etian Spivak, Zubin Chandra, Grant Chen, Andrew Choe, Josh LaHaye, Megan Roberts, Grace Anderson, Jaclyn Stelter, Allison Criscenti, Jaclyn Hadler and Mara Zinn.

OVERALL event winners (advance to DECA State Competition) – Jason Matney, Sam Beck, Amanda Scull, Darren Austin, Casey Binder, David Williams, Eric Miller, Ismail Husain, Jenna Canning, Jennifer Gu, Andy
Dai, Ahmed Altairy, Cameron Inniss, Matt Paquin, Joaquin de la Cerda-Harlow, Jeno Draganescu, Mani Herring, Hailey Rishoi, Michael Blackman, Isaac Ahuvia, Nicholas Gorski, Conrad Stoerke, Joe Flanagan, Sarah Keisling, Megan Fearday, Benjamin Brenner, Taylor Jahnke, Justice Kwak, Deirdre Cline, Kevin Groupe, Leila Sousou, Holly Wilson, Casey Warner, Nate Medd, Remy Thomas, Tim Schroeder, Callaghan Wise, Gabe Vanhorssen, Etian Spivak, Zubin Chandra, Grant Chen, Grace Hwang, Nichole Alton, Andrew Choe, Josh LaHaye, Megan Roberts, Grace Anderson, Jaclyn Stelter, Allison Criscenti, Ana Vereen, Chloe Corley, Jay Lapinski, Greg
Kim, Jaclyn Hadler and Mara Zinn.

Ann Arbor Skyline High School DECA chapter attended the competition for the first time. The nine students who attended won seven medals and five students qualified to move on to state competition in March. In addition to the competition, Maddie Mayleben also announced her candidacy for DECA state officer.

The DECA activities are integrated into the Skyline Business Magnet Program. Skyline students and their achievements include:

TEST Medal – Top 5 highest test score in event – Blake Ebright, Accounting Applications

CASE STUDY Medal – 1st place finish in event – Dillon Stuart, Principles of Hospitality and Tourism

OVERALL event winner (advance to DECA State Competition) – Ramya Cinta, Marketing Management; Dillon Stuart, Principles of Hospitality and Tourism; Alex Tennant, Retail Merchandising; and Jeff Yuen and Tom Vaughan, Sports and Entertainment Team Decision Making.

Pioneer juniors do fundraiser for community service

Juniors from Pioneer High School are selling Cookie-Grams for Valentine’s Day, as a fundraiser to support the class’s community service efforts.

Order a Valentine’s Cookie-Gram for a favorite Pioneer student, faculty or staff person for $4. A package of heart-shaped cookies (from Great Harvest Bread), along with a card will be delivered on Valentines Day. Mail orders to: Jane Burton, Pioneer High School, 601 W. Stadium Blvd, AA 48103 or call 734-994-2128.

WISD names Leyshock interim superintendent effective Jan. 1

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From the Washtenaw Intermediate School District

The Washtenaw Intermediate School District Board of Education has appointed Richard F. Leyshock as interim superintendent effective Jan. 1, 2011.

Currently the WISD’s assistant superintendent for student services, he will assume the responsibility from Superintendent William Miller who will retire on Dec. 31. The appointment will extend through the end of this school year or until such time that the district hires a new superintendent, according to information from the WISD.

Leyshock has been employed by WISD since 1977. In addition to his current role, he has served as a special education teacher, teacher consultant and special education director.  He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Eastern Michigan University and is a long-time Ypsilanti resident.

“I’m pleased and honored to serve WISD as its interim superintendent,” Leyshock said “And I look forward to advancing the district’s good work.”  Leyshock said he is not a candidate for the superintendency and plans to retire at the end of August.

“We appreciate Mr. Leyshock’s ability and willingness to step into this role.  He’s the perfect person to guide the district during this time,” said WISD Board President Mark VanBogelen.

Along with carrying out the duties of interim superintendent, Leyshock will support the WISD Board as it plans for the leadership transition. The Board will begin interviewing superintendent search firms on Dec. 14.

WISD is a regional, education service agency that works with the school districts and public school academies in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Lincoln, Manchester, Milan, Saline, Whitmore Lake, Willow Run and Ypsilanti.

Ann Arbor moves ahead on search for new superintendent

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An application deadline of Jan. 25, 2011 has been set to accept applications for a new superintendent for the Ann Arbor Public Schools.

After applications have been reviewed and preliminary interviews conducted by Ray & Associates, the consulting firm hired to assist the board in the process, the names of the semifinalists will be presented to the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education for consideration. According to a tentative timeline, this could occur in early February.

The school board will select candidates for final interviews and may elect to visit the home communities of the finalists; community members may also be involved in the interview phase. The school board has said it will have a candidate in place before the next school year, which begins July 1, 2011.

The superintendent will replace Todd Roberts, who recently left the district for an executive education post in North Carolina. Robert Allen is serving as the interim superintendent.

For updated information about the search and a position profile, visit the district’s website.

Wednesday the final night of superintendent search forums

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Offer input at Huron High at 6:30 p.m.

From AAPSNews Service

A group of Skyline High School government students and several parents, shared their thoughts on Tuesday about what they would like to see in a new superintendent during a meeting with Ray & Associates, the search firm selected to assist the Ann Arbor Board of Education.

The students, all juniors, said they want a new school leader to be responsive, knowledgeable about issues and open to interacting directly with students and to changing policies.

One suggested a new superintendent might consider producing podcasts to communicate with students.

Bill Newman, executive director of Ray & Associates and a former school counselor and superintendent himself, quizzed and engaged the youthful group at a general forum at Skyline Tuesday night.

It was the second of three nights of public forums being sponsored by the consulting firm to gather information so they can create a profile of what type of candidate the next Ann Arbor superintendent should be.

Parents attending the forum said they would welcome a superintendent who would well fit into the Ann Arbor community. “I would like a bridge builder and consensus builder,” noted one. “Someone who is not toeing the line to the constituencies… Someone who is listening, but also leading.”

Newman asked those attending to fill out a 33-item survey, highlighting the top 10 qualities they would like to see in a superintendent. He explained the process, saying that the Ann Arbor Board of Education is expected to set a firm timetable on the search and set criteria for its new superintendent on Nov. 3.

Residents interested in participating in the discussion will have another opportunity on Wednesday, Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m. at Huron High School, 2727 Fuller Road, when a second forum for the general public is scheduled. If not able to attend, residents can also go online and take the survey.

The deadline for applicants interested in being considered as the next Ann Arbor superintendent will likely be at the end of January. Newman said that once a qualified group of candidates is brought forth for consideration, “the process moves quickly.” The school board has said it will have a candidate in place before the next school year, which begins July 1, 2011.

The new superintendent will replace Todd Roberts, who left the district earlier this month for an executive education post in North Carolina. Interim Superintendent Robert Allen, the district’s deputy superintendent for operations, is leading the district until a new superintendent has been hired and a transition accomplished.

Ray & Associates is a national firm with 140 associates across the country that will seek out qualified candidates once the school board approves a profile for a new superintendent, Newman added.

Forums scheduled for public input on superintendent search

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From AAPSNews Service

Several community forums are scheduled this month to offer input to the Ann Arbor Public Schools about what qualities are desired in a leader as the district begins the search  for a new superintendent.

A survey has also been developed asking members of the public to select their top 10 qualities in a superintendent; there also is space for listing additional  feedback. It will be available online until 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31 and can be found by clicking here.

The survey will also be available to the public during the scheduled Superintendent Search Community Forums.

The forums are open to anyone in the community. There is a set of “hosted” forums in which district groups and organizations, along with the Board of Education, will invite their members as well as two general community forums at Huron and Skyline high schools.

Forums are scheduled on the following dates and times:

Monday, Oct. 25
•    6:30 p.m., forum hosted by the Black Parent Student Support Group (BPSSG) and the Ann Arbor branch of the NAACP at Second Baptist Church of Ann Arbor  (www.sbcannarbor.com/), 850 Red Oak Road, Ann Arbor.
•    7 p.m., forum hosted by the Ann Arbor Parent Advisory Committee for Special Education (AAPAC) at Forsythe Middle School Media Center, 1655 Newport Road, Ann Arbor.

Tuesday, Oct. 26
•    6:30-8 p.m., general community forum at Skyline High School Commons, 2552 N. Maple Road, Ann Arbor.
•    7 p.m. Ann Arbor Parent Teacher Organization Council (PTOC) forum at Scarlett Middle School Media Center, 3300 Lorraine St., Ann Arbor.

Wednesday, Oct. 27
•    5:30 p.m., Youth Senate forum at the Ann Arbor District Library Conference Room (www.aadl.org/), 343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor.
•    6:30-8 p.m., general community forum at Huron High School Cafeteria, 2727 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor.

Former Superintendent Todd Roberts left Ann Arbor this month to accept an executive education post in North Carolina and has been replaced by Interim Superintendent Robert Allen, who has served most recently as the district’s deputy superintendent for operations.

The school board has hired Ray & Associates, an Iowa professional services firm, to assist with the search for a permanent replacement. A new superintendent is expected to be in place by the end of this school year.

Staff, board, residents say ‘so long’ to Todd Roberts as he leaves post

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Deputy Allen steps in as interim superintendent

By Casey Hans
AAPSNews Service

As the Ann Arbor Public Schools community applauded outgoing Superintendent Todd Roberts for his can-do approach and leadership last week, a humbled Roberts sang the praises of those who surrounded him during his four years as superintendent.

Community members line up to say goodbye and wish outgoing Superintendent Todd Roberts well during a reception at Skyline High School on Oct. 7.

“You should always recognize the wonderful work you’re doing, even sometimes when others may not tell us that,” Roberts told the community in parting comments.  “When I think about my short time here, I really feel honored to be a part of this.”

Roberts was honored Thursday afternoon, Oct. 7, during a community reception at Skyline High School. His last day with the district was Friday, Oct. 8.

Roberts also thanked the community and talked about partnerships the district has developed with The University of Michigan and the “bold new strides” made by the AAPS Educational Foundation. “It’s I who really feels honored to have served with you folks over the years,” he said.

Roberts and his family are leaving Ann Arbor to be closer to their extended families. He has accepted the post of chancellor of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, where he will take the helm this fall.

Deb Mexicotte, president of the Ann Arbor Board of Education praised Roberts for his positive approach. “We have always been a district of ‘yes’,” she said. “We have always said ‘yes’ to achievement … to honesty and fair play, … to reaching and aspiring and to doing whatever we can to bring our students the best experience possible.”

She cited the Word Language initiative in elementary schools, finishing the comprehensive building improvement plan – including constructing Skyline High School – and building a strategic plan as highlights of Roberts’ time in Ann Arbor.

Retired AAPS Superintendent Scott Westerman was on the citizen committee that participated in hiring Roberts in June 2006. “”You have been quick to give the credit to others,” he told Roberts. “In truth, however, the qualities you possess set the stage for making the most of the talent and interest others have.”

Westerman noted the opening of Skyline High School which relieved high school crowding and established a national model for others to emulate as well as Roberts’ progress in closing the achievement gap as some of his key achievements. “You have left an immense legacy,” he added.

Martine Perreault, chairwoman for the Ann Arbor PTO Council, lauded Roberts for his exceptional listening skills and said the PTO Council grew and blossomed under his leadership, becoming involved with school finance and budget issues and improving communication for parents.

“He clearly values the input from parents and community members and he’s very responsive to the input he receives,” she said, noting that he helped them tackle tough subjects such as school bullying, student safety on school buses and the student achievement gap.

Brit Satchwell, president of the Ann Arbor Education Association, said he respected Roberts’ leadership, especially sitting across the bargaining table.

“When you have everybody saying I can work for that guy, you have everybody … entering into this collaborative atmosphere where everything suddenly becomes possible,” he said. “That opens the door for innovation and the innovation … happened under Todd’s tenure. He made that possible.”

A humorous presentation from Joan Fitzgibbon and Michael Madison, Ann  Arbor principals representing The Ann Arbor Area Administrators Association, offered a humorous evaluation of Roberts, but with serious undertones noting his decisiveness and leadership during his four years here.

Speaking on behalf of The University of Michigan School of Education was Dean Deborah Lowenberg Ball, who said the partnerships that have developed under Roberts’ watch are unheard of elsewhere.

“Very few communities manage to do this in a very serious way,” she said.
“We didn’t continue the rhetoric of how might we build partnerships, how might we work together. In quick succession over the last four years, Todd, together with others, proposed one really interesting idea after another.”

She said initiatives that team U-M teachers with the district, such as the elementary World Language program and the district’s Summer Learning Institute are unique. She said Roberts has agreed to continue serving on her Dean’s Advisory Council and that the university is committed to continuing the partnerships with the district’s new leadership.

Deputy Superintendent for Operations Robert Allen is now serving as interim superintendent as the AAPS Board of Education searches for a permanent replacement for Roberts.

Ray & Associates, an Iowa professional services firm, is leading the search. The consultant has started discussions with the school board and hopes to involve the community in a series of meetings yet this month to get input on the search. Those meeting dates are not yet firm and will be posted on the AAPSNews site when they are scheduled.

Allen named interim superintendent, 5 search firms to be interviewed

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Robert Allen has been named interim superintendent for The Ann Arbor Public Schools as the school board begins its search for a new superintendent.

Allen, who serves as the district’s deputy superintendent of operations, will take over no later then Oct. 12 as he works through the transition process with Superintendent Todd Roberts. Roberts is leaving the district this fall to take over as chancellor of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics.

Allen came to the Ann Arbor Public Schools in October 2006 from the Flint Community Schools where he served as chief financial officer. He has also worked in executive finance posts for Eastern Michigan University and Norfolk State University. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University.

Several other interim changes were also announced this week:
• Nancy Hoover, director of financial operations, will take on Allen’s responsibilities as he takes the interim superintendent’s post;
• LeeAnn Dickinson-Kelley, director of elementary instruction, will become the interim deputy superintendent for instruction;
• Recently retired elementary principal Ruth Williams will take over Dickinson-Kelley’s role as interim administrator for elementary instruction.

Meanwhile, the process for hiring a professional services firm to assist in the superintendent search is under way.  Five firms have been selected as finalists and will be interviewed next week.  The school board is scheduled to select a search firm at its Sept. 29 meeting.

Board President Deb Mexicotte has said the board plans to have a new superintendent in place on or before July 1, 2011.

Ann Arbor district seeks firm to help with superintendent search

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The Ann Arbor Public Schools has posted on its Web page a Request for Proposals for a professional services firm to assist in the selection of a new Ann Arbor Public Schools superintendent.

The firm selected will help the Ann Arbor Board of Education replace Superintendent Todd Roberts who announced this month that  he will leave this fall for a new executive education post in North Carolina.

The RFP timeline calls for interviewing firms in mid-September and selecting a firm at the school board meeting on Sept. 29. The RFP notes that an interim superintendent could be selected by late October to take over in mid-November.  The timeline calls for the hiring of a new superintendent by early May with an official start date of July 1, 2011 or sooner.

The RFP bid opening is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 10 in the superintendent’s conference room at the Balas Administration Building 2555 St. State St., Ann Arbor. An optional pre-bid meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 3 to answer questions related to the RFP.

Finalists will be notified on Sept. 17, interviews conducted on Sept. 22 and a firm is slated to be selected by the school board on Wednesday, Sept. 29.

Roberts announced his resignation as superintendent on Aug. 13 to move with his family to North Carolina, where he will become chancellor of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham. He has pledged to stay through November to assist in the transition. He is scheduled to start in his new post on Dec. 1.

To find out more about the RFP for professional search firms and to download an information packet in a PDF format visit the Ann Arbor Public Schools website.

Board continues superintendent search discussion Monday night

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The Ann Arbor Board of Education will meet tonight, Aug. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Balas Administration Building, 2555 S. State St., when board members are scheduled to continue their discussion regarding the departure of Superintendent Todd Roberts and their process to replace him.

The meeting will take place in the main conference room. All school board meetings are open to the public.

The board is expected to consider a draft Request for Proposals for firms to assist the board as it moves forward with the search for a new superintendent. Once draft language for the RFP is approved, the board will consider accepting proposals from qualified firms.

Roberts announced on Aug. 13 that he would resign his post in Ann Arbor, leaving the district this fall for a new executive education job in North Carolina. Roberts said he is leaving to be closer to family there. He has served in the superintendent’s post for four years and has lived in the community for 12 years.

Roberts has pledged to help through the transition process and is expected to remain at the district into November.