Having heard everything they needed to hear from the community at a Sept. 22 special meeting, the Charlotte Board of Education has called a special meeting for Monday, Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. to extend a permanent offer for superintendent. Mark Rosekrans, who has served as interim superintendent since July 31, will be offered the position pending a vote by the board.
School board president Julie Kimmer said initial plans were to wait until the board’s Oct. 13 meeting to extend and offer to Rosekrans or decide to hire an outside search firm to conduct a broad search. However, board members were overwhelmed with positive feedback as to the job Rosekrans has done since taking over the position.
“I think we left the meeting knowing Mark was the right person for the job,” Kimmer said. “Ultimately, we felt like sooner was better than later. We did not want to leave Mark wondering if the board stood behind him.”
Kimmer said the board received a lot of positive feedback from community members and CPS staff at the Sept. 22 meeting in addition to a number of email messages of support for Rosekrans. She said she was surprised to not receive any feedback against extending the position to Rosekrans.
“This was one of our bigger meetings and we didn’t hear a negative comment regarding Mark,” Kimmer said. “We had some people wonder why it was taking us so long, but I think they understand that we’re trying to be cautious. Hiring a good superintendent is the most important thing we do as a board. It was never about whether Mark was capable or qualified, it was just about making sure we have the right individual for the job.”
Kimmer said she expects details of the position to be discussed at the board’s Oct. 13 meeting if the board votes to extend the offer.
“He’s just done an outstanding job,” Kimmer said. “Like every new school year, issues arise and he’s handled them calmly, collectedly and purposefully. His demeanor and dedication are why he is the right man for the job.”
Rosekrans has been an administrator with Charlotte Public Schools for nearly 20 years, the last 15 of which were served as the Associate Superintendent for Operations.
