Passionate, dedicated and energetic– three words that some have used to describe Lake Orion’s new superintendent, Kenneth Gutman.
Gutman, a familiar face in the Lake Orion district, signed his three-year contract for superintendent last month.
For the past three years, Gutman has been serving Lake Orion in the position of assistant superintendent, first in charge of Human Resources and then, after David Beiter’s retirement in June 2007, as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Curriculum and Instruction.
Prior to his time at the administration building, Gutman served as principal of Scripps Middle School from 1999-2005, assistant principal of Orchard Lake Middle School from 1996-1999, and a teacher at Orchard Lake from 1992-1996.
While Gutman has signed a three-year contract, he hopes to see his future continue in Lake Orion schools.
‘I would love to be superintendent of Lake Orion schools for 20 years. I would love to be here long-term,? he said, noting that research shows the more long-term a superintendent is with a district, the better the district does.
On the top of his priority for Lake Orion, he said is first, and foremost, student achievement.
‘Number one will always be student achievement,? Gutman said. ‘Whether it’s one year, 10 years or 20 years, it’s about what’s best for Lake Orion students.?
He believes that one key to this is early childhood education, as this allows for early intervention and assessment.
As well as taking a close look at early childhood, Gutman said the district needs to stay aware of technology, and continue using it as a ‘tool,? not a solution, as well as working on improving communication with students, staff and the community. One way he hopes to do this is by creating a district newsletter, something the district has not had in recent years.
Gutman once referred to the Lake Orion district as one of the ‘best-kept secrets? in Michigan, but notes that the district is no longer a secret and becoming much more well-known for its great schools, sports and activities.
‘We need to continue maintaining and enhancing what’s best for Lake Orion schools,? he said, noting that they need to do this while continuing to be fiscally responsible.
‘I do believe our educational needs should drive the budget instead of the other way around,? Gutman added.
He noted as the world continues to change, the district needs to continue to refine what they do and understand that they are training students with adaptable skills for the real world.
‘We have to provide opportunity for growth and real world experience,? Gutman said. ‘We can’t simply rely on paper and pencil.?
While Lake Orion is ahead of many districts, Gutman said they need to continue to refine what they are doing and never settle.
‘There is not a child out there that deserves for us to rest on our laurels,? he added.
Gutman, who is not only passionate about the education of children, but his own as well, is the process of finishing his Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at Wayne State University. He also holds an Education Specialist Certificate, Master of Arts in Teaching degree and a Bachelors of Art in English and Spanish.
And as he is working on the challenges of writing a dissertation, he is also looking forward to the challenges and opportunities of his new role.
‘I have a list of probably 300 things I want to accomplish,? he said, noting that he is prioritizing them.
Right on the top of the list though, is filling seven administrative vacancies, two of which are now just waiting board approval at this month’s organization meeting.
‘I’m looking forward to building a team that will carry this district forward,? he said of filling the positions. ‘It’s going to be high-energy, knowledgeable and focused on students.?
Gutman said he is also looking forward to working with the community and the school board, noting they are great people that really care about Lake Orion kids.
‘I think we can accomplish good things,? he added.
In addition to work and his own schooling, Gutman is the father of two boys, Zachary, 9, and Matthew, 6, and a husband of 17 years to his wife, Michelle.
And while his sons (as well Lake Orion students) may disagree, Gutman can’t wait for summer vacation to end.
‘It’s such an honor to be the superintendent and I just can’t wait for school to start,? he said.
‘We are very lucky to be part of this school community,? Gutman added. ‘This is the only place I want to be.?