Rochester School Board Selects Nicholas Russo As Next Superintendent
(Crystal A. Proxmire, April 4, 2024)
ROCHESTER, MI – During a special meeting on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, the Board of Education of the Rochester Community School District voted (4-3) to select Nicholas Russo as their preferred candidate for the position of superintendent, pending successful contract negotiations. Russo is currently Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources in the Walled Lake Consolidated School District.
Following the split vote, members then voted unanimously to put their full support behind Russo. In a press release the district said this vote conveyed “a willingness to come together as a board and commit to the success of the district’s future leader.
Board Secretary Jessica Gupta highlighted Russo’s qualities that impressed her in the interview process, stating “Mr. Russo offers a dynamic combination of leadership, having been a teacher, principal and now assistant superintendent of human resources, bringing a diversity of roles and experience to the superintendent position. He has a demonstrated track record of improving literacy outcomes in lower elementary, experience in an IB [International Baccalaureate] environment, an interest in non-traditional secondary and post-secondary pathways and a passion to build strong relationships to work together productively as a team, all of which would be great assets to our district in the future.”
Board members spent Monday with the candidates touring the district and watching them interact with students and staff. There was also a community forum and an interview process.
Board members shared their gratitude for all three finalists who interviewed for the position, including Dr. Stephen Bigelow, Dr. Carrie Wozniak, and Russo. “I was very pleased that we have three good candidates. These are lifelong educators. They have all demonstrated a commitment to children. These are people of good character, all three of them. I want to thank them,” said Trustee Jayson Blake.
Vice President of the Board Barb Annes said “Hiring a superintendent is one of the most important jobs of this school board. As an individual member, I have my personal opinion and perspective regarding what is important when hiring one; however, our board tonight speaks as one and that voice should always be focused on a positive direction with a future focused on all the students, educators and community we serve… The next superintendent who leads our district will be charged with so much more than running it. Public education is a people-centered endeavor with children at its core,” said Anness.
The next step is negotiating a contract and returning to the board for approval. To learn more about Rochester Community Schools visit https://www.rochester.k12.mi.us/.
