Schools
UCS Board President Dr. Carol Klenow will not seek re-election after 23 years of service
Dr. Klenow was first appointed to the UCS Board of Education in 1993
After 23 years of service to Utica Community Schools, Board of Education President Dr. Carol Klenow has announced she will not seek re-election after her term ends this calendar year.
“It has been a privilege to serve the students of Utica Community Schools as well as the residents who care so deeply about education and their children,” Dr. Klenow said. “I would like to thank the many dedicated staff, parents and community leaders who have continued to support this exemplary school district.”
Dr. Klenow, of Shelby Township, was first appointed to the UCS Board of Education in 1993 and has been re-elected by voters four times. She has served as Board of Education president since 1995.
Dr. Klenow is a well-known and respected educational leader. As Board of Education president, she has effectively worked to ensure collaborative decision-making and with a steady hand guided the elected Board of Education during periods of program expansion, enrollment growth and ongoing state funding challenges. The Board of Education’s history of experienced and stable leadership has ensured a consistent learning environment for its students.
During Dr. Klenow’s tenure, voter-approved bond issues have addressed enrollment changes that led to UCS becoming the second largest school district in Michigan. The bond issues funded the opening of three new schools – Beck Elementary, Duncan Elementary and Beacon Tree Elementary.
Recent successful bond issues have provided a safe and well-maintained learning environment for students and expanded the district’s technology. UCS recently completed a nearly $30 million renovation project at Utica High School, one of its oldest facilities and the district’s original high school.
Dr. Klenow has also provided leadership for maintaining a high level of student achievement. UCS students on average achieve at higher levels than their county, state and national peers. The district graduation rate of 92.4 percent is more than 12 points higher than the state average.
UCS schools and staff continue to be recognized for outstanding achievement. Twenty-five UCS schools have been recognized by the State of Michigan as Blue Ribbon exemplary schools.
Dr. Klenow retired in 2010 after 30 years with Oakland Schools, where she served as an associate superintendent overseeing human resources, organizational development, grants and strategic planning. She has also been interim superintendent for Madison District Public Schools and currently operates her own consulting firm.
She and husband Blaise have had two sons graduate from Utica Community Schools.
“My decision to step down from the Board was difficult because Utica Community Schools has been such a large part of my life. The opportunity to serve my community and positively affect the lives of children has been very rewarding. I am also fortunate to have worked with so many outstanding people who share my belief in the importance of public education,” Dr. Klenow said. “As I pursue other personal and professional interests, I know my colleagues on the Board of Education will continue their commitment to educational excellence and student success.”
Dr. Klenow was last re-elected in 2009. Her current term expires December 31, 2016.
