New CVS Superintendent Vows to 'Keep Things Steady'

When the current Chippewa Valley School superintendent exits in January, a longtime educator and administrator from within the district will replace him.

Ron Roberts, the current assistant superintendent, will begin as interim superintendent of Chippewa Valley Schools, the state's eighth-largest district, on Jan. 24.

Outgoing school superintendent Mark Deldin, who has been appointed Deputy County Executive by Mark Hackel, leaves Chippewa Valley on Jan. 21.

"I have worked for Chippewa Valley Schools for 32 years and it has become my home," Roberts, 55, said. "I love this district and I am completely honored."

An extensive education resume with CVS

After graduating from Oakland University, Roberts joined Chippewa Valley Schools as an elementary school teacher.

He spent 13 years teaching first and fifth grades before being promoted to assistant principal of Wyandot Middle School in 1991. While working as an elementary teacher, Roberts spent a year overseas in London as a Fulbright Foreign Exchange Teacher.

He has served as principal of Miami Elementary School and Cheyenne Elementary School, executive director of elementary education and is currently the assistant superintendent of educational services.

On replacing Deldin, Roberts said: "That's probably one of the trickiest parts of the job. Mark is an excellent organizational thinker, he understands how systems work. He has an uncanny ability to analyze something and determine a course of action that will get him the results that he wants.

"Fortunately, I have been able to learn from him for six years, so hopefully I've learned the right lesson."

While Roberts admits the need for a transitional period, he said he does not believe transitions have to mean change.

"Transitions are more about learning about why things are, what they are in perspective of being a superintendent," he said. "In my case, I am the interim superintendent, so my job is to do whatever I can to keep things steady as they can be."

Board members express confidence

Longtime school board member and past president Denise Aquino expressed her confidence in Roberts' abilities.

"I think that Ron will perform well in his role as interim superintendent because he has worked in many capacities within the district and has established an excellent reputation with the community and staff," Aquino said. "In addition to that he also is already highly-regarded with other school leaders within the county which will help him to make a smooth transition to his new role."

Roberts said he does not know when a new superintendent will be appointed, or if the board will even choose to conduct a search.

When asked if he would want the job permanently, Roberts replied in the affirmative.

"I am very interested in the job," he said. "I think that a superintendent and good board relationship is extremely important to the success of a district. I have worked here my whole career and I love Chippewa Valley.

"Along the way I have done many different jobs in this district, so as you perform these jobs, you're not consciously preparing yourself for something like a superintendent's position. But everything that you do gives you experience that is valuable in relation to that job."

Sue Grenier, executive director of elementary education describes Roberts as a compassionate and understanding leader.

"He can see things through the eyes of a first-grader, a teacher or a parent," she said. "Ron is both confident and humble. He bases his work with others on a vision that puts student learning first."

Chippewa Valley School Board President Henry Chiodini points to Roberts' likeability as an advantage to his new position.

"Ron is well liked by staff," Chiodini said. "He is friendly, easy to get along with. He is very caring about the kids in the community. He works in the curriculum area to provide programs in whatever areas are needed, so that our students can pursue the career they are looking for."

Roberts said he believes the biggest challenge for the district is the state of the economy as well as changes made to federal and state guidelines for education.

"That we are being asked to do more at the same time that funding is being
reduced," he said.

Relationships key to success

When asked, what he would bring to the position of CVS superintendent, Roberts
said: "I think the most important part of what we do, is we develop relationships with people. I think that with any organization, the key is to have the relationships with the people that work in that organization, in order to get things done.

"Schools are collaborative and you have to have the support of many people to
accomplish something. I think that is my greatest strength, I work well with people."

Roberts added that as a leader, he will be open to ideas from a variety of sources.

"It's not about my ego, it's about doing what is best for the kids and those ideas can
come from many sources," he said. So I think that as an organization or me as a leader, we need to be open to ideas from a variety of places. And then find ways to implement them."

And no matter what challenges or obstacles the new position will bring, Roberts said he will not lose his sense of humor.

"Another thing that is so important is that we sometimes forget as we struggle day to day, is the importance of humor," he said. "I think that when all is said and done, we better find something to laugh about, there has to some joy in what we do, each and every day. And I think I bring I that to the workplace. Especially because we are in the kid business."

Roberts, has been married to his wife Denise for 26 years and their daughter Adrienne is in her first year at the University of Michigan.

"I am fortunate enough to have a wonderful wife and family, which I think is important, because it is kind of your basis of how you can get things done," Roberts said.