Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
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Stephen Rowley has taken the reins as superintendent of the Fremont Union High School District. FUHSD names new superintendent By Jennifer Zhang "Strong mind and strong heart" is how Kathryn Ho, board member for the Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD), describes Stephen Rowley, who was appointed district superintendent at a special board meeting on June 25. Rowley, who is the successor to the popular Joe Hamilton, comes to FUHSD from the Bainbridge Island School District in Washington, where he has worked as a superintendent since 1997. Before Rowley's appointment, the FUHSD Board of Trustees visited the island, which was the setting for the best-selling novel Snow Falling on Cedars. "Our board was impressed with the community there," said President Avie Katz. "Our communities have much in common—they are both highly educated, with strong community spirit and high expectations." Rowley said he's looking forward to working in FUHSD. "I take great pride in being an educator," he said. "I am delighted to be here. I look forward in getting to know the staff and meeting students, their parents and community leaders." Rowley is no stranger to the Bay Area, having served as a principal in the Redwood City School District from 1985 to 1990 after receiving his doctorate from Stanford University in 1984. His wife, Johanna Caslander, an elementary school teacher, is a native of the city of Sunnyvale, where her parents still reside. Rowley started his career in 1975 as a teacher and curriculum coordinator in the Seattle School District in Washington. From 1992 to 1997, Rowley worked as an assistant superintendent for the Bellingham School District, also in Washington, before becoming superintendent for the Bainbridge Island School District. Rowley's experience is not limited to primary education. He taught educational administration as an assistant professor at the University of Idaho and Washington State University from 1990 to 1992. Members of the FUHSD Board of Trustees and retiring superintendent Hamilton were in agreement that Rowley is up to the task of working as superintendent. "He fits what this community is about," said board member Nancy Newton. "His collaborative style, strong leadership skills and communication skills are what the community needs. ... He really cares about students and parents. With his real knowledge of curriculum, I believe that our students will be challenged to the highest level." Ho added, "He demonstrated all the qualities we want in this community—strong leadership skills, communication skills and public relation skills. Another thing I admire about him is that he's not embarrassed to admit when he doesn't know the answer." |
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