Clawson

Rogers to retire from CPS this year

By Heidi Roman
C & G Staff Writer

CLAWSON — Cheryl Rogers’ first attempt at retirement wasn’t very relaxing.

After her first retirement, she immediately came back as Clawson Public Schools’ superintendent to serve under a new contract.

Rogers

This time, when she takes a second crack at retirement, she vows to use her days spending time with family, traveling and volunteering. Rogers announced she will officially retire from the district as of June 30.

“I began to weigh out the next five years, where I either need to make a commitment for the next five years, or hand it off, because things are coming up,” Rogers said. The district will be experiencing change in the near future in terms of its budget, school improvements, technology installation and employee contracts. She felt it was best to hand the task of leading the change to someone who will be there throughout.

“I’m sad in a lot of ways, because I will certainly miss the outstanding people,” Rogers said. “I’ve had great administrators, wonderful teachers, and great support staff. We’ve had a great school board, and a lot of consistency.”

Rogers was first hired in 2007, coming from the East China School District, where she was an assistant superintendent for a handful of years, and a Lapeer elementary school principal prior to that. She retired in 2010, but was rehired under a contract in a cost-savings move, as the district no longer paid her healthcare or made contributions into the retirement system for her.

She said becoming a superintendent was a dream come true.

“It really is, to be able to impact so many children,” she said. “I have to worry about each and every student, and I take that very seriously, to be concerned that they get a good education.”

Rogers said she vividly recalls the enthusiasm with which she accepted the position of superintendent nearly five years ago, and notes that she has the same enthusiasm now for the next chapter of her life.

She hoped that by announcing her retirement early in the year, the board could move ahead with the search process so a replacement is ready to take over in July.

“I expect we’ll use the same process we used to find (Rogers),” said Board President Kevin Turner.

In the past, the district hired the Michigan Leadership Institute to conduct the search. The process usually begins with interviews of board members, staff members and members of the community about what traits, experiences and qualities the ideal superintendent would have. The job would then be posted for 30-45 days.

“It can be (national), but we’re a small district, so it more than likely will be Michigan based,” Turner said.

The field would be narrowed to five to eight candidates for a first round of interviews, and then further narrowed to just a few potential superintendents. At that point, the board goes on site visits to the candidates’ schools.

“There’s lot of information gathering,” Turner said. “All of this is done in open session.”

Turner said the district would hope to have the new candidate in place by July 1, or earlier if possible.

Turner offered thanks to Rogers for her five years of service in the district.

“She’s done a great job for us and has worked on some things behind the scene that have really helped improve the district,” he said. “She’s moved the district along and made it a better district. We’re excited to bring in a new leader who will keep things rolling.”
 

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Heidi Roman at hroman@candgnews.com or at (586)218-5006.