Help. Search for a new Superintendent.
October 11, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 11, 2007
Contact: Pam Adams, President, Dearborn Board of Education (313) 278-3938
Thomas McLennan, Thomas D. McLennan & Associates, (313) 577-8281
David Mustonen, Communications Coordinator (313) 827-3006
Board of Education
Seeks Community Input
After interviewing several superintendent search firms, the Dearborn Board of Education selected Thomas D. McLennan & Associates to take on the job of locating the next Superintendent for the Dearborn Public Schools. The search process is now underway and the next step requires input from the community.
The public is encouraged to attend one of two information gathering sessions being held on Tuesday, October 23 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, October 24 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Frank Franchi Boardroom at the Administrative Service Center, 18700 Audette, Dearborn. Groups not able to attend one of the meetings, but would like to share their thoughts and ideas, can contact McLennan & Associates directly at (313) 577-8281 or e-mail tdmclennan@wayne.edu to set up a meeting. They can also contact President Adams at 18700 Audette, Dearborn, MI 48124.
“Of course we know that our parents and staff will be an active part in this search process, but we would also like to have input from students, business owners, former parents, religious groups, neighborhood associations, civic groups, realtors, and individual community members,� commented Board President Pam Adams.
In order to put together a job description that can be used to recruit applicants, the Board needs to identify the characteristics, qualities, and credentials community members feel Dearborn’s next educational leader must possess.
“Now is the time to be involved in this very important process,� Adams added.
At a recent Board meeting, Tom McLennan, president of McLennan & Associates, explained how his firm would advertise, both state wide and nationally, to attract a pool of about twenty or more candidates. The Board would then need to narrow down that number to about six. Community members would once again be asked to be part of the final interview process.
The Board began the search to fill the districts top spot after current Superintendent, Dr. John Artis, announced he would retire at the end of the 2007-08 school year. Dr. Arts arrived in the district in 2002 and has been successful in bringing about a high level of accountability in the district, developing staff leadership, and creating a culture of learning within all schools.
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42 Comment(s)
Talk about kiss "you know what " The last paragraph is blatantly untrue. Has McLennan , lost it ?
--by on 10/11/07 Lives: Dearborn
Pity the poor guy that gets the job of superintendent of the Dearborn Schools.
He will need two heads one for East and one for West.
Will the twain ever meet ? I hope so, but doubt it.
--by on 10/11/07 Lives: Dearborn
Thomas D. McLennan & Associates needs to look no further then our brightest and best schoolboard member, AIMEE BLACKBURN!
--by on 10/11/07 Lives: Dearborn
Forget schoolboard members, because they simply aren't qualified. Check within first, for a good Dearbornite, because we already lost one in C.Kreger, please don't let that happen again.
--by on 10/11/07 Lives: Dearborn
Pray tell, how is any new superintend going to run the Dearborn Schools on merit and high scholarship standards after the political correct ineptitude's of the Artis years. Face it, The Dearborn Schools was one of the best and now is one of the worst.
--by on 10/11/07 Lives: Michigan
Dearborn Schools ? I teach in them and send my kids to private school. Am I a traitor? No a realist.
--by on 10/11/07 Lives: Dearborn
The comment about a two headed superintendent is not far of the mark. What we need is two superintendents. One for the business side of running a school district and another that would handle the educational academic side of the equation. Also we should get rid of the requirement that a candidate have a PHD.Especially if the degree was from a college of education.
--by on 10/11/07 Lives: Dearborn
I know it would never happen in a million years but what we need is a person with a back bone, integrity, and a person who cannot be "gotten to" by local influence peddlers.
We need a fresh perspective, yet someone who knows the lay of the land. We need someone who is a strong leader, has specific goals and follows through. We need someone who knows about high school reform yet still knows what our middle schools and elementry schools need to improve to get the students ready for High School.
If I could pick among some of the best administrators left in Dearborn right now (and there is not too many good ones to pick from), my pick would be someone like Gail Shenkman.
I am sure this would draw a lot of criticism, but those of us in the Dearborn High Community have seen what she did to improve DHS. She did a great job at Woodworth as well. Many have seen her make the best of bad situations thrust upon her, and above all else, be a very strong leader. It’s a fine line where a superintendent does not seek to win a popularity contest, but gets the job done and done well.
This district needs someone who can make the unpleasant decisions and improve our schools without buckling to the pressure from the politically correct or influence peddling group like AAPAC and I can’t think of a better person for the job.
Too bad our district will end up losing her too just like we lost Mrs. Kreger. Why is everyone in Dearborn afraid of women in control?
Why are we using a firm headed up by our old superintendent who left in a hail of controversy himself? Of all the consulting firms we could use, are you telling me his was the best? I would love to see the criteria for selecting this firm.
--by on 10/12/07 Lives: Dearborn
We had a great superintendent in Dr Jeremy Hughes. He went on to become a top administrator in the Michigan Department of education.
We lost him because Board members Aimee Blackburn and Mary Lane wanted him out so they could pick there own puppet Dr John Artis.
Blackburn knows a lot about how strings are pulled.
--by on 10/12/07 Lives: Dearborn
Gail Shenkman. Are you kidding ? She is a female version of John Artis. What has she done for Dearborn High? Check it out. The scores on all DHS tests have fallen under her so called "leadership",
Gail Shenkman toadies up to John Artis because he got a job for her husband in the Dearborn School system, Talk about nepotism. Thats why Gail Shenkman has been a John Artis acolytes from day one.
Gail is clever and can fool some of the people some of the time , but not all the people all the time. She is worried now about the departure of Artis because she was angling for a top job at Ten Eyck.
Sorry Gail your gig is up. Don't be surprised to see genuflecting Gail beat it out of Dearborn when her buddy "Big John" leaves.
--by on 10/12/07 Lives: Dearborn
Let me say I teach at DHS. And Truth is right on. And as for me not signing my real name . With Shenkman, It would be off with my head. After she reads this post she will be busy having her stooges post "I love you Gail " comments. And every stooge will denie that Shenkman put them up to it. LOL
--by on 10/12/07 Lives: Michigan
DHS Teacher: You teach high school and you spell "deny" with an "ie"?
Either you're full of crap about being a teacher, or now I think I understand why the Dearborn students are struggling with their standardized tests.
--by on 10/12/07 Lives: Dearborn
Dear TTY, Your right about about deny. But is spell check all you have to offer? Get real. How about some substance.
--by on 10/12/07 Lives: Michigan
Wow, Sure didn't take long for a Shenkman grammarian stooge to jump on the DHS teacher for a spelling error. I don't teach in Dearborn, But have known Gail for many years, and yes, she does know how to kiss up. I love the words Shenkman stooge, it's perfect. Has a nice ring to it.
--by on 10/12/07 Lives: Dearborn
To the supposed DHS TEACHER:
You have entered two postings and each has featured a glaring spelling error. (See 'Your' instead of 'You're' in the second posting.) It seems you need a dictionary close at hand. Also, If you really are a teacher at Dearborn, you need to look around a bit more. Sure, not everyone is going to like the boss, but there is no widespread feeling of resentment against Gail Shenkman in the teaching ranks. I have spoken to teachers from varied areas of the school and, unprompted, they have spoken approvingly of things that are principal-driven. If you really are a Dearborn High teacher, you seem to be in the pronounced minority regarding your resentment of your principal.
--by on 10/12/07 Lives: Dearborn
Gail Shenkman for Superintendent?
First off, Ms. Shenkman lacks the basic criteria to be a leader. Integrity. Next, just like Artis, she does not treat all employees the same. Non-Instructional is Not important.
Anyway, she is busy interviewing all over Southeast Michigan for an Assistant Superintendent Job. Good Bye, Good Luck, Good Riddance.
--by on 10/12/07 Lives: Detroit area
Thomas D. McLennan was selected because he only cost 9,500.00 dollars. During this presentation, he offered to lower his cost to 8,500 dollars. The driving force behind his selection was Sharon Dulmage. You would think that they knew this was not the best choice. The district luck will be another Tom McLennan Clone……..If you thought Dr. Artis was anal retentive and politically correct, watch what McLennan provides
--by on 10/12/07 Lives: Dearborn
I just read an interesting article on how computers and e-mail are changing the way words are spelled and the grammar we use. Such as goin 4 going , C U , R U ,BTW. By the way, LOL, laughing out loud and got 2 go etc. Many Hyphens, commas and contractions r on the way out. BTW did u no that Shakespeare spelled his name 3 diff ways, and that punctuation did not exist in his time, as we know it.. Times r a changin. The rules of punctuation vary with language, location, register and time, and are constantly evolving.:)
--by on 10/12/07 Lives: Michigan
Shenkman , looking for a new job ? I wonder why? It's because her mentor Artis is getting the sack, thats why. Wonder if she'll take her husband, who she got a job for, will he go with her ? Nepotism in action.
--by on 10/12/07 Lives: Dearborn
Dearborn High Dad.
Your comment is laughable "there is no widespread feeling of resentment against Gail Shenkman in the teaching ranks. I have spoken to teachers from varied areas of the school and, unprompted, they have spoken approvingly of things that are principal-driven."
What fool of a DHS teacher would ever dare to say to any parents their true feeling about Gail Shenkman ?
She is vindictive as hell. And a very poor principal.
--by on 10/12/07 Lives: Dearborn
Want a surprise ? Well I'd be surprise if Gail Shenkman doesn't show up on Tom Mc Lennans list as a client. Gee, She has her Doctors degree . And I'll bet it's in Education. What a joke.
--by on 10/12/07 Lives: Michigan
Shenkman? She is a very mean, vindictive woman. She lacks social graces and doesn't talk to people if she thinks they are below her. Like many of the principals in the district, she thinks she is "GOD" For crying out loud, outside of the school district, being a principal is not all that, meaning when you tell people you are a principal it is not all that impressive. Shenkman needs to read up on manners.
--by on 10/13/07 Lives: Dearborn
It seems like most don't even know Mrs. Shenkman. She would be an excellent candidate for superintendent. The only teachers who don't think she's a good principal are the teachers who shouldn't have ever been teachers and wasted a lot of her time in getting rid of them. Unlike Dr. Artis, she really does care about people. When picking a new superintendent, let us not be fooled again by a good oral presentation. We must ask many questions of former colleagues. We must listen carefully to what others have to say about the character of a new superintendent. That is much more important than GPA's or degrees earned.
--by on 10/13/07 Lives: Dearborn
Oh my God ! All you teachers from DHS are deplorable and lacking of any social skills. How dare you attack a fellow teacher like Ms. Shenkman and her husband. I work at FHS and he is more then, highly qualified, the kids truly love him. If you dislike the woman , that is one thing, but to go after her husband is cowardly act. I truly feel sorry for you guys, you teachers are probably the same bunch of idiots that attacked Guido on his tenure. Maybe you should learn to do your job and teach . I am so glad to work at FHS. So keep playing your class videos, worksheets, absentism and keep complaining that these kids can not pass the ACT because it is a Dearborn thing. The definition of a principal is a head teacher.
--by on 10/13/07 Lives: Dearborn
If any teachers should be ashamed. Look at Fordson. Look at the test scores.
In fact maybe, you should look at yourself. The facts speak for them self.
Shame on you as a Fordson teacher.
Notice that unlike you,I only referred to YOU as an individual FHS teacher and not the blanket condemnation of ALL DHS teachers that you made.
I happen to know several great teachers at Fordson and Edsel and yes, even Dearborn.
Your generalities get you no respect. Again, SHAME on you.
--by on 10/13/07 Lives: Dearborn
I can understand why the teacher from Fordson was so outraged about the reference to nepotism regarding Dearborn principal Gail Shenkmans husband teaching at Fordson. Must of hit a raw nerve, as nepotism is rampant at Fordson.
--by on 10/13/07 Lives: Dearborn
Mark Zigterman for superintendent! He's got a PhD and already works at Ten Eyck.
--by on 10/14/07 Lives: Dearborn
I think the next Superintendent should have strong communication skills, a sense of urgency in turning around the high schools, morals that reflect our core values, keen awareness of local issues, be able to weed out and change any failed policies, return a focus to the core of learning by reducing programs not directly related to the curriculum and student achievement, and the ability to articulate vision and hope for the future.
I would also hope the new Superintendent was a spokesman for the district in explaining to the community on a regular basis what is occurring in the schools, how parents can be more involved, and developing a relationship to help bring the community into the district as partners in the educational process.
I am not saying this hasn't already been started, but just some key points. It would also be nice if the new person had an appreciation for technology and making sure kids are computer savvy beyond the basics as this will one of the main tools a student will use in the workforce in some capacity.
--by on 10/15/07 Lives: Michigan
Many opinions here but how many of you will actually show up at these posted meetings? You want your chance to make a difference? Here it is! Step up to the plate instead of hiding behind a pseudonym and pointing your finger at others. Here is your chance to make a difference for students in Dearborn and maybe even Dearborn itself. I plan to attend. Thanks for posting this information Mr. Gibb.
--by on 10/17/07 Lives: Dearborn
Dear DHS teacher ? Why are you a teacher ? Your life is a total joke. Here at Fordson , our students are primarily speaking English, second. So if you want to compare scores , than it is obvious you lack any skills at being a teacher. Are you that bitter about your job and would like to reflect your personality on our kids. I am so sorry for someone like you. Next time you point fingers at FHS, look at yourself in the mirror. Get some help, your insurance can provide you with some couseling. Next time you go into work, thank all those East Dearborn mothers, for providing large numbers of kids , so that you can have a JOB ...... FHS teacher
--by on 10/18/07 Lives: Dearborn
"Here at Fordson , our students are primarily speaking English"
Thats a joke! FHS has more bi-lingual dollars flowing into it than all the DPS schools combind!
--by on 10/19/07 Lives: Dearborn
Lord may you grant the wish of Gail and help her get a new job anywhere. Amen
--by on 10/21/07 Lives: Dearborn
I find it interesting that a "doctor" PHD is a criteria for a choice. Haven't these "doctors" got us into enough trouble already. I know many MD's and DDDs that don't go around calling themselves "doctor" It's amusing some peoples sense of being full of themselves. Just a comment, it really won't make a difference to the "doctor" who gets the job and wants a full staff to do their work for them because of their social status.
--by on 10/22/07 Lives: Dearborn
Hey Reality Check.....Can you comprehend what was written ? FHS kids do not spesk English first, and that is why we receive Title money from the State. Learn to read correctly, if you were taking the Act you would probably score low because of your low, reading skills (then you would try to blame it on your medication or being learning disabled ). The joke is within you. Are you still laughing. FHS also has more kids than any other DPS school, so what is your point ? Your "combind" is spelled wrong, add the "ed" to the word . FHS starts their adult classes Oct. 24th.
--by on 10/22/07 Lives: Dearborn
FHS teacher
Perhaps if you spent as much time teaching your students how to spell and write they could pass a state test.
It’s always so nice to see an FHS teacher who has time to correct people on this web site while his/her students fail to have any mastery of the English language. FHS students are primed for a 4th consecutive year of failing state standardized testing and a FHS teacher has the audacity to come out here and correct others.
Thanks for proving the point FHS teacher. You people over there need to get your priorities in order.
--by on 10/23/07 Lives: Dearborn
Reality check.....Do you feel better ? Slow down, life is beautiful, your taxes are helping us all. Please get some help, you are in need of some love, go to the gym and try to get rid of those saddle bags around your thighs and brain. Get a massage, you could use some middle-eastern oils. Go to La-shish and get some fine Arabic cuisine, just do not over-eat on the bread because it sound like you are plugged up physically and emotionally.Good luck...I love you.....
--by on 10/24/07 Lives: Dearborn
Hi, Russ,
Just to let you know...I attended the focus group meeting yesterday for choosing a new superintendent. Mr. (Dr.?) McLennon ran the meeting. I was disappointed when he made a point of saying that 'diversity is ALWAYS a strength.' That was in response to a man named Larry (I think my memory is straight on that), who might work for the school system, who stated that diversity is both a strength and a weakness, and that we need a leader who has shown the capability to bring diverse groups together. I challenged the notion that diversity is always good, or should even be sought. My point was that we ARE diverse, and have to face the fact. We need a leader who can keep us on course while dealing with that fact.
Mr. McLennon seems very nice, but I think he is a product of the P.C. educational-think.
Just my two cents...
Take care
--by on 10/30/07 Lives: Dearborn
Lord, you saved many a people from many a thing, and now you saved that other school district from Gail Shenkman. Again the Ultimate Christian thing to do. Now please can you save US from Gail or give her a backbone and some talent.
--by on 11/5/07 Lives: Dearborn
Today, 67 families in America will learn their child has Autism. Please pray for them!
--by on 3/14/09 Lives: Michigan
Dearborn Public Schools are some of the worst schools I have ever seen. Nepotism reigns supreme across the board. I pity the superintendent that will get hired to head DPS. I am glad I left the school district and from day my children were born have been homeschooling them. I will let "education" get in the way of my children's learning. Dearborn Schools-what a joke.
--by on 10/23/09 Lives: USA