Superintendent John Rouse announced his resignation, effective close of business on June 30, 2010, to the Salida R-32-J School Board at a Tuesday night work session.
John Rouse’s letter of resignation:
“After much thought and consideration, I have reached the conclusion that for personal reasons concerning my family I need to return to Texas. In order to do so, I hereby tender my resignation from the position of Superintendent of Schools for Salida R-32-J School District to be effective at the close of business on June 30, 2010. Hopefully by making this decision well in advance of my last day of employment, I have allowed the Board adequate time to seek a qualified individual for my replacement. I will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of the students and staff members of the Salida school district during my remaining tenure.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences working with the Salida R-32-J Board of Directors. Not only has the support and encouragement I have received from these dedicated and caring volunteers been tremendous to me individually, but it has also allowed us to make great strides in addressing our identified goals and priorities. The students of Salida R-32-J have benefited from this positive working relationship.
I wish the best of luck in the future to you and the Board as together you work to continue down the path that we have set for providing quality learning experiences for the children of our community.”
John P. Rouse
Board member responses:
“We are sorry to see Mr. Rouse go. He has been an integral part of our team and has worked tirelessly to take steps in making the educational vision of this community a reality. The plans we have created together will continue,” expressed Board President Lezlie Burkley.
“ I hate to see him leave, especially in the middle of so many projects and efforts. He has given us a good start with curriculum and facility improvements. We thank him for his work,” stated Russell Granzella, Board Vice President.
“It has been a privilege to work with a person that possess’ such admirable qualities; John has the strongest of work ethics, unsurpassable dedication, he is an innovative and forward thinker, and he always puts children first. I have great appreciation for what he has brought to our district, and have the utmost respect for him and for his decision. He will be missed,” said board member Robin NeJame.
“I thank him for his guidance and leadership that is taking us in a strong direction. I appreciate his integrity, generosity, and vision. We wish him the best in his future endeavors,” Penny Wilken, board member.
Accomplishments since John Rouse began in June 2007:
-Development with Salida School Board of a District Strategic Plan including goals in the areas of Academic Focus, Financial Oversight, Leadership Effectiveness, Fostering Relationships, and Planning.
-Oversight for the development of a PK-12 written curriculum.
-Classroom walk-through procedures for PK-12 to observe learning.
-Development of a District Facilities Plan.
-Revised salary schedule for staff.
-District-wide evaluation process.
-Partnership with Crest Academy and Strawberry Door Kindergarten.
-Increased enrollment in 2009 by 4.94%.
-Steps towards differentiated learning – including revision of the Gifted & Talented Program and Horizons Exploratory Academy.
-Reorganization of some departments to increase efficiency and decrease costs.
-Development of community committees for facilities, post-secondary education options, staff recognition/public relations, school calendar, and community engagement.
-Worked with the board to update and reformat the policy manual.
Process in finding a new superintendent:
“We are considering the same process we did in 2007, with the assistance of Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB). That process included meetings with staff, community, and board to determine priorities. Staff and community committees helped us review applications and interview candidates. And, the community had a chance to meet the top candidates before the board made its final decision,” explained Lezlie Burkley, Board President.
Potential timeline of search:
-Staff and community focus groups to discuss district needs and priority characteristics in a superintendent. (January/February)
-Staff and community committees, along with the board, will review applications and narrow the candidates. (February/March)
-“Meet the Candidates” community meeting to hear from the top candidates. (March/April)
-Staff and community committees, along with the board, will interview the top candidates. (March/April)
-Board will make the final decision. (by April)
I congratulate John for his hard work over his tenure. His recent efforts, for example, to bring together private schools such as Strawberry Door and the Crest Academy under the umbrella of the District are to be applauded. He has always in my experience been approachable and prepared to listen to others points of view and concerns.
Hopefully, out of the selection process, a candidate will come forward with strong local ties to enable the District to gain some continuity and stability in what are trying times for education.
A quick word of Kudos also to the School Board, who make tremendous sacrifices of their time and energy on a continuous basis.
It is unfortunate that community members, staff, and students have to go through the process again when it was made clear in 2007 that we wanted a person who was willing to stay more then a few years. And to add salt to the wound, throughout the past who knows how many months Mr. Rouse has known about this, even applying for other jobs, inevitably getting one.
I agree the district seems to be moving in the right direction, but I would say it’s due to board members putting in long hours, school administrators and ALL staff taking on more duties and working with less in a manner that is always in the best interest of kids. I wouldn’t give kudos to just one fella’.
Is it just me, or does it seem like anytime there is action on major new buildings around here, the head of the relevant body seems to rapidly depart thereafter. Can you say “Curriculum Vitae?”
Let the celebration begin!! Have you found even one staff member who had a single positive word to say about this guy? You might ask Barry Spence for some frank comments. Rouse is all about the show, no substance – the WORST administrator here ever, at least for the past 30 years. We’re lucky to get rid of him voluntarily, instead of having to buy out his contract. His merging with the private schools has cost the district a BOATLOAD of money it can clearly not afford.