Superintendent Search

School Board Announces New Superintendent

On May 16, 2025, the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education announced the appointment of Dr. John Tafelski as the next Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2025. The appointment is pending successful contract negotiations.
 
"We are pleased to welcome Dr. John Tafelski to our district," said Tim Ciechorski, President of the Royal Oak Schools School Board. "His experience, vision, and commitment to student success made him our choice for this important role. We are confident he will lead our district to continued growth and success."

The committee would like to express its deep appreciation for all the effort community members, from students to staff to parents to neighbors, made to make this process successful.

Thank you for making sure we heard your views.

“We would also like to thank Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick for her years of leadership and dedication to the entire Royal Oak Community.”

Superintendent Search

The Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) guided the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education in the search for a new superintendent. According to their search timeline released on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the MASB planned to have a new superintendent at Royal Oak Schools seated by July 1.

The search progressed with purpose and care, guided by the voices of our community. Throughout March and April 2025, families, staff, students, and community members were invited to provide input through surveys and engagement opportunities to help shape our district's future leadership.

In April, the Board of Education held a collaborative workshop with Dr. Rodney Green, a consultant from the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB). Using the feedback gathered from stakeholders, the board developed a candidate profile to guide the search process and ensure alignment with our district’s mission, fostering an inclusive, diverse, safe, and student-first environment.

The application window for interested candidates officially closed on May 1. The public was invited to a Board workshop meeting on May 9, where the board reviewed candidates' applications, reviewed questions for the interviews, and reviewed the next contract for the Superintendent. Four candidates were invited to participate in the interview process: Catherine Kochanski, M.A., Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services for Walled Lake Public Schools; Joseph Youanes, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Royal Oak Public Schools; Meghan Ashkanani Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Technology for the Berkley School District; and John Tafelski Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Allen Park Public Schools. Thank you to everyone who shared their voice in this important process.

First-round interviews were held on May 13 and 14. Board members asked the candidates questions regarding the school district's vision, communication style, management and decision-making style, budget, and many others. Candidates offered opening and closing statements. Several staff and community members were present, and they offered feedback on the candidates.

The Royal Oak School Board narrowed the field to two candidates. The two finalists were Catherine Kochanski, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services for Walled Lake Public Schools, and John Tafelski, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Allen Park Public Schools. The second round of interviews were held on Friday, May 16. There was an open house at 3:30 p.m. in the Board Room for staff and community members to meet the candidates. Interviews began at 5:00 p.m. that evening.  

The Royal Oak Schools Board of Education announced the appointment of Dr. Tafelski as the next Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2025 subject to successful contract negotiations.

Dr. John Tafelski will succeed Mary Beth Fitzpatrick, retiring after 8 years as Superintendent on July 31, 2025.

Royal Oak Schools Superintendent Announces Retirement

After nearly four decades of dedicated commitment to educational excellence, Mary Beth Fitzpatrick, Superintendent of Royal Oak Schools, has announced her retirement, effective July 31, 2025. The Board of Education accepted her letter during a March 13, 2025, board meeting.

Fitzpatrick began her career as a special education teacher, working with students with learning disabilities and emotional impairments, before expanding into instructional support and staff development. Her administrative journey includes serving as an assistant principal and principal at the elementary and high school levels, where she focused on curriculum enhancement, staff supervision, and student engagement. As Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Technology, Assessment, and Grants for Berkley Schools, she played a pivotal role in shaping district-wide educational initiatives, overseeing curriculum development, implementing technology integration, and securing strategic funding. Her leadership has consistently been marked by collaboration, innovation, and a dedication to fostering equitable student learning opportunities.

“From the start of my career in 1986, I have passionately pursued teaching and learning,” Fitzpatrick said. “Each role has allowed me to work with outstanding educators in two amazing communities.”

During her tenure as Superintendent at Royal Oak Schools, Mary Beth Fitzpatrick has achieved several key milestones that have had a lasting impact on the district:

  • Successfully passed the 2017 bond for $60 million, providing critical funding for facility improvements, technology enhancements, and educational resources.
  • Championed community-driven events, fostering stronger relationships between schools, families, and local organizations to enhance student experiences.
  • Recruited and hired many district leaders and administrators, shaping a strong leadership team committed to student success.
  • Led the long-range planning process, resulting in a strategic plan that continues to guide the district’s vision and priorities.
  • Mentored aspiring administrators, supporting their growth and guiding several individuals into central office positions, strengthening leadership pipelines within the district.

Mary Beth Fitzpatrick took great pride in securing key grants that directly benefited Royal Oak Schools and its students. The Oakland County Schools Mental Health Grant Program provided valuable resources to support district initiatives, enhancing programs that promote student well-being and educational opportunities. As a Safe Routes to School mini-grant district awardee, she recently helped secure funding to improve student safety and encourage walking and biking to school through infrastructure improvements and community engagement efforts. These grants not only strengthened district programs but also reinforced the district’s commitment to student health, safety, and overall success.

“There have been many successes, and we have faced various challenges; the key to both has been our ability to work together and support one another,” Fitzpatrick added.

Fitzpatrick’s dedication to the Royal Oak Schools community and her passion for education for all students in Michigan are evident through her active leadership roles in both local and statewide organizations. As a Royal Oak Rotary Club Board Member and former president, she has been deeply involved in service projects that benefit students and families. Her commitment extends to the South Oakland YMCA Board, where she has supported programs that promote youth development and wellness. Additionally, she has contributed to education policy and advocacy through her role on the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce Legislative Subcommittee and as Oakland County Superintendent’s Association Curriculum Subcommittee Chair, helping to shape academic initiatives at the county level. Her involvement as a Metropolitan Detroit Bureau of School Studies, Inc. Board Member further reflects her dedication to advancing best practices in education across Michigan schools. Through these roles, she has fostered strong partnerships, championed student success, and worked to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all learners.

“Leading in Royal Oak has provided a fantastic journey, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I am thankful for such a supportive community and the chance to serve our families, staff, and, most importantly, our students,” Fitzpatrick said.

Mary Beth Fitzpatrick announced her retirement decision in a letter to Royal Oak Schools staff and the Board of Education on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Her dedication to strategic planning, community engagement, and leadership development has helped shape a thriving, future-focused district in Royal Oak.