Rochester School Board Appoints New Trustee, Elects New President

ROCHESTER, MI — Rochester school officials appointed a new board member and elected a new president on Monday.

Sherry Wynn Perdue, former director of the Oakland University Writing Center, will fill the seat vacated by Jessica Gupta.

Her seat runs until the November 2026 election.

"As an educational administrator and faculty member at Oakland University, with a Ph.D. in educational leadership, I feel called to play a more active role in supporting Rochester’s students and strengthening the district’s future," Perdue said. "My background in educational leadership, policy development and emerging technologies positions me to contribute thoughtfully."

Perdue served as director of the Oakland University Writing Center for 15 years, growing a small service unit into a campus-wide, data-informed program serving students, faculty and community partners.

Additionally, Perdue served as president of the International Writing Centers Association and contributes to national and university-level artificial intelligence literacy initiatives promoting ethical, critical engagement with generative AI.

Perdue also taught courses at Oakland University as a graduate and undergraduate instructor.

She earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Oakland University, and holds a master’s degree in English/American studies and bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary humanities from Michigan State University.

She is a Rochester Hills resident and parent of a Rochester Community Schools graduate.

School officials said seven candidates were interviewed for the position.

"Sherry Wynn Perdue offers a forward-thinking perspective and recognizes many of the opportunities and challenges that sit before school districts and students soon to be entering college and the workforce," Superintendent Nicholas Russo said. "Her professional experience and student-focused responses will complement our work to enhance programming in Rochester Community Schools."

Following the appointment of Perdue, the board elected Barbara Anness to serve as president.

"As president, I am committed to being fair and impartial and to ensuring that Robert’s Rules of Order newly revised edition are followed with integrity so that every trustee is treated equally," Anness said. "In return, I ask for your grace and cooperation in upholding these standards and I will extend that same respect and fairness to each of you."