Top Pick for CB Superintendent Meets With Community

After answering 30-some questions during a "Meet and Greet" with the community Tuesday night, we know this much about Dr. Rodney P. Green, the top choice to become the next Superintendent of the Central Bucks School District.

"I'm a technology guy," said Green, in answer to a question from the audience about how to infuse technology into the curriculum.

"I'm a communications guy," he said, mentioning his affinity for using social media tools such as Twitter.

"I'm an arts and music guy," recalling how he and his wife met as members of the band at Central Michigan University more than 30 years ago.

Green is currently the superintendent of the 5,000-student East China School District, in Michigan's upper peninsula. He was chosen from among 42 applicants after a rigorous screening process that included nine focus group meetings and an online survey to determine what kind of leader would best fir the third-largest school district in Pennsylvania.The board is expected to appoint Green on July 24 to replace Dr. N. Robert Laws, who is retiring as the top administrator at CB.

Speaking confidently as he roamed the stage at Central Bucks South High School, Green seemed to make a good first impression on the approximately 150 people in attendance. Wearing a charcoal suit, a crisp white shirt and blue tie, he answered questions on everything from budgets to special needs students, from extracurricular activities to professional development.

Twice -- once when he affirmed his philosophy of seeing students improve in all areas, not just academics, and again when he suggested broadcasting board meetings - Green drew rounds of applause from the audience. Many of his remarks focused on taking the right steps to develop trust and credibility with parents, teachers, and taxpayers.

"Teaching is the best profession in the world," said Green, who became a superintendent at the relatively young age of 32. "It's almost like a mission. I'm charged with doing the best job possible at the place I'm called."

The first question posed to Green Tuesday night dealt with the controversial changes to the middle school curriculum that will go into effect this fall. He said his own school district implemented the same changes in 2003 and that the results have been mostly positive after some initial skepticism by parents and teachers.

It was the right decision, he said, because test scores in core subject areas have improved consistently.But Green promised to evaluate the changes at CB and recommend a different approach if necessary.

In response to another question, Green said the three areas he feels most passionate about are student success, facilities, and communications.

Green said he wasn't looking to leave his current job but was intrigued when a recruiter called encouraging him to apply for the Central Bucks opening. The opportunity to lead a bigger district - East China has 5,000 students, compared to Central Bucks' 20,000 -- was especially enticing, he said. 

"It was time for a new challenge," he said.

Green says he spends 10 minutes every Monday morning handwriting birthday cards to all 600 employees in East China. He also makes it a point to visit all 10 schools in the district at least once a month to chat with teacher, students and parents. He acknowledged it might be a challenge to maintain that kind of schedule with 23 schools under his domain, but promised to be a visible and accessible presence in the district.

"You'll probably see me more than you expect," he said. "I hope that's a good thing."

Despite cuts that have reduced the East China budget by 20 percent over the last few years, Green said they've been able to add all-day kindergarten and a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program for middle school students.

Green said he will spend the first few months on the job listening, getting to know the district's strengths and weaknesses before making any significant changes. He said he'd like to see the district broadcast school board meetings on cable tv, and would like to see an education foundation launched to raised funds that would enrich student learning.

Green said he job as superintendent will be to make recommendations the school board can support.

"I'm not going to recommend stuff they're not going to vote in," he said. "It's never going to work that way. It won't be a rubber stamp. I won't recommend any stupid ideas."

After the meeting, Colleen Buchholder, a teacher at John Barclay Elementary School, said she was impressed by Green's easy-going demeanor and the way he answered questions. Connie Veight of Chalfont called him "a breath of free air."

Doylestown Borough residents Rosemary Huether and Gloria Shotz said they were looking forward to Green's philosophy toward special needs students. Both said they have not been pleased with how the district has handled their own children.

They said Green's emphasis on professional development is much needed. "I hope he treats all students as unique and give them an equal opportunity to learn," said Shotz. "

Assuming the board approves his hiring later this month, Green says he has his first day on the job at CB already planned.

"I'm going to ride the bus and visit two schools," he said. "Then I'll go into the office."