The quest for Clarkston’s next superintendent is down to six.
Clarkston Board of Education swiftly went through 17 candidates, Aug. 16, and voted unanimously for their top picks.
Ms. Geraldine Moore, assistant superintendent, Rochester School District of Instruction hired in 2006. Prior experience includes executive director, director of curriculum, research, planning and evaluation, executive director of instruction, assistant principal and director of student activities.
‘There are several things about this candidate I am impressed with,? said Trustee Cheryl McGinnis. ‘Also, there are many various levels of achievement.?
Dr. Richard Drury, former superintendent, Community Unit School, District 200, Wheaton, Ill. ? experience from classroom teacher to superintendent. Until March 2010, Drury was superintendent for a district with 13,000 students and served as superintendent for a district of 5,000 students for 13 years. The candidate was a superintendent in Michigan for five years for 3,000 students and was also a middle school principal, assistant principal middle school, and History and English teacher.
‘The skills and experience are what we are looking for,? said Boatman. ‘It is worth asking questions.?
Dr. Thomas Gay, corporate administrator, Quality Schools Initiative ? chosen due to his experience as superintendent and assistant superintendent at various districts, He is currently a vice president of an education consultant group. The individual served as a high school principal, assistant principal and elementary teacher.
‘A concern for me is it looks like a lot of jobs,? Trustee Rosalie Lieblang pointed out. ‘Is it someone looking for a better opportunity? I am on the fence. My initial would be no.?
‘It might be worth interviewing,? added President Steve Hyer. ‘The experience is there and on paper this one stands out more than others.?
Other board members agreed the diversity might be worth bringing in for more questions.
‘This one really challenges us in a lot of ways,? said Bomier. ‘We owe it to the district to see if there is a match or if there isn’t.?
Dr. Rod Rock is director of instructional services for Saginaw Intermediate School District.
He also has experience as an assistant superintendent for Saginaw.
‘I see a lot of strengths in the profile and makes me ask what else is there,? said Bomier.
Vice President Susan Boatman was concerned with Rock’s lack of superintendent experience.
The final two candidates are both superintendents of small rural districts since 2007.
Dr. Gary Richards is superintendent of Imlay City Community Schools.
Ms. Cindy Weberis Durand Area Schools? superintendent.
The board begins the interviews on Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 23-24. They narrow it down to their top picks on Wednesday.
The public is welcome to all the meetings and can fill out an evaluation form for each candidate to give to the board.
Interviews and selection begins at 5 p.m.
If time allows the board will ask the candidates questions from the audience. Please send them Hyer before the interview.
Clarkston School Board hired Michigan Association of School Boards to conduct the search for the district’s new superintendent.