By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

Rider

Collier

NORWOOD - Assistant Superintendent Steve Collier will lose the "assistant" title Aug. 1 when he takes over for retiring Norwood Superintendent Barbara Rider.

Collier's appointment as superintendent was unanimously approved Thursday by the Norwood Board of Education. The board also approved a plan that allows Rider to step down as superintendent at the end of July and move to an administrative position, earning $300 a day until her Dec. 31 retirement.

"We've had the last six months to really focus in on this plan because Barb gave us so much notice" of her planned retirement, said Susan Geselbracht, school board president. "We've had time to spend with Steve. I find him to be a man of very strong convictions who's committed to the board's vision."

But some Norwood residents are unhappy that the board talked about Rider's retirement and Collier's appointment behind closed doors, giving the public no opportunity to participate.

"What we're so very concerned about is the lack of public discussion. It's flagrantly irresponsible," said Susan Knox, a five-year Norwood resident.

Geselbracht defended the board's actions, saying Ohio law allows personnel matters to be discussed behind closed doors provided decisions are voted on during public meetings, which was done.

Collier, 47, said he plans to go to each school over the next few months to explain a five-point plan he's developed to improve instruction.

Under student achievement, the first point of his plan, Collier said the school day will be extended 25 minutes for elementary students and school will begin one week early - Aug. 19 - so that there are more days of instruction before the proficiency tests.

The district's late-start days will be eliminated. Those would be replaced to start a learning academy, which will provide summer opportunities for teachers, for college credit that can be applied toward license renewal.

Other points of the plan:

• Specific expectations for students, staff, administrators, board members, parents and the community will be developed.

• Emphasis on attendance to bring it from 92.5 percent to the state standard of 93 percent or higher.

• Increasing the graduation rate from last year's 72.1 percent to the state standard of 90 percent or better.

• Employing the most talented teachers available.

The plan will be implemented with an administrative team that will change. Williams Avenue Elementary School Principal Patricia Stewart announced her retirement; high school Principal Elizabeth Stanley is returning to the classroom in August; Curriculum Director Linda McKinney moves to special education; and Special Education Supervisor Becky Johnson is returning to the classroom as a speech pathologist.

Collier has been with the Norwood Schools since 1991, serving as an assistant principal at the middle school, principal at Sharspburg and assistant superintendent since 1998. He has also worked in Indiana and the North College Hill Schools.

He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati and a master's from Xavier University.

E-mail suek@infi.net