Superintendent Candidate Interviews: Meet Geraldine Moore

, assistant superintendent for instruction, Rochester Community Schools

About 50 members of the community were present for Moore's interview Wednesday evening. Some teachers attended the interview, as did at least one elementary school principal, several parents and members of the community.

On why she has applied for this position:

“I have a real passion for what’s happening here in Rochester, and that’s why I applied for the superintendent here," said Moore. “We are here for all students to make sure that they reach their potential."

One goal she has for the district:

“I feel that in the past five years, a goal has been set and a path has been started for Rochester Community Schools to take it from good to great, and there are many pieces that we have in place, but many pieces of the puzzle have not been put together. I know that is one of those goals – to get those pieces together to make Rochester a truly outstanding district.”

On dealing with budget cuts:

“We’re facing some pretty horrific things coming down from Lansing," said Moore. “Part of it is to keep looking at things with the student in mind."

On maintaining diversity and understanding in the classroom:

“One of the pieces that I truly believe is that if students don’t feel welcome, cared about, engaged – they are not going to succeed," said Moore. "If an adult does not feel welcomed, cared about, they’re not going to enjoy their job, and in the long run it ends up coming down and having an effect on the whole organization.”

On community involvement:

“Rochester, to me, is my community. I go to church here, I shop here, I go out to dinner here. I’m sure there are teachers here who have seen me at Bordine’s without any makeup on.”

She adds, “I think it’s important to be out there and be visible and go to the activities … and be in the buildings as much as I can.”

Most memorable quote:

“I look at some of the pieces we have in place … and really believe that if we can just keep on this path and keep moving with student achievement as our No. 1 goal, and meeting the needs of all students … we can take our students to a place that Rochester has not seen.”

Tomorrow's interviews:

• 6 p.m. Thursday: Frederick Clarke, superintendent Albion Public Schools
• 7:30 p.m. Thursday: Paul DeAngelis, deputy superintendent for educational services, Birmingham Public Schools

The final round of interviews are scheduled for March 22, 24 and 25, starting at 7 p.m. at .

Members of the school community who have a question they would like addressed during the interview process are invited to fill out a comment card at the meetings this week. There will also be opportunity for public comment during next week's final round of interviews.