Royal Oak Schools is proud to share a few exciting updates at Royal Oak High School (ROHS) and Royal Oak Middle School (ROMS) as we continue building a strong, inclusive, and student-first environment across our district.
We are pleased to welcome Derek Smith as the new Director of Athletics and Activities (DAA) for Royal Oak Schools. A Royal Oak native, Derek brings with him a wealth of experience as both an Athletic Director and teacher from Utica Community Schools. His energetic leadership style and strong belief in the power of collaboration will be an asset to our schools.
“All of us at Royal Oak Schools look forward to Mr. Smith bringing his wealth of knowledge to Royal Oak, his hometown,” said ROHS Principal Don Loomis. “We know that his past experiences and community connections will strengthen our athletic and activities initiatives as he builds our programs toward greatness. We are thrilled to have him on board.”
In the music department, Kyrstin Jensen has been named the new Band Director at ROHS, proudly following in the footsteps of her father, David Jensen, who retired in June. Kyrstin brings passion, dedication, and a deep-rooted connection to the Royal Oak Schools community. Her vision for the future of the band program is one of growth, opportunity, and excellence.
As Kyrstin transitions into her new role at the high school, Doug Engle will take on the position of Band Director at ROMS. Doug has been a valued member of the Royal Oak Schools music team and brings both talent and heart to his work with students. His strong rapport with families and dedication to nurturing young musicians make him a great fit to lead the middle school band program.
These leadership changes reflect our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional learning experiences in academics, athletics, and the arts—helping all students grow, thrive, and find their voice.