Page 8 - The Wayne Dispatch

Zooming to a new school district superintendent

By Carolyn Marnon lected,” John replied. “I can’t wait to matches high school students to ed- happen. Each school has its own
Like everything else that has been get started!” ucational and career development ex- problems, and it’s important to
affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, John Dignan is a resident of periences like classes, summer know what those problems are.
the Board of Education’s search for Shelby Township. He has been the programs, internships and jobs. Cradle 2 Career is an experience
a new Wayne West- Director of Post-Secondary Op- There are two strategies Mr. Dig- Mr. Dignan feels is needed beyond
land Community tions/Community Partnerships for nan would like to pursue to attract the basics for students to succeed.
School District Southfield Public Schools since more students to the district. Brand- This program highlights career ex-
Superintendent 2018. Past positions include Warren ing would be one. The other is creat- ploration for middle school students
took a new ap- Consolidated Schools Principal, and ing unique opportunities. He would and career preparation for high
proach. Lincoln Consolidated Schools Princi- like to find out why families are leav- school students. He also supports
Board of Edu- pal, Assistant Principal and ing the district, so the district can field trips to college campuses as
cation members Teacher/Coach. make changes. He would also like to part of a grade level system with a
were going to in- John Dignan Mr. Dignan has Bachelors of Arts highlight the points of pride of each field trip to a particular local college
terview the two re- in the College of Social Science and school in the district and cultivate re- targeted at each grade level.
maining finalist candidates at the the College of Communications from lationships with realtors so that they The first step Mr. Dignan would
Board of Education offices in mid- Michigan State University, Bachelor can share that pride information like to take as the new superinten-
March. The candidates had to wait of Arts College of Education/Teacher with potential home buyers. Other dent as part of a comprehensive five-
until April 21 to be interviewed; the Certificate from Wayne State Univer- opportunities could include a K-12 year strategic plan for the district
interview took place over the Zoom sity, Master Degree from the College virtual school with Section 23 fund- would start with his 90 Day Plan
conference platform online that of History at Eastern Michigan Uni- ing and perhaps instituting a Mi- which incorporates a listening tour
many are becoming familiar with versity, Master Degree in Educa- crosoft TEALS (Technology as he goes around and listens to var-
during this pandemic. The two can- tional Leadership from Madonna Education and Literacy in Schools) ious stakeholders in the district-the
didates were John Dignan, Ed.S., Di- University, Education Specialist/Ed- at the soon-to-be-shuttered Marshall Board of Education, the surrounding
rector of Post-Secondary Options ucational Leadership from Oakland Middle School. communities and their leadership,
and Community Partnerships for the University and is currently in “Any great relationship starts with central office, union leadership and
Southfield Public Schools in South- progress to earn an Ed.D. in Leader- trust,” says Mr. Dignan. He believes the various school buildings. He
field, MI and Keith McDonald, Ed.S., ship and Innovation at Madonna Uni- teachers are a million-dollar invest- wants to talk to all these stakehold-
Director of Human Resources for versity. ment and that when it comes to col- ers to design a framework for the fu-
Livonia Public Schools in Livonia. John told the Board during his lective bargaining, “You have to ture. Especially since COVID-19 has
The Board of Education voted on interview that he has a favorable im- bargain in good faith.” closed school buildings, he’d like to
May 4 unanimously 7-0 to offer John pression of the district. He praised When asked how he would attract ramp up online learning and dis-
Dignan the position of new Superin- the people and the pride they have skilled and trained employees to the cover what that would actually look
tendent of Wayne-Westland schools. towards the district. district beyond compensation, Mr. like for the district. Until he talks to
The Board called John to inform He has observed that Wayne West- Dignan stated that teachers make everyone, he feels it’s premature for
him of their offer which he gra- land is surrounded by industry and the magic happen. He wants to build him to say the plan should be X, Y
ciously accepted. higher-learning institutions. He feels relationships with Eastern Michigan, and Z.
“That is awesome! I’m so ecstatic, it’s important to build strong rela- Oakland and Wayne State so the dis- Mr. Dignan plans to be visible in
eager and excited to get started,” tionships with businesses and the trict can have building substitute the community. That means attend-
John said. “I’ll be honest, I feel my community. One of his ideas is part- teachers. He also feels that home- ing sporting events, band concerts,
heart fell in my shoe a little bit,” he nering with Wayne State University’s grown talent is important and there city council meetings, visiting
chuckled. STEM-enrichment program that in- could be a program with dual enroll- churches and industry partners. He
Board President David Cox told volves cybersecurity, drones and 32 ment in teaching. said you can’t be an invisible man
John “Your energy is a great fit for other learning channels. He wants to “Everything is rooted in commu- and then ask for help. He told the
us. We’re completely supportive of leverage relationships he already has nications,” said Mr. Dignan. He says Board he is very much a people per-
you.” and in his interview, mentioned Pro: mistakes are an opportunity to men- son. “A building does not make a
“I’m so appreciative of being se- Up, a program in Detroit that tor people because mistakes will school community. People make it.”

8 · May 2020 · The Wayne Dispatch