Roettger replaces Clemens

Cheney Public Schools saw the beginning of a new era in 2016.

Dr. Deb Clemens resigned as superintendent, a post she held since 2013, in March to take up the superintendent position at the North Thurston School District in Lacey, Wash.

In May, the school board hired Rob Roettger, former superintendent of Lind and Ritzville Cooperative Schools, to replace Clemens, who had served the district in different roles since 1999. Clemens' departure and Roettger's transition into the Cheney superintendent job was No. 2 in the top news stories of this year.

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.

In an Aug. 25 interview, Roettger said he pursued education because he wanted to get into coaching. He later realized how important the education element was to coaching and how it can directly impact students.

Roettger's earlier career roles include being 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.

Roettger later became the assistant superintendent for teaching and learning at the St. John-Endicott Schools. He transitioned into administration because he wanted to impact students at a higher level.

"As a superintendent you can change a school's system," Roettger said. "I have five children and I think about what system I would want for my kids and it's the same as I would want for other kids."

While he enjoyed leading Lind-Ritzville, 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."

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."

Before the school year started, Roettger met with administrators and teachers, while at the same time he purchased a home and moved his family to Cheney. He also visited local civic leaders and the parks and recreation departments in both Cheney and Airway Heights.

Roettger also spent his first few months as superintendent examining the district's capital projects plan, growth projections and finding different ways to address those projections using public feedback and consultation from Design West. One solution is the $52 million capital facilities bond measure that will be on the Feb. 14, 2017 ballot.

Roettger can be seen attending Cheney High School athletic and student events.

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].