Hazel Park Interim Superintendent Gives Turnaround Update
(Dr. Rick Repicky, Interim Superintendent of Hazel Park Schools, March 22, 2015)
The following was sent to Hazel Park Schools Staff on March 19, 2015 to update them on changes in leadership that have been taking place in the district:
Introduction
As your interim superintendent, I am writing to all Hazel Park employees regarding the status of the budget and central office changes. I have been here just over a week and understand that there has been confusion in the ranks. Hopefully, this information will clear the air on the issues it addresses. While some of the news is disturbing, let me assure you that the road to recovery is well on the way. A new team of leaders and analysts has been brought in to change the course of Hazel Park Schools. The team is making major progress in controlling the deficit and preparing a viable Deficit Elimination Plan (DEP). Our DEP will avoid having an emergency management team from the state come in and take over operations as we have seen in the City of Detroit.
The Budget Story
Hazel Park Schools is in the process of correcting its financial course after a shocking deficit was discovered earlier this school year. Financial records for the district indicated that it began the 2013-14 school year with a deficit of $3.9M. Due to financial moves, the forecast for 13-14 expected to trim $1.3M from that deficit figure so the district would finish the year with a $2.6M deficit. However, doubts about these figures began to creep in as a new auditing firm was summoned to examine the books.
Digging deeper into financial records in December, the new auditors uncovered that instead of restoring $1.3M in 13-14, the district actually lost $2.3M increasing the total debt to $6.2M ($3.9 +2.3). New projections show that the district may face a deficit over $11M by the end of the 2014-15 school year. For perspective, the total budget is $41M.
Reeling from these surprising figures that just surfaced in January, the Hazel Park Board of Education immediately summoned help from the Oakland County Intermediate School District (OISD) which houses some of the finest minds in school reform. In response, OISD Superintendent Dr. Vickie Markavitch dispatched a team of first responders to Hazel Park to examine the systems and stop the bleeding.
Because of the size of the deficit, the district must submit a DEP to the state by March 31. While the original date given for this plan was earlier, the credibility of the OISD team worked in Hazel Park’s favor and an extension was given.
Relief Arrives
In January Chuck Hazekamp arrived as an Interim Business Manager. Not long after, Scott Little was placed by OISD as an Interim Human Resource Director. While the district had been operating without one, it was determined an HR office was needed to help in the cleanup and to move forward. Part of the plan also included OISD leaders Dr. Markavitch coming to assess the overall Hazel Park needs; Bob Moore, OISD Deputy Superintendent of Finance Operations, to conduct negotiations and supply business office guidance; and Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson, the OISD Chief of Staff, to assess staffing, scheduling, and academic programs. The OISD recently established attorney John Gierak as a co-leader in negotiations and on March 11 installed me (Dr. Rick Repicky) as Interim Superintendent.
Central Office Changes
The Oakland charge is being guided by the Markavitch-Moore-Cook-Robinson team. They have been involved since January and will continue to visit HP on an as-needed basis. With the exception of me, just here through June, permanent replacements are being made in the business and human resource offices. Plans are still being determined for central office oversight of curriculum, transportation, food service, maintenance and custodians. The former directors of these offices, the superintendent, and the business manager have all resigned. Dr. Judy Berger remains as Special Education Director, Ryan Stefanski still runs technology, and Kathy Borowicz continues in general services. Ms. Borowicz is also picking up some of the grant duties in the absence of the recently resigned Mike Barlow. The new, permanent business manager, Dan Romzek, began work here on March 16. He will be assisted by a controller Josie Petitta who begins March 23. Interviews for the human resource director will take place at the OISD next week. Five candidates have been selected. Back to the business office, first responder Mr. Hazekamp is entering a phase-out stage since Mr. Romzek is now on site. Mr. Romzek most recently served as the Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs for Rochester Schools. He recently joined the Oakland Schools Regional Services and was assigned permanent duties in Hazel Park. Controller Josie Petitta has experience working as the accounting manager at Oakland Schools. As for myself, my experience includes 8 years as the superintendent for Fraser Schools. I retired in 2010, but served as an interim superintendent at Avondale this past summer.
Plans for a New Supe
The board is moving forward with its search for a new superintendent. On March 17 Marlene Davis of the Michigan Association of School Boards was installed as a facilitator in the search process. The goal is to have the new supe named by June 1 and on the job by July 1. The quicker this person is installed, the quicker (s)he will be able to lead.
Good News Finish
In my week here I have visited every school and developed a taste for the fabric of Hazel Park Schools. I am very impressed. Despite all the turmoil at the top, students have been sheltered by an outstanding team of administrators, teachers, and support staff. The Hazel Park School community has not forgotten its primary job—to provide a great education to each and every one of its students. The district only exists for one reason and that is to enact a mission of “Learning for all—whatever it takes.” No doubt, it’s taking a little more effort these days to deliver our product, but the students deserve—and from what I can see—are getting the best from the education community. This crisis is being corrected. We need to work together to continue this momentum. The signs of cooperation are there—a tentative contract for the teachers is in place. Significant progress is being made with other union groups. Let’s keep moving forward cognizant of our duties to serve Hazel Park children.
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https://oaklandcounty115.com/2015/03/17/hazel-park-school-administrators-resign-oakland-schools-steps-in/