Assistant Superintendent of Education and Human Resources Michael McDowell was hired by the Ross School district as superintendent May 13, according to minutes from the Ross District online meeting agenda and an email to staff from Tam Superintendent Laurie Kimbrel. McDowell’s three-year contract begins on July 1, 2015, a full year before his contract with the Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD) was set to expire. Both McDowell and Superintendent Laurie Kimbrel, who also had another year on her contract, are leaving TUHSD effective June 30, 2015. Kimbrel announced her resignation on January 12.
“Ross school district is specifically focused on learning and learners,” McDowell said in an email to the Tam News. “I’m drawn to this culture of high expectations, focus, trust and respect, and creativity. Ross is a school district that, by every metric and conversation I have had, is great. This greatness is largely due to the fact that the collective community views mastery as a process of continual improvement, and that such a process is conducted with thoughtful analysis, care, and action. This is a powerful motivator for me to take part in esteeming success and continually finding new ways to enhance learning for all.”
A message was sent to Ross parents and community members on the evening of May 13 announcing McDowell as the new superintendent. “We are confident he is an energetic leader who will continue to implement the vision we have set for Ross School,” the announcement read.
TUHSD School Board President Cindy McCauley said that while the board has not officially discussed McDowell the prospect of hiring a new assistant superintendent of education, the only position that the board is responsible for filling is that of superintendent, who then hires the rest of the administration. “One option would be to have an interim in this position until our new superintendent is hired and can be involved in the decision making process,” McCauley said.
She added that while is about to undergo significant change in leadership over the summer, things should be up and running normally by next school year. “While the Tam District is experiencing transition of key leadership, the Board is confident that the district will be able to ensure a smooth transition. By the start of the new school year, Tam will be ready to provide the top quality student education for which it is known.”
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