Superintendent Candidate Interviews: Meet John D. Strycker

, superintendent, New Lothrop Area Public Schools

About 11 people, including parents and administrators, filled the board of education meeting room Tuesday night as two candidates were interviewed for the Royal Oak Schools superintendent position. On Monday, were interviewed.

Why did you apply?

Strycker said Royal Oak is an awesome school district, which is why he wants the superintendent job. Armed with a binder full of supporting documents, Strycker was quick to point out he wasn’t just saying that either. “I back it with data, and I think it is a good match,” he said. Strycker said he has the experience for the position, working in districts ranging from 10,000 students to 60,000 students.

Budget process

In  about 15 years as an administrator, Strycker said, he acquired extensive budgetary experience. Strycker said he has always been a stickler with budgets and passes out documents to the board outlining his processes. “I’m very procedural,” he said, adding that budgetary skills are one of his highest rated areas by his current board of education. Strycker said he understands that when it comes to budgets you have to set priorities.

Collective bargaining

Strycker said he has been part of collective bargaining for more than 10 years, adding he’s learned a lot about collective bargaining throughout his career. Stryker said he’s been a part of some successful negotiations, however he knows the climate is changing and he needs to stay on top of issues. And he said he keeps children at the forefront of bargaining. “No one can argue when the decisions you’re making are about children,” he said.

Promoting student achievement

Stycker said when it comes to student achievement he sets common goals, creating a goal statement and a gap statement.  The reason for the gap statement, he told the board, is that no matter how well you do, there is always room for improvement.  Strycker said he is a leader in student achievement. “I’m the No. 1 advocate for children, and student achievement is right there,” he said.

Experience eliminating a program

“It is not pleasant,” Strycker said. He said while working In Bay City, he had a directive to eliminate programming. He said he handled it directly, which is how he would approach program elimination in any future scenarios.

How do you define a well-rounded student?

Strycker tries once a month to visit with his district’s seniors. In his seminars, he said, he presents life lessons. Strycker said he wants the students to know a well-rounded person includes spiritual, emotional, physical and intellectual aspects. Strycker said he implemented a capstone project in his district, which promotes well-rounded students.

Supporting building administrators and teachers

“You hire great people and you support them,” Strycker said. Strycker said the top companies in the world hire great people and they support them. “How do you support people?” he asked. Strycker said he is working toward being a “level 5” leader, which means you link not only the needed business support aspect, and attach the emotional link, building a bond with employees. “That is where I’m evolving as a leader,” he said. He said success also includes recognizing a job well done and involving employees in the decision making process.

How would you spend your first 100 days on the job?

“I’ve had ample training to the key of the first 100 days,” Strycker said, adding the business model will tell you the first 100 days are critical. Strycker said he would first conduct a listening tour and visit buildings as much as possible, meet with a variety of people and establish a relationship with the media. Strycker said he builds relationships based on respect and trust.