Royal Oak Narrows Down Superintendent Search to Four, Public Invited to Interviews
(Royal Oak Schools, May 11, 2025)
Royal Oak, MI – The Royal Oak School District is moving forward in its search for the next superintendent. During a special meeting on May 9, the Board of Education reviewed a strong pool of 25 applicants and selected four highly qualified candidates to advance to the first round of interviews. The Board is working in partnership with the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB), with Dr. Rodney Green serving as the search consultant.
First-round interviews will be held in person at the Board Meeting Room located at 800 DeVillen Street. Community members are encouraged to attend and observe the process. Interviews will take place over two evenings, beginning at 5:30 p.m. each night:
Tuesday, May 13
- 5:30 p.m. – Catherine Kochanski, M.A.
Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, Walled Lake Public Schools
(Former principal in Rochester and Brandon; 15 years of teaching in Troy) - 6:45 p.m. – Meghan Ashkanani, Ed.S.
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Technology, Berkley School District
(Former principal in Berkley; 17 years of teaching in Novi)
Wednesday, May 14
- 5:30 p.m. – John Tafelski, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Allen Park Public Schools
(Former high school principal and business teacher in Dearborn/Heights) - 6:45 p.m. – Joseph Youanes, Ed.D.
Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction
(Former principal at Addams Elementary and assistant principal at Royal Oak Middle School; former teacher in Troy)
Following the initial interviews, an open house will be held for finalists on Friday, May 16 at 3:30 p.m., with second-round interviews taking place later that evening.
The Royal Oak School Board expects to appoint a new superintendent by July 1, 2025. This selection marks a pivotal moment in shaping the future of Royal Oak Schools and upholding the district’s vision of a Community of Excellence and its mission to nurture growth-minded, adaptable students in a safe, inclusive, and student-first environment.
For updates and more information, visit www.royaloakschools.org.
