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Schools

School Board Notes: District Goals Approved, Administrator Leaving

William Mull, assistant superintendent of business, submitted his resignation.

Here is a roundup of news from the Nov. 14 Rochester Board of Education meeting.

Goals and objectives

Superintendent Fred Clarke reviewed the six goals and related objectives the board has developed over the past few months. (The entire document is available online at www.Rochester.K12.mi.us under "Board of Education" and "Board Packets.") The board formally adopted the document in a 6-0 vote.

Clarke described the board goals as a "cohesive and aligned vision." The detailed action plans associated with the goals and objectives will be presented to the board before Thanksgiving.

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A hiring, a resignation

William Mull, assistant superintendent of business, announced his resignation effective Jan. 23, 2012.  Mull has been with the district since 2007. He will be taking a new position with the Oakland Intermediate School District.

Joseph Zagula was hired as an art teacher at Hamlin Elementary School.

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AP Honor Roll 

Rochester Community Schools is one of fewer than 400 districts in the nation that has been placed on the for its ability to increase access to AP classwork, achieve scores of three or higher and maintain or improve scores in minority groups.

"This is a very nice honor for the school district," said Clarke, adding that 890 students took AP tests and the district offers 32 AP classes.

"That is a tribute to the good work we are doing in the district." 

To put the honor in perspective, Board President Barb Cenko also commented that there are 500 districts in Michigan alone.

Legislative update

  • Superintendent Clarke updated the board on several important bills in the state Legislature. House Bill 4163, a bullying bill, is expected to pass without change. The Senate Bill was not well received due its wording regarding religious beliefs. The district has its .
  • Clarke cautioned about Senate Bill 619, regarding cyber-schools. Board member Beth Talbert added that the bill would allow students to receive a diploma "without ever stepping in a building." 
  • The statewide School of Choice bill is still in committee.
  • Clarke also noted Senate Bill 618, regarding charter schools, stressing the need for an accountability structure. Clarke has contacted Representative Tom McMillin to suggest studying the Ohio law regarding the accountability structure of charter schools. "You wind up having several companies coming in ... that won't be focused on what's best for our children," he said.
  • Clarke ended his report saying, "This is an exciting time in education...it makes everyone very nervous."

National Education Week

The board proclaimed this week National Education Week. This will be the 90th annual observance.

 

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