Rochester Board of Education Selects Shaner as New Superintendent
In a unanimous decision Thursday evening, the board chose Dr. Robert Shaner to fill the district's top position.
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A decision was finally reached Thursday evening in selecting a new superintendent for Rochester Community Schools.
During a special meeting held by the Rochester Board of Education, Dr. Robert Shaner was chosen to fill the role.
Shaner, current director of instruction and technology for Warren Consolidated Schools, was the only candidate up for the position after David Richards, superintendent of Fraser Public Schools, withdrew his name from consideration on Wednesday.
The search has been underway to find a replacement for former Superintendent Fred Clarke, who resigned in September. According to school board President Beth Talbert, 26 individuals applied for the superintendent job posting last fall. The competition was narrowed down to four applicants by board members in December. After a round of interviews, the board then selected two candidates, Shaner and Richards, to move forward.
"This is the most important decision we make on our board," said Talbert, who called the job search a "lengthy and intensive process" which included several rounds of interviews and visiting candidates in their home school districts.
The board voted 7-0 Thursday to offer Shaner the position and thus, enter into negotiation contracts.
"He has the skills and collaborative personality that would serve us well in this district," said board member Chuck Coutteau. "If anyone understands kids... he does."
Shaner, a Shelby Township resident, has worked as the executive director of instruction and technology for the Warren Consolidated School District for the past two years. Previously, he served as principal of Sterling Heights High School. He has also worked as an assistant middle school principal and high school teacher.
A few of the board members, like Vice President Lisa Nowak, cited Shaner's diverse work background, which includes a three-year position as juvenile detective for the Troy Police Department, as a positive attribute which will bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to Rochester Community Schools.
According to Talbert, nearly 45 of Shaner's colleagues, friends and family were interviewed as the board hoped to paint a clear picture of him. Reference checks were conducted with over 20 individuals.
Board member Michael Zabat also admitted to doing intensive research of his own on Shaner.
"I tried to find something that I didn't like and I failed," said Zabat. He went on to describe Shaner as "authentic, genuine and honest".
Various teachers, faculty members and parents present at the meeting applauded the board's decision and dedication to the search.
Shaner was not present at the meeting but board members will notify him and begin the contract negotiation process. Currently, Tresa Zumsteg is serving as the district's interim superintendent.
"He will be the advocate for education that we so desperately have to have," board member Jennifer Berwick said. "I believe that Dr. Shaner has that heart of a superintendent."
Patricia Kane
7:54 am on Friday, January 25, 2013
I can't say "happy. There was one candidate to chose from in the end. One. I hope he is an advocate for education and the taxpayers as well. He is going to have have to please all sides and be cognizant of fair balancing in his role. I wish him success and look forward to him in his new position within our community.
Lisa
10:13 am on Monday, January 28, 2013
He appears to be willing to be a good listener to all groups. Wants to plan with the community not tell us what is good for US!
Mike Reno
9:24 am on Friday, January 25, 2013
Their ability to choose from the list of one was indeed impressive. I saw on the SAGE site that they spent 40 minutes discussing. Yet I heard no discussion. They each spent 5 minutes reciting love notes. Isn't it amazing that they found someone with absolutely NO flaws? None! Not one single thing that was a concern to any of them. Perfection personified.
I'm not sure what to think about this candidate. There are elements that seem impressive. I like his tech background, but it seems to conflict with this insistence that bricks and mortar and "butts in seats" are the best hope for our future. In other words, back to the 60's style of education.
And this devotion to differentiation is discouraging. Schools and districts can claim they do it, but have no way of measuring effectiveness. It simply becomes a catchphrase that is used to push away those pesky parents.
I guess we can hope that perhaps he was just telling this board what they wanted to hear, but will come in with incredible vigor and really push us towards excellence. What we need is a learning advocate, not an education industry advocate.
Hope springs eternal!
Barb Anness
9:57 am on Friday, January 25, 2013
I'm curious if you were at any of the interview opportunities for Dr. Shaner? I was and did hear from a learning advocate. I'm glad the board made a decision and the district can move forward. And clearly, from most of the naysayer posts I've seen on Patch regarding this selection process, he'll have his work cut out for him. I look forward to seeing the new energy a new leader will bring to this school district!
Joshua Raymond
12:42 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
Barb, I don't know that I've seen many nay-sayers, but more people who are of mixed opinions regarding the selection for several reasons. Some of us attended both public interviews, the open house, and the more private discussion with PTA, AAPN, SAGE and other groups. I also sent the candidates a questionnaire on gifted education which the Board of Education did not allow them to answer. It is quite possible to have attended all open events and still have different opinions.
Barb Anness
1:01 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
We'll have to agree to disagree on the naysayers.....it's just disheartening when comments are made on Patch and in our community by folks that love to critique/complain but don't bother to be involved in the process. But with that said, thank you for being so involved – your kids have a great parent advocate.
Joshua Raymond
1:54 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
Barb, I think some have been disheartened wondering if their input falls on deaf ears. While I know the BOE reads the comment cards and hears people speak at some meetings, what happens afterward feels like a black hole to many people. Perhaps concerns are being addressed at committee meetings and not reported on, or in emails between BOE trustees without the person who raised the issue being included, or perhaps steps are even being taken in the district and not mentioned at BOE meetings, but there is little feedback from the BOE on what is happening.
In the time I've advocated for G/T education here, I have rarely heard that any G/T issue was addressed in committee and the only action I saw was Fred Clarke arranging a visit to the G/T magnet classrooms in Grosse Pointe. (There has also been a visit to an IB school in Troy, but that isn't specifically G/T.)
Does the BOE actually want our input or is it just a show? Opinions on that vary and that is one reason many do not become more involved at the district level. Why would they attend BOE meetings or superintendent interviews if their input was meaningless? Whether the BOE uses our input or discards it, I believe greater transparency and more followup is needed.
Joshua Raymond
1:54 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
It also has not helped that we have had over two dead years in our district. Once Dave Pruneau decided he was going to leave, he was unwilling to make any significant changes. Fred Clarke wanted to understand the district first and his only major changes were ones he was forced into, such as all day kindergarten and budget cuts. Dr. Zumsteg has been interim and hesitant to make changes. Dr. Shaner has also expressed that he wants to get to know the district first before making changes. At the end, that will be about four years where little forward progress has happened in our district. Why shouldn't parents be frustrated and unwilling to participate?
I have been glad that you have been involved too. I would much rather have a group of passionate people involved in our district with diverse opinions about how to improve our schools than a team with consensus but no passion. Your children should be proud their mom is so active for our schools.
Mike Reno
2:15 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
I can only presume you are referring to me, Barb. Not that it's likely to change your opinion much, but I advocated for several years, just like Joshua, and then served on the board of education for 5 years. I think I've been quite involved.
Marianne Maurer
11:33 am on Friday, January 25, 2013
It is my understanding from following this process from the beginning that there were 31 applicants for this position. After reviewing applications the list was cut to four finalists. Those four were interviewed in a public forum and that list was then reduced to two.
After site visits, interviews with references, and public conversations one candidate withdrew in the final hours of the process. Dr. Shaner was then interviewed publicly again and presented himself as someone who is capable of running our schools. He has the ability as made evident through past experiences, knowledge of educational practices, desire, and work ethic to make RCS a better place.
No one I know has a crystal ball to say everything will be perfect, but certainly the BOE did everything they could to find the best person to fill the position. Naysayers will never stop and that is OK, it keeps the all of us on our toes.
I welcome and congratulate Dr. Shaner and he should be proud to be chosen from a list of thirty one. Quite an accomplishment!
Marie T
5:42 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
Thank you Marianne for your well reasoned response and explanation of the process. In previous comments, it sounded as if, the board made an uninformed decision which was not the situation.
It is unfortunate that one candidate chose to withdraw at such a late date. It created an lost opportunity for another candidate. I would place the owness of that decison on the gentleman who withdrew not on the BOE.
Lisa
11:15 am on Monday, January 28, 2013
Why categorize any names --- We have a right to our opinion.....Some just share more than others! Dr. Shaner has all of my hope to do a super job! The BOE wanted everyone to agree so that is what happened at the meeting! However I was not laughing when one member called Dr. Shaner a "Super Hero!" The BOE needs one to improve public trust!
Cheryl Junker
7:29 pm on Saturday, January 26, 2013
Dr. Shaner will be a wonderful asset to our district. I heard some glowing reviews from a teacher at Sterling Heights High who said their district will be very sad to see him leave! This kind of praise says a lot. I heard a very touching story about how he challenged some kids within the school to 'improve' and upon 'proving themselves', Dr. Shaner kept his end of the bargain and 'shaved his head'! Sounds a lot like Mr. Behrman......a very engaged and passionate educator! I am smiling today!
Patricia Kane
9:03 am on Sunday, January 27, 2013
I would expect anyone that has made an agreement, promise, or bargain to keep their end of it. I think most decent or ethical people do. Our schools system is based on learning (education) and improving oneself. To that end, we are a very well funded district thanks to the taxpayers. Dr. Shaner is welcomed. Of course we want success for him especially after the prior money that was not so well spent but hard earned-and like any "newbie" he will have to prove himself--but I don't think anyone will be shaving their heads in this expectation.
Cheryl Junker
10:03 pm on Sunday, January 27, 2013
Point taken Patricia! Head shaving is certainly not in the job description of a Superintendant! Nor should it be! I was trying to say something nice! As it is, we are all aware of the incredible responsibility placed on this man! The future of our district lies in the balance! I couldn't be more concerned about the threats to public education in Michigan as I was one of only 5 in our district who went to Lansing to protest the cuts made in the SchoolAid fund in the spring of 2011. As it is I am on high alert as should everyone be!
Lisa
11:24 am on Monday, January 28, 2013
From what I heard him say.....Dr. Shaner is willing to work with our legislator and "build relationships" with...... instead of ......trying to influence a vote from the BOE or Superintendant's Chair! That is a welcome committment
James Redd
2:05 pm on Monday, January 28, 2013
"....as should everyone be!" What is THAT? ACE graduate?
Cheryl Junker
12:44 pm on Thursday, January 31, 2013
James, defensive much?
Something to think about......demographically similar community.....headquarters of Intel......could be us! My friend with an autistic child is currently suing the Beaverton district for pulling his child's parapro!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/15/beaverton-oregon-parents-_n_2139934.html
Cheryl Junker
12:48 pm on Thursday, January 31, 2013
James, you may want to consider using your indoor voice! Derogatory comments are beneath you!
http://www.talk2action.org/story/2011/5/3/12515/58655#.UQqocGXbpic.email
Cheryl Junker
12:50 pm on Thursday, January 31, 2013
Seven degrees of separtion James! Mackinac Center sound familiar?