Rochester Community Schools Appoints Interim Superintendent

ROCHESTER, MI — Rochester Community Schools appointed a new interim superintendent during a Monday night board meeting.

John Silveri, a resident of the Rochester area for 15 years, will assume the superintendent role as soon as all hiring tasks and processes are completed, according to Rochester Community School Board President Michelle Bueltel.

Silveri has worked as a teacher, counselor, principal, human resources director, assistant superintendent and superintendent throughout multiple metro Detroit school districts, as well as a consultant for the Michigan Leadership Institute.

"Mr. Silveri is highly regarded and well respected in the field," Bueltel said. "When I spoke with numerous individuals who have worked with him and know him well, some very consistent themes emerged. He is a person of immense integrity, which will undoubtedly influence and guide his decisions for the betterment of our students, staff, and families. His calm and levelheaded demeanor and ability to take action and achieve results will be crucial in maintaining a steady course for our district during this transitional period."

Silveri holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Central Michigan University, a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Eastern Michigan University, and an education specialist degree in administration from Wayne State University. He is also a graduate of the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators (MASA) Courageous Journey Program and the Michigan Leadership Institute Superintendent Preparation Series Academy.

"It is an honor to be asked to serve my community as interim superintendent," Silveri said. "I look forward to working collaboratively with the dedicated members of the Rochester Community Schools staff and the entire school community in the best interests of our students."

Silveri takes over after former Superintendent Robert Shaner resigned from his post nearly three weeks ago. Shaner, who led the district for more than a decade, had been on a paid leave of absence since March before his resignation.

Calls for Shaner to step down began after the district admitted to monitoring online discussions criticizing the district's COVID-19 policies. The district paid Elena Dinverno nearly $190,000 to settle the lawsuit she filed against the district, claiming school officials got her fired from her job for criticizing the district's COVID-19 policies.