Superintendent Candidate Interviews: Meet M. Jon Dean

, assistant superintendent/executive director for human resources of Birmingham Public Schools

About 20 people, including parents and administrators, listened in the board of education meeting room Monday night as three candidate were interviewed for the Royal Oak Schools superintendent position.

Why did you apply?

When Dean, 38, said he thinks about his career, he thinks about his dedication to the commitment of relationships. “At the end of the day we interact with people,” Dean said. Dean said his commitment to relationships has served him well throughout his career. “I’m committed to people and student achievement for all kids,” he said.

Budget process

When going through the budgeting process, Dean said he has a three-priority plan.  The first priority is students, who must be at the forefront of the decision-making process. The second priority: adhering to the district’s strategic plan. Dean said you align the budget with the mission. Dean’s third priority is to take a multiyear approach and not to look at just one year. “ Long term, where we are going,” he said. 

Collective bargaining

Dean said his core belief on collective bargaining is the process is about relationships. Dean said you have to manage and maintain relationships throughout the process, even mediation, while maintaining parameters set by the Board of Education.

Promoting student achievement

Dean said the first step is to indicate to the board that members must instruct the new superintendent to promote students' achievement as a top goal. The superintendent is accountable for student achievement, said Dean. The Birmingham district turned to 21st century learning, which Dean believes plays an important role in student achievement. 21st Century Teaching & Learning in the Birmingham school district is a model based on current research and the district's mission statement: “Our Birmingham Public Schools, in partnership with the community, will provide an engaging, responsible educational environment that develops knowledgeable, caring, adaptable lifelong learners who use their skills to influence positively a diverse and rapidly changing world.” The methodology is based on creating creating global citizens of character, which Dean said is important.

Experience eliminating a program

Last year, Dean said he looked at how to restructure elementary enrichment. “We had to go through a very painful process,” he said, adding that Birmingham eliminated its elementary counseling and enrichment programs. As a result, the district created the instructional specialist role. Dean said it was a hard thing for the district and the community. Dean emphasized engaging with the community. “Having good relationships does not mean that you avoid conflict,” he said.

How do you define a well-rounded student?

Dean said a well-rounded student is a child who is allowed to find his or her passion while learning the skills he or she needs to be successful as an adult.

Supporting building administrators and teachers

Dean said he would be supportive by remaining consistent while getting to know the administrators by engaging in regular dialogue.

Drawing in nonschool community members

Dean said first a district must think about how to engage kids and community members from the day they are born. And, he said, in Royal Oak's case think about the senior center, right across the street, and how would you engage people there? Dean said he would also make sure to engage with business leaders by going to them, and not expecting them to come to the district.

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

Dean passed out to the board and audience members his 90-day entry plan. The plan focused on two key aspects, engaging and learning.

Tuesday's interviews:

• 6:15 p.m.: , superintendent of schools, Manchester Community School District.
• 7:45 p.m.: , superintendent of New Lothrop Area Public Schools.

The final round of interviews are scheduled for April 20 and 21 at the Royal Oak board of education office.

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.