Roettger takes over at CSD

The search for Cheney School District's next superintendent is over.

At a special May 14 meeting, the Cheney School Board announced that Rob Roettger (pronounced red-ker), current superintendent of Lind and Ritzville Cooperative Schools, would be the district's new superintendent starting in July. He will take over for the departing Dr. Deb Clemens, who has served as Cheney's superintendent since 2013.

Clemens will be the new superintendent of the North Thurston School District.

"I'm very excited for the opportunity to lead Cheney Public Schools," Roettger said.

In a May 14 phone interview, School Board President Henry Browne said all of the candidates who applied for the superintendent position "were very qualified" and it was "a tough decision" for the board to choose who would lead the district.

"For the opportunities and challenges that are coming for our district, Rob was the best match," Browne said. "We look forward to a new era for our district."

Roettger, who is married with five children, earned his bachelor's degree in K-8 elementary education from Heritage College and his masters of arts in teaching from Grand Canyon University. He returned to Heritage for his administrative certification and earned his superintendent credentials at Washington State University.

Roettger has more than 15 years in education and was an elementary school teacher and literacy coach for the Mabton School District, staff developer in the Grandview School District and principal and curriculum director for St. John High School.

He was the assistant superintendent for teaching and learning in the St. John-Endicott Schools before he became the Lind-Ritzville superintendent in 2011.

While he enjoyed leading Lind-Ritzville for the last five years, Roettger said Cheney was a district where he hoped to work at, "if the opportunity came up."

"I didn't think Dr. Clemens would be leaving anytime soon," Roettger said. "The opportunity to lead a growing district like Cheney is exciting."

Roettger was a finalist for the superintendent position along with Coeur d'Alene Public Schools Superintendent Matt Handelman and Cheney Associate Superintendent Sean Dotson. He came to Cheney on May 9 and visited with district employees, students and various community groups. He also took part in a public forum at Cheney High School's Little Theater where he answered questions from audience members.

"It was a little nerve wracking that day, but everyone I met had positive things to say about the work that is happening in the Cheney School District," Roettger said. "I also met with some of the ASB students and got to hear their perspective. I can tell there are some good kids here in this district."

When he starts in July, Roettger hopes to meet with staff and familiarize himself with the happenings in the district, particularly the issue of growing enrollment and facilities planning.

"I understand we've got a potential bond coming up as well," he added. "I'm looking at facilities, the recent study and survey report and Thoughtexchange, and getting familiar with those processes."

Roettger also wants to engage parents and community members after he starts.

Before he comes to Cheney, Roettger will embark on what he described as "very busy work" for the next six weeks as he finishes some transition planning and work in Lind-Ritzville.

"Lind-Ritzville has been good to my family and I and they are very supportive of the schools," Roettger said. "For me, this move is more of a career opportunity, but I also don't look at it as a stepping stone. My hope is to stay here (in Cheney) for a long period."

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].