Rockford School District names Steve Matthews as new superintendent - mlive Shibler said he is most looking forward to traveling after he retires. We collectively worked together to make a school system of continuous improvement, one thats better than we are today and into the future, he said. My goal for this school year is to expand the conversations between the schools and the RPS 205 administration. He has ben superintendent of Novi since 2011, prior to that he served as superintendent of Grand Ledge Public Schools from 2008 to 2011. Kent ISD    The purpose of the SSAC is to present student voice to the Superintendent and the School Board, and to represent the Superintendent in Rockford public high schools and in the community. Before coming to Rockford in 1989, he served in various teaching and administrative roles at Clarenceville School District in Livonia, Brighton Public Schools, and Warren Consolidated Schools. The district hopes to have a new superintendent by July 1, 2022. Byron Center   Hired in March, Matthews is stepping into his new role in Rockford following the decades-long tenure of Michael Shibler. He continues to cultivate a culture of respect, evident in his relationship with the Board of Education, staff, students, parents, and his administration.. About the Superintendent - Rockford Public Schools - RPS 205 But the longtime superintendent said Rockford Public Schools will always be a part of who he is. Shibler announced in June that he plans to retire this year after having served as Rockfords superintendent for 32 years. After six years of teaching, he went on to become a high school administrator in Brighton, and later moved up to assistant superintendent for curriculum and personnel. I plan to remain a part of the Rockford community and I look forward to seeing the RPS continue to flourish under the guidance of the Board of Education and through the hard work and dedication of itsemployees. Rockford Public Schools has selected Korie Wilson-Crawford, assistant superintendent of human resources, to serve as interim superintendent when retiring superintendent Michael Shibler steps down on Jan. 1, 2022. Still, he initially resisted the pull to the classroom and spent his early 20s living an adventurous life with his wife, Janice, in the Western U.S. In the end, I came back around and saw the power of public schools and the power of classrooms and decided that thats where I wanted to be, he says. Sparta    With recent federal funding from the American Rescue Plan, additional upgrades are underway, including plans to provide air conditioning to all learning spaces. Those two sets of characteristics will be very beneficial for students as they go through their adult life, he said. Thornapple Kellogg    I participate in my school's theatre program as often as I can. She will take over as interim superintendent on Jan. 1, 2022, according to a news release from the district. Her visit doesnt come until the end of September, so shes hopeful. He has overseen the implementation of a $250 million facilities plan to build schools and provide major upgrades at all campuses. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. However, when the pandemic hit, I felt compelled to carry out my duties during very uncertain times to provide consistent and ongoing leadership, with my priority being the implementation of safe protocols so students and staff could return to the 2020-21 school year. Rockford Public Schools' Kelley, assistant superintendent of Grandville    The most recent bond, approved by voters in 2019, will generate $185 million for Rockford over the next decade to support the districts nearly 8,000 students. I love helping people and making them feel welcomed/wanted. Sitting down at lunch tables with students to see how theyre doing is data thats just as important as hard data, he says, because if a student doesnt feel like they belong, if they dont feel like theres someone in the building who cares for them, then theyre not going to invest. School News Network is community journalism at work, funded through the donations of our sponsors and member school districts and developed by Kent ISD. Matthews will replace former Superintendent Michael Shibler, who retired Dec. 31, after 32 years at the helm. You will no doubt give credit to the students, parents, teachers, staff and administrators, and of course they deserve some credit, but it is undisputable that your leadership helped bring those things together for the benefit of the district over the last 30 years., They say one of the jobs of a leader is to leave a place better than they found it, and theres no doubt you have done that.. Matthews was was among four finalists vying to take the reins of Kent Countys fourth largest district with nearly 8,000 students. I knew the district because Dr. Shibler was a legendary figure having been here 32 1/2 years, Matthews says. His leadership is founded on the belief and understanding that culture can drive improvement in all areas, the board summary said. Rockford    Hes also taught in teacher education programs at Wayne State University and the University of Michigan. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Prior to that, he served Troy School District as director of curriculum and assessment. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 4 p.m.: Korie Wilson-Crawford, current interim superintendent at Rockford Public Schools During the first round of interviews, the school district said that there will be an opportunity. Kent City    One of my hopes is that I can honor his legacy and continue to help people remember that he did a tremendous job here in the Rockford Public Schools, he says. The evaluation itself was conducted on Nov. 30, according to a news release from the district. The bottom line is this new person is going to have to be totally focused on open, transparent, candid communication with their constituents, their parents, students, staff and so forth, Shibler said. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. With the bonus of burning 360 calories an hour, rollerblading is a surefire way to stay fit without a gym. School board President Miles Postema said during his remarks Monday that the districts success wouldnt be possible without Shiblers steadfast and devoted leadership. KALAMAZOO, Mich. Kalamazoo Public Schools' new superintendent Darrin Slade officially takes his seat at the table. In my role as Superintendent of Schools, the demands on my time are many. He initially held off on retiring because of the coronavirus pandemic. During the first two years of this innovative partnership with the City of Rockford, more than 300 full-tuition scholarships have been awarded. I need lessons., Matthews has set a goal to visit every school in Rockford at least once each month. And I believe Im very proud of that.. Join to view profile . Rhonda Dean has been an educational leader for over 25 years. Rockford Public Schools Superintendent Ehren Jarrett, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara and Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd gathered for a press conference on Tuesday updating the district on a . 616.863.6557. Dr. Thats unusual in superintendent circles, so I knew him and had interacted with him on numerous occasions.. Matthews holds a bachelors degree in comparative religion from the University of Washington, a masters degree in reading education from Texas Tech University and a doctorate in teacher education from Wayne State University. I joined the SSAC because ever since joining RPS 205 in second grade, I wanted to make every student feel as welcome and heard as I felt and continue to feel. [6] Rockford Public Schools has achieved a high standard of excellence in all academic, athletic and fine arts areas. I am committed to providing a welcoming and academically challenging environment that allows all students the opportunity for success, Wilson-Crawford said in a prepared statement. I am a senior at East High School. Source: Rockford Register Star 1/6/2013. ROCKFORD, MI Rockford Public Schools Superintendent Steven Matthews has earned a highly effective rating in his first annual superintendent evaluation since he started with the district on July 1. Together they have built a district that many want to be a part of myself included. She served as the editor-in-chief for Calvin University's student newspaper and then spent nine years as a writer and content strategist at her alma mater. She hasnt had one of his chocolate-chip cookies yet. All Rights Reserved. I was elated and humbled to be selected, Matthews told SNN following the public announcement. Matthews comes to Rockford with a legacy of his own, one of nearly 40 years spent in education. I'm a junior and an AP student at Jefferson High School! Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The board has entered into contract negotiations with Matthews and plans to notify the community once a contract is in place. Our staff are doing amazing work, we have a very supportive community, and I am looking forward to continuing Rockfords tradition of excellence in this interim role.. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. He lives in Rockford with his wife, Christie, and their two children. Korie Wilson-Crawford, the districts assistant superintendent of human resources since 2018, has been serving as interim superintendent since Jan. 1. RPS and Rockford city officials comment on shooting at Auburn High School I feel very good about the work that we have done in Rockford, and that Ive had the privilege of serving as superintendent of Rockford (during the pandemic).. Northview    Staff Directory - Rockford Public Schools - RPS 205 Under Shiblers leadership, the district has successfully requested million of dollars in school bonds to improve and upgrade facilities. I participate in cross country and long-distance track as a captain as well as serve as president of Auburns Model United Nations. Sparta    Theres evidence that his holistic approach to student success is working. Wilson-Crawford attributed the success of Rockford Public Schools to the districts leadership team, and said she looks forward to working alongside administrators as interim superintendent. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The most recent bond, approved by voters in 2019, will generate $185 million for Rockford over the next decade to support the districts nearly 8,000 students. I will welcome you to meet with me throughout the school year in a variety of venues such as coffees and book clubs. Following the first round of interviews, Steve Matthews, superintendent of Novi. Kenowa Hills    We are excited to invite Dr. Matthews as Rockford Public Schools next superintendent.. While he has cherished his time as Rockfords superintendent, Shibler wants to step down so he can devote more time to his loved ones, he previously told MLive in an interview. I am a sophomore at Auburn High School. ROCKFORD, Mich. (WOOD) Tuesday marks the first round of interviews for the next superintendent of Rockford Public Schools. Forest Hills    Ms. Dean grew up in Fridley and is a 1979 graduate of Fridley High School. The school board is entering into contract negotiations with Matthews in conjunction with the Michigan Leadership Institute. I am looking forward to these next couple of years and the impact we could leave. When Matthews visits classrooms and meets students and teachers, he also brings his soon-to-be famous home-baked chocolate chip cookies made with a few special ingredients and double the chocolate. In announcing its selection, the board highlighted Wilson-Crawfords work during this interim period. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. She demonstrates wisdom and a knack for skillfully and thoroughly assessing situations, resulting in sound decision-making, Shibler said in a prepared statement. School: (815)227-8409 ext. Evidence of his work in his current district and history of academic successes are obvious. I am a junior at Auburn High School. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. I am a senior at Guilford High School and the founder of You Matter Organization. Cedar Springs    Matthews has also proven to be an efficient steward of the districts funding, the board summary said. He is recognized both inside and outside the district as an outstanding superintendent and evidence shows him to be highly effective.. PDF Rockford Public Schools SUPERINTENDENT VACANCY Knowing his love for reading, teachers often ask him to read to their students during his visits. I strongly believe that Rockfords greatest resource is not money we are a low-funded district but that our greatest resources are people, which includes our employees, teachers, support staff, administrative team, board of education, our parents, students and community, he said. Kentwood    Superintendent at Rockford Public Schools Rockford, Illinois, United States. Dear Rockford Public Schools students, parents, and community members: I am excited to begin my tenure as your new Superintendent. Number of employees at Rockford Public Schools in year 2021 was 129. Shibler, who has been Rockfords superintendent for 32 years, will officially retire on Dec. 31, 2021. From masks to learning loss, these are 5 big questions facing Michigan schools this fall, Major inequities in Michigan education were exposed by the pandemic, leaders say theres no going back, Michigan students should still mask up, state says. He created a role for a Chief of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with a goal to ensure African American voices are heard. Because my years serving the Rockford Public Schools and community have been the most rewarding of my career, it is bittersweet that I submit to you my intent toretire effective December 31, 2021. Their other priority was ensuring that Rockford students have access to a widening variety of opportunities both academically and in extracurriculars. ROCKFORD, Mich. (WOOD) The longtime superintendent of Rockford Public Schools is retiring at the end of the year. With the states updated school funding model, Dr. Jarrett has prioritized strategic budgeting and increased resources for all schools, emphasizing support for schools with the greatest need. I'm excited to be a part of the council and be a part of the positive changes to the district! Adam Uren Sep 8, 2020 Rockford School District A former school superintendent has been charged with embezzling public funds to the tune of more than $42,000. The Superintendents Student Advisory Council (SSAC) is a group of students from each RPS 205 high school that meets regularly,with a goal of encouraging goodwill, leadership and unity among RPS 205 students and the district.