These are two different men, Roberts and Isoye, the no-longer-rookie superintendents of the local school districts. District 97’s Al Roberts is a veteran superintendent looking to close out a career with a bold effort in a district ready for change. Steven Isoye at OPRF is a first-time superintendent building on a stellar career to date as a teacher and principal. His calm demeanor matches the more cautious approach of the high school though we see signs of the ground being prepared for notable change.
One year in, we applaud the respective school boards for their choices. As we have said over and again, school boards have one fundamental choice and that is the selection of a superintendent. Everything good — or bad — flows from that choice.
The previous school leaders were wrong for their districts. Constance Collins made noise about change in D97 but effectively was a caretaker, working for a school board that was revved for reform. Attila Weninger ran too hot for OPRF. He had the right agenda for real change but was unable to bring “the building” with him and narrowly lost the confidence of the school board.
Isoye is too diplomatic to say it, but his focus on changing building leadership is an extension on Weninger’s efforts to bring new talent and perspective to OPRF and to change the reporting lines within the leadership — see the hiring this week of a new assistant principal for curriculum. From the outside, the changes aren’t flashy, but internally they are essential before the district can tackle the broad issues related to achievement, technology and school culture. Unlike Weninger, Isoye has the impulse and the technique to involve others in his change agenda. It bodes well for OPRF.
Roberts has seemed on a fast track since he arrived from Michigan a year ago. He knew that passing a tax hike referendum would give him the chance to build fresh at D97, rather than simply overseeing decline. The confidence he has spread throughout the district was both a tonic and a salve in leading to a notable win on taxes in a very difficult moment.
Roberts has the unusual ability to sell a change agenda without rattling the players. Partly, for both Roberts and Isoye, they are benefiting immensely from the stiffening winds of education change across the country.
Though different, we see this pair as a strong combination that can build change in their own district and work collaboratively across the two districts.
Interesting days ahead.