Rochester Schools Announces Superintendent Candidates, Timeline for Hiring Process
(RCS, March 12, 2024)
ROCHESTER, MI– The Board of Education of the Rochester Community School District has taken a significant step forward in its search for a new superintendent. The board has selected four highly qualified candidates for initial interviews from a total of 20 applicants.
President Michelle Bueltel commended the collective effort of the board in identifying candidates for interviews. “I appreciated seeing the full board working together collaboratively to identify the applicants to interview and address next steps in the interview process. We look forward to meeting the applicants in person and selecting the next individual to lead our district.”
Selected candidates to be interviewed are: Dr. Stephen Bigelow, superintendent of Bay City Public Schools; David Rice, assistant superintendent of Roseville Public Schools; Nicholas Russo, assistant superintendent of human resources in the Walled Lake Consolidated School District; and Dr. Carrie Wozniak, superintendent of Fraser Public Schools.
Bigelow and Rice will be interviewed on Monday, March 18, at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively. Russo and Wozniak will be interviewed on Tuesday, March 19 at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively. All interviews will take place in the Reuther Middle School media center, 1430 E. Auburn Road in Rochester Hills. The interviews are open to the public and will be recorded and posted on the district’s website.
Immediately following the final interview on March 19, the board will meet to identify the candidates who will be invited to return to the district. On April 1, the selected candidates will participate in a tour of the schools, community forum and final interview with board members.
During the comprehensive applicant review process, the board prioritized 11 qualities that align with the district’s vision and goals and have been determined to be essential for the district’s future success.
The qualities are:
- Promotes a positive and professional environment that includes mutual trust and respect among faculty, staff, administrators and the board
- Is willing to listen to input, but is a decision maker
- Is a strong communicator in speaking, listening and writing
- Possesses the leadership skills, knowledge and sensitivity required to respond to the opportunities and challenges presented by a diverse student body and community
- Is strongly committed to a “student centered” philosophy in all decisions
- Has a strong moral compass that is rooted in justice and equality
- Has classroom experience in a K-12 setting
- Has experience with effective management and planning practices that will benefit the long-term financial health of the district
- Is able to delegate and oversee the work of staff (i.e. leading by example) and appropriately maintain accountability
- Is able to build consensus and commitment among individuals and groups
- Possesses the ability to enhance student performance, especially in identifying and narrowing the gaps in student achievement and opportunity
The process of searching for the Rochester Community School District’s new superintendent began in November 2023. During a special meeting on Nov. 6, the RCS Board of Education selected Ray & Associates to assist with the effort.
The superintendent search process includes opportunities for stakeholder engagement, a position posting, selection of applicants, interviews, tours and ultimately the selection of the best person to lead Rochester Community Schools into the future.
The district’s goal is to begin the 2024-25 school year with long-term leadership in place at the superintendent level.
“We are encouraged by the strong caliber of the applicants who applied for the position and are hopeful that we will soon secure the future leader to take the district forward,” said Jessica Gupta, board of education secretary.
Additional information, updates and candidate bios are located on the district website by going to: https://www.rochester.k12.mi.us/about-us/board-of-education/superintendent-search.