It appears that Oxford’s own Tim Throne was ‘the cream that rose to the top? after the Oxford School Board voted unanimously Feb. 26 to hire him as the next superintendent beginning Sept. 1.
‘I am incredibly humbled to be the next superintendent of Oxford Community Schools,? said Throne, the current deputy superintendent. ‘Almost 15 years ago, I was offered the wonderful opportunity to begin my career here after we moved back to our home state of Michigan.?
‘Over the course of this time and in my various roles (director of technology, executive director of strategic initiatives and technology and deputy superintendent), I have been blessed to work with very dedicated educators, administrators, staff, students, and community members,? he added. ‘We would not be where we are today without the support of the entire Oxford team.?
While the details of Throne’s contract must still be worked out, the board is looking to negotiate an initial term of three years, beginning Sept. 1 and ending June 30, 2018.
Throne was vying for the spot against Current Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Ed Okuniewski of L’Anse Creuse Public Schools.
Stakeholders? perspectives
While it was a grueling two weeks filled with interviews, many stakeholders in the district were thankful the current board took the time ‘to go through the process,? rather than just appointing Throne to the position, which almost happened back in December under the previous board.
Oxford Education Association (OEA) President Jim Gibbons, was one of those folks back in December who urged the board to not just arbitrarily appoint Throne, but instead, follow a selection process.
‘I felt by going through a process we would make our district stronger, make whoever our superintendent is a much stronger individual and bring them much more credibility,? Gibbons said. ‘Thank you for that and following the advice of the people that night.?
Speaking for himself, Gibbons had no doubt Throne was the best man for the job. ‘There is not a person in this room who is familiar with our district that thinks right now the relationship is perfect (with) all the stakeholders in our district. I think Tim is uniquely positioned to understand where those breakdowns have happened and what needs to be done to heal it,? he added. ‘Based on the relationship that my leadership team of OEA has? I think Tim is the clear choice for superintendent.?
For middle school teacher, parent, and OEA Vice President Neil Peruski, it was a question of right and wrong.
‘If the board thinks there is more wrong with Oxford than right with Oxford, then by all means bring in somebody new who’s not connected with Oxford. But if you feel there is more right with Oxford . . . Then I think it makes sense to stick with somebody who is part of Oxford who doesn’t have rebuild the momentum that we already have (and) someone who can leverage the momentum we already have and keep it going.?
Prior to the unanimous vote, each board member weighed in as to why they felt Throne was the best man for the job.
For Trustee Joyce Brasington, it was the community input she received from the stakeholders that was a deciding factor.
‘The board as a whole has a much clearer understanding of where the district is as far as employee relationships go and what the employees think the needs of the district are,? she said. ‘I think that was really important to this district to have that opportunity to make sure the board heard from more than just one voice, but several voices through this process. And that we’re going to act in good faith based on the feedback we heard.?
While Trustee Kim Shumaker was impressed with both candidates, at the end of the day, for her it was about who could help keep Oxford ahead of the game in the programs they already have and she saw Okuniewski as having to play catch up because Oxford is farther along in its programs than L’Anse Creuse.
‘I don’t think we’re going to be unique as a district for much longer. It’s very clear that other districts are clearly moving toward IB, virtual and international programs,? she said. ‘The only way we’re going to stay ahead at this point is if we become the best at doing those (programs).?
Vice President Carol Mitchell agreed.
‘Though I did like Ed, he kept saying he was a couple years behind us. You guys are plowing the way,? Mitchell said to the teachers in the crowd. ‘I don’t want to slow you down. I want to support you and get you where you got to go.?
While Trustee Mike Schweig believes the process ‘was flawed at one point,? back in December, he is glad to see where the board ended up and that he was able to receive plenty of public input.
‘It’s not as important where you start with an issue or topic, but where you end up,? he said. ‘I do believe there is a strong candidate and it’s the person who’s been in our district.?
Treasurer Dan D’Alessandro was glad to see the board made the decision as a group. ‘You understand that’s it’s not about who’s for one person and who’s for another person,? he said. ‘At the end of the day, we all have to be for Oxford and I think that’s what we’ve been able to do.?