Anita Banach has been director of communications and marketing for Clarkston Community Schools for the past 10 years, but also has the skills for other positions.
When Clarkston Board of Education voted Banach to take over as director of human resources in July, it was for a role she already knew, she said.
Prior to joining the district, she had a vast background including handling human resources tasks.
While at Chippewa Valley Schools, she worked in constituent services – working both in communications and human resources. She was on the negotiation team, fact finding, mediation, job recruiting, and handled new teacher orientation.
‘Those skills I just put on a bookshelf for the last ten years as I worked in communications for Clarkston,? she said. ‘I am very excited to dive back into human resources.?
She first came to Clarkston when she saw the job posting for the communications position and she was looking for a smaller position so she could spend more time with family.
Her goal was only to be here for a few years while her children were little, but plans changed as the community grew on her.
‘I see myself staying until I retire,? she said.
Out of all the candidates for the position Banach brings strong communication skills, strong relationships as well as an understanding for the community.
‘I know our district, inside out,? she said. ‘I know the culture. I know the high expectations the community and school board has four our district. I bring all the knowledge to the table.?
While she knows most of the staff members in the district, one of her goals in her new position will be to know every teacher as well.
‘I am anxious to know more and get to know them,? she said.
Another goal is continue maintaining relationships as she builds on the new relationships.
‘It is important to get us through this tough and economic time,? she said. ‘It is going to take everyone coming together and making sacrifices so we can continue being a top notch school district.?
For the community she said she will continue hiring the best people for the classrooms and working around the students.
Superintendent Dr. Albert Roberts used the consulting firm Hazard, Young, and Attea of Glenview, Ill. to assist in the search. Banach applied and was screened by the firm.
‘Anita was interviewed and chosen from an exceptional group of candidates,? said Roberts. ‘Her profile also fit the list of skills and abilities we thought were important for the district at this time.?
Working with Banach, Dr. Roberts had seen her demonstrate skills to help the district in her new position.
‘Anita is an exceptional communicator, but also is the kind of collaborative leader we need in the position,? he said. ‘She has demonstrated the ability to tackle difficult issues and and I would characterize her as a problem solver. Her skill set and knowledge of central office operations, and capacity to be a quick study made her the candidate I wanted to take on this challenging spot on the administrative team.?