Clawson Schools Superintendent Cheryl Rogers plans to retire in June after five years of working in the district.

Rogers said she decided late last year that retiring was the best decision so she could spend more time with her family and do more volunteer work in the community. She also said her retirement would give a new superintendent time to get acquainted with the district before important tasks come up, such as accreditation and teacher contract negotiations in the next few years.

"Really, this is a good time to hand the reigns over to another person," said Rogers, who lives in Rochester Hills with her husband.

Rogers was hired as the superintendent in 2007. She previously worked as an assistant superintendent in East China Schools and an elementary principal in Lapeer Schools. However, the 61-year-old administrator said she always had her eye on Clawson.

"It’s a very strong supportive community," Rogers said. "I was very interested in being in a position that connected me with people."

Technically, this will be Rogers second time retiring from Clawson Schools. She retired in 2009 and became a contract employee — which means the district was no longer covering her healthcare costs and retirement.

Rogers said her five years in Clawson have been rewarding and productive.

She has helped improve areas of curriculum and instruction, implemented new procedures to ensure better hiring practices and helped the district achieve accreditation in 2010 from North Central Accreditation. Rogers was also a big proponent of the technology bond that voters passed in May 2011, funding new technology at each school. 

As a district leader, Rogers also faced controversy during her reign. In June 2011, Kenwood parents spoke out against her decision to appoint Schlam Principal Patti Pell to both Schalm and Kenwood and hire one assistant principal for both schools. Rogers later rescinded her decision and in July 2011 hired Llyod Lewis as Kenwood interim principal.

"It's sad that (Kenwood) will never get to know this outstanding individual and what she could bring to this building," Rogers told Clawson Patch in June.

Community reaction

Rogers' retirement came as a surprise for some parents, including Kenwood PTA member Caroline Dylewski. "I had no idea this was coming," Dylewski said. "She had not let the parent groups know."

Dylewski said she hopes this will encourage parents to get more involved in the selection process of a new superintendent. "Any superintendent now has challenging times ahead," Dylewski said. "It’s pivotal that we have an excellent leader in place."

Chuck Rondeau, the district's volunteer cameraman, said he was slightly surprised when he learned Rogers is retiring. Considering her desire to spend more time with her family, "it all makes sense," he said.

"She’s always been very cordial and very open," said Rondeau, who had three children go through Clawson schools. "I think she has shown an appropriate level of respect for anyone who has come to her with issues."

Moving forward

Board President Kevin Turner said the district will begin its search for a new superintendent in the next month or so. The board may have to appoint a search firm to assist with the selection process, he said.

Turner said Rogers has been a "strong superintendent" who has made a lot of improvements behind the scenes. "She did some things that created a lot of benefit to make the district better," Turner said. "We’re sad to see her leave."

The board to hopes to make a hire by July 1.

Rogers still has a lot of work left to do in the months before her retirement. She will be working with teachers to implement the state's new Common Core standards and ensuring that all classrooms get smartboards installed this year with technology bond funds.

Rogers, who has three grown children, said her daughter and son-in-law will be moving to Spain this year and she'd like to be able to visit them long-term. She also has plans to do more volunteer work in the community and church upon retiring.

"I look forward to another chapter in my life and being able to volunteer," Rogers said.