Rochester Superintendent Shaner's Contract Extended

ROCHESTER, MI — Superintendent Robert Shaner will lead the Rochester Community Schools for another five years.

The Rochester Community Schools Board of Education approved a five-year extension of Shaner’s contract on Monday night, expressing their gratitude for Shaner’s leadership.

"In the seven years Dr. Shaner has been the leader of RCS, he righted the organization, instilled a culture that values service to the community, and empowered RCS staff to do the right things for all students," Board Treasurer Mike Zabat said. "Dr. Shaner is an extraordinary leader with exceptional vision and the fortitude to stand behind his convictions. We are lucky to have him."

Shaner was appointed superintendent in March of 2013. At the time when he stepped into the leadership role, the district was experiencing financial hardship. Shaner launched a five-year strategic plan to identify and synchronize efforts to achieve the district’s mission. He aligned expenditures with available resources, delivered a balanced budget, ensured a healthy fund balance, eliminated the line of credit, and upgraded the credit rating twice, while helping the district offer high-quality programing.

According to the district, in 2015, Shaner’s vision of a districtwide bond proposal ensured resources were available to enhance student and staff safety and school security, improve technology, and address critical infrastructure needs. This past year, for the first time in district history, the community once again overwhelmingly supported Shaner’s vision by approving a building and site fund, ensuring a sustainable mechanism is available to repair, replace or buy new items that support critical facility and infrastructure needs.

Shaner was named Michigan’s 2020 Superintendent of the Year by the Michigan Association of School Administrators in January.

"Dr. Shaner has proved himself to be an impeccable leader for Rochester Community Schools," MASA Executive Director Chris Wigent said. "With a focus on bridging the diversity, equity, and inclusion gap, Dr. Shaner is committed to his philosophy: All Means All."

The contract extension approved Monday night includes a salary increase for what district officials say is a 24/7 job.

"When you look at the data, the financials, the people, the culture and the product, it’s at a high-level private sector standard," Board Trustee Scott Muska said. "He is a CEO driving a $180 million organization that cares about kids, is empathetic and results-driven."