SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH COMMUNITY SURVEY
RESULTS FOR ROWLAND USD NOW AVAILABLE
Retired Superintendent John Roach Selected as RUSD Interim Superintendent During Summer Search Process
ROWLAND HEIGHTS, CA – JUNE 17, 2014 – The Rowland Unified School District (RUSD) Board of Education held a special session on Thursday, June 12 at 6 p.m. and the executive search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA & Associates) shared their findings from focus groups, community meetings and an online survey regarding the desired characteristics of a new Superintendent. The Board also took action on appointing retired superintendent John Roach, Ed. D., as Interim Superintendent at RUSD while the superintendent search process continues this summer. The appointment is effective immediately, subject to negotiation of a mutually agreeable employment agreement to be presented to the Board for ratification during open session at the Board’s next regular meeting on August 13, 2014.
“This is the highest participation rate we have ever had in an online survey, with 290 stakeholders taking part,” said Rudy Castruita, from HYA & Associates. “We were really impressed and pleased with the input received and there is a strong sense of what the community is looking for in its next leader. We commend the Board for casting a wide net and generating a clear expression of interest in the District and the superintendent search process.” Over one-fourth of respondents (28%) from the online survey were teachers and 24% were students. Another 17% were parents and the rest were school support staff, community members and administrators. The top-rated characteristics that respondents selected were:
· Listen to and effectively represent the interests and concerns of students, staff, parents, and community members;
· Foster a positive professional climate of mutual trust and respect among faculty, staff, and administrators;
· Hold a deep understanding of the teaching/learning process and of the importance of educational technology;
· Have a clear vision of what is required to provide exemplary educational services and implement effect change; and
· Identify, confront and resolve issues and concerns in a timely manner.
Other consistent themes that were desired in the next superintendent included a person who is a good listener, who is approachable/accessible, who can articulate a clear and consistent message, who believes in public education, who is collaborative and can build trust, and someone who is bilingual is preferred, but not required. The entire survey results and executive search profile report can be found on the District website: www.rowlandschools.org/SuperintendentSearch.
Educational and leadership consultant John Roach, Ed.D., (John Roach & Associates) will be the Interim Superintendent at Rowland Unified this summer while the superintendent search process continues. Roach is an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California teaching the courses “Leadership” and “Accountability.” He was Superintendent of Carlsbad Unified from 2004-12 and at Charter Oak Unified 1998-2004, and is known for his leadership while also serving in Brea Olinda Unified and East Whittier City School Districts. He serves on the Dean’s Superintendents Advisory Group of the University of Southern California and has been active in the Association of California School Administrators Association, serving as charter president and on various state committees. Roach received his Doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Southern California and his M.A. in English from Loyola Marymount University.
“The Board is delighted to have Dr. John A. Roach join the Rowland Unified School District. Dr. Roach comes with a broad range of experiences to assist the district during this transition process,” said Board President Heidi L. Gallegos. Roach will serve as Interim Superintendent on a part-time basis, approximately three days per work week, during the summer months pending completion of the current search for a permanent superintendent. The timeline for the superintendent search process includes advertising and applications for the position concluding on July 11, 2014. Interviews will take place in August with the hiring of the new leader expected in September, 2014.