Superintendent Schrock Receives Favorable Evaluation From School Board
By Ryan Schlehuber

Superintendent Roger Schrock received an overall rating of 8.6 out of 10 in the board of education's annual evaluation Thursday, March 20. This is his second year as the school's administrator.

The evaluation consisted of 20 questions covering his relationship with the board, performance on the budget, staff relationships, personal qualities, leadership in education, student relationships, and community relationships. Each of the seven school board members completed the questionnaire.

Averaged among the seven board members, the superintendent's highest rating was 9.8 for personal qualities, which includes writing and speaking clearly and effectively. His lowest rating, 7.8, was for leadership in education, which includes managing conflicts, professional job performance, and understanding and knowing all aspects of the educational system.

At its March 20 meeting, the board discussed the evaluation in a 30 minute closed session, but did not discuss the matter after returning to the open meeting.

Dr. Schrock's three-year contract expires June 30, 2009, and he said he is committed to the school and the Island.

"I'm here for the duration," he told the Town Crier. "I love it here and I'm looking forward to making good, positive changes."

"'Kids come first' is my bumper sticker," he said.

"I'm excited for what's ahead because we have some remodeling projects coming up and we are taking a look at our curriculum, as well."

During the board meeting, Dr. Schrock announced that Janet Couch, a therapist and counselor from Sault Ste. Marie Catholic Services, may be added to the staff, working one day a week with students needing behavioral guidance.

"We don't have a massive problem" with misbehaving students, he said, "but we do have kids that would benefit from that, since we have no guidance counselor." "We can start her one day a week and see if it evolves into something more than that, if we think it's necessary."

Nicole Charbonneau, a resident of the Island and employee of Stonecliffe Resort, will replace high school teacher Jeff Ferguson as the new track and field coach.

Miss Charbonneau has competed in track on the high school and college level.

Trustee Larry Rickley, a member of the school's building and grounds committee, reported that bids are being sought to replace fascia on the school building and install outdoor lights on the west side and along the sidewalk.

The school will also make minor repairs to the entrance doors, trim trees, and clear debris on the east side of the building. Wood and scrap metal, including inoperable exercise equipment from the school's fitness room, will be removed from the grounds this spring. The shades on the windows in the gymnasium also need to be fixed, the board noted.

An Upper Peninsula company that produces a wood chip product for heating is interested in promoting its product for use at the school, board president, Ben Mosley reported, but board members agreed that transportation and storage costs would probably make the option more expensive than the electric heat now used in the building.

The item was placed on file without any further action or discussion.