Rochester resident honored with statewide award

A gifted leader in business administration, finance and legislative policy, and a tireless advocate for public education, Oakland Schools' Deputy Superintendent Robert F. Moore, Jr. has spent more than 30 years advocating for students. Earlier this month, his long-standing and unwavering commitment to excellence in public school business management was recognized by the Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO) with the organization’s Distinguished Service Award at the 79th Annual MSBO Conference in Grand Rapids.

“Mr. Moore exemplifies the crucial role of the business official in providing leadership in our schools,” stated MSBO Executive Director David Martell. “He is a well-respected, visionary leader. His unique services and accomplishments serve as an inspiration and example for others to follow in the school business profession.”

The Distinguished Service Award was established in 1987 to annual honor an individual for his or her accomplishments and contributions to the profession, MSBO and their school district. Moore’s achievements during his 11 years at Oakland Schools demonstrate why he is considered to be one of the most highly regarded leaders in school business administration:

• Indispensable in stabilizing the management of Pontiac School District’s finances and operations. Under his leadership, the District’s deficit has been reduced by over 33% in two years with annual net income improved by over $17M. He’s played an integral role in partnering with the District and Treasury in the implementation and compliance of the Consent Agreement (the first District to do so under the 2012 Local Financial Stability and Choice Act).
• Partnered with Hazel Park School District and its Board of Education to reduce the District’s deficit by nearly $6M within a period of months.
• Influential Steering & Technical Committee member of the newly launched School Finance Research Collaborative, a diverse group of business leaders and education experts committed to collecting most complete and accurate data on what it actually costs to educate students in Michigan.
• Instrumental in the successful effort to ensure an Intermediate School District option became integral part of the Early Warning Legislation.
• Initiated implementation of five-year financial forecast tool for both operations and capital needs, and revised operating protocols to ensure fiscal stability, while maintaining maximum support to local school districts.
• Developed an external service model designed to provide direct support upon request of local districts.
• Implemented and expanded cooperative contracting both locally and nationally; the only Michigan representative on the Board of the American Education Purchasing Association (AEPA), providing significant savings to school districts across the state.
• Implemented a full-service, self-sustaining print production operation, which provides non-profit pricing and service to school districts and other governmental entities throughout Oakland County. In 2015-16 alone, school districts saved $297,165 through this service.
• Implemented a risk-related activity fund for the improved management of insurance programs, compensated absences and employee wellness programs.

“As deputy superintendent of Oakland Schools, Robert provides consultation to our 28 school districts, educational allies and legislative peers,” said Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson, superintendent of Oakland Schools.

“He helps identify challenges, proposes solutions and works collaboratively for the betterment of public education and policy, performing his job responsibilities with insight, thoroughness and common sense infused with innovation,” continued Cook-Robinson. “He has a servant heart, and there is no one more deserving of this incredible honor.”

“The award is certainly an honor,” said Moore. “I am very grateful for both of the amazing superintendents I have worked for over the years, and the talented and dedicated staff with whom I was so fortunate to work.”