Retired Carlsbad Schools Chief Is in Running for Superintendent of the Year

Dr. John Roach has been named a semifinalist for the 2012 National Superintendent of the Year award by the National Association of School Superintendents (NASS).  from his position of Superintendent of the .

The decision was announced Monday, July 9, at the NASS offices in Newport Beach, California. The selection of a National Superintendent of the Year is based on three primary criteria:

* Outstanding achievement as a school district superintendent,

* Demonstrated belief in continuous improvement, and

* Commitment to collaboration and mutual support in the profession.

Some of Roach’s many achievements include maintaining a and continuing to improve student achievement in the midst of  California’s fiscal crisis, serving on the board of directors of SEAC, the only statewide organization representing students in the collective bargaining process, and chairing his county’s superintendents’ networking group for six years.

John Roach  has a reputation in his community for being an honest, hard-working educator who not  only cares about the district’s students and staff members, but thinks like a good business man when it comes to budget and operations.  He is praised for his focus on continuous improvement and his unceasing ability to view district challenges through fresh eyes and thus generate fresh ideas.

NASS Executive Director Dr. Theresa Daem said Roach represents what educational leaders need to be today. "It is clear that our country's educational system faces tremendous challenges and is in need of dynamic and continuously improving leadership.” According to Daem, there simply is not one simple “Fix” for education. “The real answer is leveraging the collective know-how of stellar district superintendents like John Roach. We are very proud to have him as an active member, and we are anticipating many valuable contributions to the profession,” she added. 

Other semi-finalists include Mike Richie of Eagle River, Wisconsin; Reza Namin of Spencer, Massachusetts; Michelle Curry of Orting, Washington; Kathryn Fedina of Saddle Brook, New Jersey; and Brett Stanton of Tallapoosa, Georgia.

The National Association of School Superintendents serves the unique needs of the more than 17,000 school district leaders across the United States by providing them with ongoing opportunities for collaborating and sharing as well as building a collection of resources and benefits. Its website address is NASS.us

–NASS press release