Frederick Clarke Outlines His Vision for Rochester Schools

Board of Education and community members listened Friday night as superintendent candidate Frederick Clarke outlined his vision for

It was third of three nights of three-hour interviews this week for candidates. At the time this story was posted, the board was debating the candidates in preparation for choosing the next superintendent.

Clarke, the superintendent of Albion Schools, was one of three finalists to replace Rochester at the end of the school year.

About 20 people turned out for the interview session at . Community members had one hour to ask questions, followed by a two-hour interview by board members.

Community members asked about several hot topics affecting the school district:

• On full-day kindergarten: "If you can find a way to do it ... by all means, implement a full-day kindergarten," Clarke responded. "They are going to be better students as they move up the system. Are we able to justify this?"
• On how he would educate the "whole child" (i.e., social and emotional growth): Clarke said he helped implement an after-school program in Texas that addressed cultural education in addition to academics.  
• On implementing play-based programs in kindergarten, first and second grades: "It can be very effective when done correctly, but it can be very expensive."

As part of the selection process, the board had asked each candidate to create a plan for the district, assuming that money was no object. This week, each candidate then presented the board with his or her ideal vision.

Here are some components of Clarke's plan:

• Technology has a big role in the plan. Clarke mentioned iPads loaded with textbooks and distance-learning options.
• Increasing teaching time.
• Implementation of a year-round school environment with teachers spending time on professional development.
• Individual electronic portfolios for students.
• Increase the school day by two hours to gain instructional time while modeling an adult schedule of an eight-hour day.
• Flexible scheduling to address low- and high-performing students (with options to pull them out of the classroom).
• A Montessori model in early childhood education, with individualized instruction.
• Foreign language requirement.

Board member Gerald Moore questioned Clarke about his year-round schooling idea. "How will you make it happen?" Moore asked.

"There are (a) tremendous amount of obstacles," Clarke said.

Board President Barb Cenko asked Clarke how he would handle potential opposition to year-round school.

He said he would make sure there was an actual desire and then illustrate the benefits. He would implement it gradually and include parents in the decision-making process.

Board member Marty Sibert asked Clarke whether he favors a focus on math and science or on creativity in helping children compete in a global economy.

Clarke said he would take the middle road. "The whole child approach favored by the American education model provides opportunities for students to use critical thinking," he said.

He added that he would create an environment that enhances learning, preparing the students to be globally competitive and teaching them to think and learn creatively and critically.

Clarke said his goal as a leader is "to create a product that is doing the best job possible. You've got the passion, the talent and the resources to take the next step."

Superintendent candidates and Geraldine Moore were interviewed earlier this week.